tropical fish Archives

Tips For Treating And Preventing Parasitic Infections In Freshwater Tropical Fish

Tropical fish are potential hosts to a variety of parasites. In this article you’ll learn about common parasite infections that affect tropical fish and get valuable tips for prevention and treatment.

Parasites can be found in almost all groups of plants and animals – aquarium fish are no exception. These organisms are capable of causing a variety of harmful infections which can result in skin lesions or growths, difficulty breathing and eventual death. In order to protect your fish from deadly parasite infections, it is wise to cultivate a basic understanding of parasites and the common diseases to which your fish may become exposed. Once you have learned the basics about these infections, you will be better equipped to identify them and to take action if one of your fish falls ill. Quick action on your part, as the aquarium hobbyist, can mean the difference between a fish successfully recovering because it received prompt treatment and the fish dying because its condition was diagnosed too late.

What Are Parasites?

A parasite is an organism which invades the body of another organism and feeds on it. In many cases, the parasite benefits at the expense of the host body which may decline in health and could even be killed as a result of the infection. Parasites are typically divided into two groups: ectoparasites and endoparasites. Ectoparasites are those parasites which live on the outside of the host body, namely the gills, mouth, fins and skin of aquarium fish. Endoparasites are those which live inside the host body, inhabiting the blood, tissues and/or organs. Parasites can be transmitted through a variety of means depending on the particular parasite. Some are transferred through direct contact while others, in the free-living phase, can be found floating in tank water or inhabiting the substrate. Parasites having a direct life-cycle are transmitted directly but may involve a free-living phase where they can survive in tank water for a limited period of time. Parasites with an indirect life-cycle can only survive in the host body.

Common Parasite Infections

Trichodina – Though there are technically three genera which form the Trichodina complex, all three parasites are referred to using the same name – Trichodina. These parasites typically affect the gills of fish, causing the infected fish to experience respiratory difficulties and erratic behaviors such as piping and flashing. Cutaneous Trichodina infections, those affecting the skin, may cause ulceration or erosion of the fins. As the infection progresses, affected fish may become lethargic and could also lose their appetite and isolate themselves from other fish. Common treatments for this infection include potassium permanganate and salt baths.

Ichthyophthirius multifilis – Perhaps the most common parasite seen in tropical fish, Ichthyophthirius multifilis is more commonly known as Ich or White Spot Disease. This disease is caused by the protozoa Ichtyopthirius which is an ectoparasite, meaning it lives on the outside of the host body. These parasites can grow up to 1mm in length and look like small white spots that appear on the body, fins and gills of infected fishes. Each of these spots is a parasite in cyst form – inside each cyst, the parasite rapidly multiplies and can then be spread to other fish in the tank. Because this disease is highly contagious and resilient, it is often recommended that you treat the entire tank rather than quarantine infected fishes. The most common treatment for this condition is a salt bath to kill the parasite, though chemical treatments such as formalin, malachite green and copper sulfate are also effective.

Ichthyobodo – Also known as Costia, this disease is caused by protozoan parasites. Though it is not one of the most common parasite infections, it is relatively easy to cure. This infection typically presents in the form of cloudy or milky skin as a result of excessive mucus production and it may also cause ulceration and erosion of the fins. Raising the temperature in the infected tank to 83° Fahrenheit may help to kill the parasite but it may not be effective against serious outbreaks. Acriflavine and other medications containing copper are generally more effective, but both of these substances can be harmful to fish in large doses so exercise caution when using either of these treatments.

Hexamita – Once thought to be responsible for lateral line erosion, or hole-in-the-head disease, the Hexamita parasite is poorly understood. These parasites typically infect the gastrointestinal tract of aquarium fish, causing symptoms similar in appearance to those induced by malnutrition. One of the first symptoms likely to occur in infected fish is slimy white feces. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms including difficulty swimming, weight loss and skin darkening may be observed. The most common treatment for this parasite is a 1% solution of metronidazole in fish food.

Chilodonella – This disease is caused by a protozoan parasite and it can be very difficult to diagnose. The Chilodonella parasite typically enters the tank through infected fish/decorations or through contaminated live food. The most common symptoms of this disease include rapid breathing, excessive mucus secretion, loss of appetite, clamped fins and rubbing against tank objects. When first infected, fish may exhibit no signs of illness – once symptoms are seen, the disease could be in the final stages. Popular treatments for Chilodonella include salt baths as well as commercial medications such as formalin, malachite green and potassium permanganate.

Tips for Treating and Preventing Parasites

When it comes to treating a parasite infestation, you need to first decide whether you want to treat the individual fish or the entire tank. If you catch the parasite early enough that only one of your fish has been infected, removing that fish to a quarantine tank for treatment may be sufficient. Even if only one of your fish seems to be infected, however, treating the entire tank is a wise precaution. Just remember to remove any carbon filter media when treating the tank as carbon will reduce or negate the effectiveness of medications. Before you make this decision it may be helpful to identify the type of parasite involved – some parasites are unable to survive in tank water, so treating the entire tank may not be necessary.

