Aquarium Fish Health: White Spot Disease Symptoms and Cures

Fish death is one of the main problems that beginnerbody or fins. This ailment is referred to as White
aquarist and even some expert aquarist face. It'sSpot disease and is caused by the parasite -
frustrating to the extent that most quit keepingIchthyophthirius Multifillis.
aquarium fish.This parasite has a free-swimming stage, which
But fish death can be avoided. Most fish deaths areattaches itself to the fish. The most common
caused as a result of both an internal and externalchemical used in treating infected fishes is Methylene
types parasites that compete with the fish in tank.Blue. You could buy a one per cent stock solution
As a result if you watch your aquarium fish oftenfrom a reputable chemist or aquarium shop and apply
you should be able to discover when they have beenat 0.8 to 1.0ml per gallon of water. This amount
infected by this parasite and be able to treat themshould be added all at once. Repeat after one or two
to avoid fish death.days.
Look out for the following White Spot diseaseThe fishes must remain in this bath until every while
behavioral symptoms in your fish.spot has disappeared. A water change after
- Constant lying on the bottom or hanging at thetreatment is necessary or else prolonged contact
surface.with the chemical may affect the fertility of the fish.
- Rubbing of the body against rocksAnother tip if you are using a side filter with
- Gasping at the water surfaceactivated charcoal should remove it to prevent the
- No response to feedingcoal from absorbing the Methylene Blue.
- General dullness and lethargyAnother tip... during treatment you should use artificial
- Hovering in a corneraeration with coarse bubbles near the surface, since
- Fish swimming with clamps upa dirty bottom would inactivate the medicament by
The most common of the visible signs is theabsorption. A better measure is to remove all dirt
development of the pin head-size while spots on thefrom the bottom before treatment.