Discus Fish Problem: Fish Fungus
Regardless of how tedious you are when it comes to maintaining aquarium, disease causing bacteria and fungus can still seep their way into the environment. There are several factors like the introduction of a new fish or the addition of water. However, it’s rarely a case that these kinds of problem arise when your water quality is good and the fishes are healthy. Still, fish fungus is such a huge headache among discus fish keepers.
In this article, we will try to take a closer look at fish fungus among discus fish – what it looks like, how it affects them, and what to do about it.
Pathology
First off, let’s get acquainted with the enemy. The fungi commonly involved in this type of pet problem are the Achyla and Saprolegia. They are often known collectively as water molds. They can be found in most water tanks wherein they break down organic material like uneaten fish food, droppings, and dead leaves.
These organisms are quite very opportunistic and will grab the chance to invade any fluid spaces where they can thrive. Contrary to popular belief, fungus cannot live off on a healthy aquarium fish thanks to the mucus layer covering the body which further serve as a protection against spore infections.
It would be different, however, if the mucus layer of the fish got damaged due to bruises, wounds malnutrition, or other detrimental factors. Even a small opening can be gateway for the fungus to infect the fish. Aside from physical factors, environmental stress can also be linked to fungus infection.
Common Appearance of Fish Fungus Among Discus
Depending on how the fish has been affected, fish fungus in discus can seriously affect their appearance. Affected fish can often be found with frayed, tattered, ragged, and split fins. The head and the mouth regions of the fish could also look like it’s rotting away while it is covered with white cottony and wool-like spore growth. Blood streaked fins may also be spotted.
Severely affected fish may even suffer dismembered fins of the dorsal and pectoral. This condition further makes them incapable of surviving.
Effects on Fish
Fish fungus can literally kill off a fish, if untreated. While it can start off as a mere disturbance in their living, a rapidly growing spore infection can affect them in their diet and stress levels. Infected discus may appear motionless, much like sulking and lethargic, due to the fact that they are already weak enough to swim around. The lack of appetite can make them thin or emaciated.
Common Treatment
So how do we treat fungus in fish? There are several ways such as the application of the following:
Organic Dyes – these are available in several proprietary medicinal brands. They are specially-formulated to treat fungus in fish. They are based on organic dyes, like the malachite green, thus it is deemed safe for the discus.
Tea-tree Oil – for a less toxic antifungal medication, you may want to try on tea-tree oil. However, discus fish care experts may think of the substance as more appropriate for use as preventive or precautionary measures. This is when the fish is not yet that sick.
Salt – a household item that can also be used to combat the problem. Its effect is really to raise the salinity of the water which makes it harder for the fungus to thrive.
Of course, cleanliness and the maintenance of the aquarium is the best way to prevent and fight off fungal problems in discus fish.
If the condition is already that helpless, you may want to contact a discus fish care expert or visit your nearest tropical fish store.
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