Articles on Fish Disease.

Although one may think otherwise, the problems that we face as aquarists, are not exactly the same, as similar fish will face in their natural habitat, although the actual parasites, bacteria, etc. will in so many cases be those, that do sometimes create problems in the wild.

It is essential in my view to understand the “norms” of fish in the wild, as a precursor, to being able to be take the required steps to minimize the problems of disease that so often break out when fish are kept by man, in Aquariums or otherwise.

Today throughout the world, fish are been bred in captivity for food in most cases, but also for our Hobby. It is a fact that today, a very large percentage of the fish we enjoy watching in our home Aquaria, have been bred in captivity.

Examining the many ailments that fish are prone to, the lists are so extensive that sometimes one wonders how fish survive at all, given the countless “enemies” just waiting to strike them low.

Reproduction of the parasite takes place typically by mitotic division, but from time to time a pairing of two individuals takes place called conjugation, and an exchange of some genetic material probably takes place.

The parasites most frequently attack the gills of the infected fish, which causes in heavy infestations, great difficulty in breathing, so that they come to the surface in a desperate attempt to get sufficient oxygen.

In this article I propose to deal with a very common fresh water parasite viz. Gyrodactylus & a Marine parasite called Brookynella.

Oodinium pillularis. This is the Latin name given to the parasite that causes the disease more popularly known as Velvet, Gold dust or Rust disease.

Shrimp Farming, mainly in S.E.Asia., and the problems which arise of disease which have enormous economic consequences.

Bacteria including the non pathogenic as well as pathogenic forms are usually present in small numbers on most fish.

A typical characteristic of the disease is a rotting of the tail and very often the fins, which if unchecked will lead quickly to death of the infected fishes

Fish disease conference in Edinburgh Scotland, where the EAFP (European Association of Fish Pathologists), in the grounds of Heriot-Watt University.

This bacterial disease goes by the name of Vibriosis The infective organism can be one of a number of varieties of this all to prevalent organism.

Now to the more general topic of how to avoid importing disaster to your aquarium.

Finally I would like to refer to the percentage of customers, who fail either with treatments. They are understandably upset when this occurs, and would like to know why.