Caring for pet fish is a relatively simple process, as long as you follow certain pet care procedures. Just like other pets, fish will sometimes develop certain health problems, which may affect their quality of life. Though not all health problems that affect fish are fatal, some of them can cause complications that may lead to specialized fish care needs. Here are some of the health problems that can affect pet fish.
AMMONIA POISONING
Thousands of fish are killed each year from over-exposure to ammonia. Ammonia poisoning is most commonly seen in fairly new tanks. Ammonia poisoning can sometimes also occur after several new fish are added to an already established tank. The most common symptoms of ammonia poisoning are reddish gills, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or fish lying motionless at the bottom of the tank. After prolonged exposure to high levels of ammonia, a fish’s tissues will begin to visually deteriorate, causing eventual death.
MYXOBOLUS CEREBRALIS
Myxobolus cerebralis is a parasite that currently only affects fish in the salmonoid family. Species in the salmonoid family include trout, salmon, freshwater whitefish, chars and graylings. This parasite is commonly seen in most of Europe (including Russia), South Africa and the United States. Infection with this parasite causes a condition known as “whirling disease”, which causes neurological damage. The mortality rate for fish with whirling disease is approximately 90%. As of right now, this parasite has not proven to be transmissible to humans.
FISH ICH
Ich (also known as Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis) is a parasite that commonly infects many different types of fish. The disease resulting from an infection with the Ich parasite is called ichthyophthriasis, also called ‘white spot’ fish disease. Though fish ich is not always fatal, it can cause seirous complications if not treated in its early stages. In addition to this, if a fish is under significant stress (such as from change of environment or food type) this can sometimes result in much higher rates of mortality.
VHS
VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) is a viral infection that is often deadly in many species of pet fish. The condition of VHS is caused by the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, also called VHSV. This type of virus has several different types of strains, which may occur in many different areas of the northern hemisphere. This virus has not proven to be transmissible to humans through contact with infected fish. VHS was first discovered in the 1950s, when it was identified as affecting several different cultured salmonids. VHS was first documented as being in the United States in 1988, when it was discovered in infected almon returning from the Pacific ocean. Transmission of VHS to healthy fish is obtained through water transfer, contact with infected eggs, and from ingesting fish in contaminated areas. Symptoms of VHS typically involve mild to severe hemorrhaging of muscle, skin and internal organs. Other symptoms include reddish eye tint, bloated abdomen and noticeably bulging eyes. This virus is extremely hard to treat, though may be prevented by using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
One Response to “Common Pet Fish Health Problems”
i dont know if my fish are sick but they seem to be fadeing in color and one of them just died, if they were or are sick could i get sick too by sticking my arm in the water??