Bacterial Fish diseases Australia

Though a pet fish is generally kept in largely unchanging conditions, it is not uncommon for health conditions to develop. Bacterial diseases are often very serious in nature, potentially resulting in physical deformities or death. If antibiotics are given to an infected fish, medicines chosen may include penicillin or amoxicillin. Treatments may be given topically or through ingestion.

Most conditions are highly contagious in nature, so it is important to immediately separate an infected fish from any other fish or creatures with which it shares an aquarium.

Lowered appetite and decreased movement are common signs of illness in a fish. An infected fish may also change in appearance. Eyes may appear to protrude from the fish's head or become covered by a cloudy film. Bacterial disease may eat away at a fish's fins, causing them to appear shredded or deformed. Red spots that develop anywhere on the fish's body are also a sign of disease.

There are a number of common bacterial diseases that owners of fish should be aware of. These include Bacterial Ulcers, Columnaris, Dropsy, Fin Rot, Gill Disease, and Ich.

Bacterial Ulcers

An ulcer penetrates the body's surface, destroying several layers of tissue with the potential to continue growing unless medical treatment or antibiotics intervene. Fish may develop an ulcer if exposed to bacteria in the tank, whether it comes from the water, another animal or its food.

If an ulcer is caught early, medical treatment is more likely to be successful. Whether or not multiple fish appear infected, if a fish with an ulcer shares an aquarium with other animals, all should receive similar medical attention.

Columnaris

Columnaris is a bacterial disease that results in white lesions on a fish's body, particularly around its mouth. Its fins may deteriorate and white marks may appear in localised areas on the fish's head or body.

Dirty water is the biggest cause of columnaris and it is highly contagious. Improved living conditions and antibacterial treatment can eradicate the disease, though antibiotics may be required if the bacterial disease is in advanced stages.

Dropsy

Dropsy is generally caused by a bacterial infection. This disease manifests itself in the form of an enlarged, swollen abdomen.  Some fish owners may confuse this condition with obesity or pregnancy, as the fish takes on the appearance of being overweight, though it is generally confined to the abdomen region.

This bacterial condition is less contagious than others, though fatality is the most common result. Internal damage is often too extensive by the time the condition is discovered.

Fin Rot

If a fish's fin has gone from colourful and flowing to dull and frayed, fin rot may be to blame. This bacterial condition can manifest itself in any one of a fish's fins or its tail.

Dirty or infected living conditions are the main cause of fin rot. Treating an infected fish with antibiotics and ensuring that the aquarium or tank is extremely clean will help eradicate this bacterial disease.

Gill Disease

Another bacterial condition that can affect aquarium fish is gill disease. Visible symptoms of gill disease include swollen, red or discoloured gills. A fish may also appear overexerted during normal activity, with gills that flap rapidly.

An antibacterial treatment for the aquarium, along with fresh, clean water can help correct this disease. Antibiotics may also be needed.

Ich

Ich (or ick) is considered the most common disease that pet fish can acquire. This illness is caused by a parasite and is characterised by small white spots that appear throughout the body of the fish. The parasite buries itself under the surface of the fish's skin and is incredibly contagious.

Treatments are available through a veterinarian or at a local pet store, though early detection is the key to preventing this disease from spreading. If left untreated, ich is fatal.

Summary

Fish can be highly susceptible to bacterial infections, as they can be caused by any number of reasons including dirty water or exposure to infected fish. While many bacterial diseases are fatal, prompt medical treatment can make a big difference.

Preventative measures can also be taken to ensure that fish are at minimal risk. For instance, maintain a clean aquarium with plants, hiding places and other objects that will help keep a fish comfortable and content.

Minimizing exposure to other fish and making sure fish are healthy and compatible before uniting them in a single aquarium also reduces the risk of spreading bacterial disease. Finally, a healthy diet that has nutrition and variety will help give fish a healthy and happy life.