Archive for contagious
The Basics of Pet Goldfish: Swim Bladder Problems (not contagious)
Posted by: | CommentsSometimes this results from constipation. A swim bladder problem is easy to diagnose: The fish can’t swim properly. They will swim on their sides or upside-down, or will somersault as they attempt to swim. Sometimes they can be found either at the bottom or at the top of the tank. If it’s a female, she might be carrying eggs. You could try hand-stripping her very gently to see if this is what has bound her up. If not, try the old-fashioned salt bath (see above).
Swim bladder problems sometimes right themselves and sometimes they don’t. Like constipation or indigestion, once your fish has developed this painful problem it is more likely to experience a recurrence.Wait for the fish to right itself.
At this time you might want to feed your fish some medicated food. Your pet store owner will be able to direct you in this instance. Regardless, feed your fish something else, as diet is one of the biggest reasons this problem develops at all.
This happens mostly to the egg-shaped-body goldfish, both with and without dorsal fins. This problem may also occur as a result of drastic or sudden changes in temperature.
The Basics of Pet Goldfish: Leeches (highly contagious)
Posted by: | CommentsThese are relatively uncommon among goldfish, but are serious once contracted. These are not the leeches that we see as free living creatures in lakes and ponds. The leeches I’m talking about are parasitic, worm-like creatures that feed on the flesh and blood of your fish. They need to be removed as quickly as possible. Don’t attempt to remove them with forceps or tweezers. The leeches are quite strong and you will do more damage to your fish than the leeches by trying to pull them off. Again, call your pet store for advice on commercially produced cures.
Another solution is this one: Prepare a salt bath consisting of eight level tablespoons of table salt for each gallon of water. Once the salt is sufficiently dissolved, add the fish for no more than ten minutes. The leeches that do not fall off can now be removed with tweezers or forceps quite easily.
Again, the aquarium needs to be treated immediately with commercial parasite-control chemicals. Check all your fish for just such a problem. Always isolate the infected fish.
The Basics of Pet Goldfish: Fish Pox (probably not contagious)
Posted by: | CommentsThis affects Koi more than it does goldfish. Basically this is a viral infection which causes a whitish or pinkish waxy film to develop over the fish’s skin and fins. The usual pattern is that it appears, gets worse and then disappears.
We have no idea what triggers it or what eventually happens. However, it does not appear to be contagious, as far as anyone can tell. Of course, you probably should separate out the infected fish until you can figure out what it is, or until the film goes away. It will usually go away within seven to ten days, with a salt treatment or without one. It’s more annoying than anything else, since it does not kill the fish. However, there is no known cure either.
The Basics of Pet Goldfish: Fish Lice (highly contagious)
Posted by: | CommentsThere is no mistaking this ugly problem. These grotesque parasites measure about one fifth of an inch wide. They are round, disk-shaped creatures that clamp on to a host and refuse to let go. Sometimes the infected fish will rub up against objects in the tank in an effort to scrape these pests off. Some fish have been known to jump out of the water in an attempt to cleanse themselves of these ghastly crustaceans. They suck blood and other nutrients out of the fish through the skin and scales. They can sometimes be found on fins, but these are usually not quite so satisfying for them. The lice also transmit other microscopic diseases. After the parasite disengages, the part of the fish suffering the bite may become infected.
Fortunately, there are a number of quality commercial parasite-control products out on the market. Your pet store owner can help you select one. The fish should be quarantined and the tank disinfected with the same parasite control.
On larger fish, experts have been known to drip hot paraffin wax from a candle onto the parasite. Usually this is enough to get the parasite to release. Other experts recommend giving the afflicted fish a bath for fifteen minutes in a mixture of potassium permanganate and water, which should be extremely light pink. Consult your local pet store owner first. Regardless, lice are extremely treatable, but both the fish and the aquarium must be treated.
Most often recommended for aquarium treatment for fish lice, anchor worms and leeches are Dip Terex, Masoten, Dylox or Nequvon. All bite marks or wounds must be treated on the fish. Dab on the spot a little Mercurochrome, malachite green or methylene blue. Note: Do not use Formalin in this case¡ªits margin for error is so slim that not only will you kill the parasites; you will more than likely kill your goldfish. This should be used by professionals only.