As is true in regards to all types of freshwater fish diseases, parasite infestations are more likely to affect fish which are already stressed due to poor water quality or other factors such as bullying, injury or prior illness. In order to give your fish the best chance possible in fighting off a parasite infection it is wise to perform regular water changes and to install a high quality aquarium filter in your tank to keep the water clean. Feeding a well-balanced diet of live, frozen and freeze-dried foods as well as commercial foods such as flakes and pellets is also important in keeping tropical fish healthy. Fish that are fed a healthy diet tend to be less susceptible to disease and, in the event that they contract a parasite infection, they may be more likely to recover successfully.

The most important, and perhaps the most basic, step you can take in preventing parasite infections among your freshwater tropical fish is to quarantine all new fish before adding them to your aquarium. It can be difficult to tell just by looking at a fish whether it carries parasites or is currently suffering from an infestation, so quarantining the fish is the safest option. New fish should be kept in quarantine for at least two weeks before being added to the main tank. During this period, observe the fish for signs of illness and start a treatment regimen if necessary. If, after the two week period has passed, the fish show no signs of illness – or they have recovered fully from an illness you treated – they can be safely added to the main tank.

Tropical Fish Compatibility – Tips You Need To Know

Even if you only keep community fish in your tank you may occasionally find that one of your fish is causing trouble for the others. It is always a good idea to provide your fish with places to…

Tropical fish compatibility is often overlooked by the novice aquarist. By learning which tropical fish are compatible you’ll be better equipped to have a successful aquarium!

You do not need to be an animal expert to know that putting a mouse in a cage with a python is a bad idea, unless the mouse is intended to be the python’s next meal – and the same model applies to tropical fish! Some species of fish are more aggressive and predatory than others and some fish have a naturaly calm temperament which makes them ideal for a community tank. Before you select the fish for your aquarium, brush up on the basics of tropical fish compatibility so you can be sure that the fish you choose to stock your tank will be able to coexist peacefully.

Categories of Tropical Fish

Species of freshwater tropical fish can be divided into three categories based on their ability to get along with other fish. Community fish is the largest of these. Many of the smaller species of tropical fish including Danios, Guppies, Swordtails, Platies, Tetras and Mollies belong to this category. These fish generally do not grow much larger than two to three inches and thrive best when kept with at least three to five of their own species. These fish tend to get along well with other community fish and, because of their diminutive size, can be kept in smaller tanks. If you’re starting your first tank and want smaller community fish I would recommend going with at least a 20 gallon. Here’s a good 20 gallon kit to start with.

Semi-aggressive species like Gouramis, Barbs, Eels, Sharks and Loaches make up the second category of tropical fish. These species tend to grow larger than most community fish and, thus, should be kept in tanks no smaller than 29 gallons in capacity. The species belonging to this category, especially the males, may display aggression toward other fish in the tank and often become territorial. If you choose to keep semi-aggressive fish in your tank, it is wise to balance out the tank with a number of peaceful community fish. When mixing community fish with semi-aggressive species, try to avoid any major size differences or the larger semi-aggressive species may bully your smaller community fish.

The third category of tropical freshwater fish is made up of the large, very aggressive species. Cichlids and Oscars are the main species belonging to this category, though large Plecostomus and other Catfish can also be quite aggressive. Very aggressive fish cannot be mixed with community fish and may not even do well with semi-aggressive species if there is a major size difference between the two. Aggressive species of fish are not recommended for novice aquarists because they often have specific tank requirements that beginners in the hobby are not equipped to provide. Cichlids, for example, require very large tanks and some types of Cichlid cannot be kept in a tank with any other fish.

How to Mix Different Breeds Safely

When selecting the fish for your aquarium, it is always a good idea to avoid keeping more than one male of a species in the tank together. For small community fish like Guppies, Danios and Tetras this may not be much of an issue, but it will be for semi-aggressive and aggressive species like Gouramis and Cichlids. Even if these fish appear to be getting along at first, it may only be a matter of time until one male of the species establishes dominance over the other. Once this happens, the weaker male will become stressed and may stop eating or fall ill. If you do not remove one of the males from the tank, the weaker one could eventually die.

To prevent situations like this from arising, you must make a choice between maintaining a community tank or limiting the number of fish you have in your tank to avoid problems. If you choose to keep a community tank you can still include a few semi-aggressive fish provided you do not keep more than one male of any species. Keep the adult size of the fish in mind as well because even semi-aggressive fish may eat small community fish.

Tips for Keeping Peace in Your Aquarium

Even if you only keep community fish in your tank you may occasionally find that one of your fish is causing trouble for the others. It is always a good idea to provide your fish with places to hide in the event that one of the species becomes aggressive or in case your fish simply need a place to rest. Live or plastic aquarium plants are a simple way to provide cover for fish that need to hide for a while. Rock caves, large shells and even overturned clay pots can also serve as hiding places for fish. If your fish have a place to go when they need a break they will be happier and healthier in the long run. A fish that becomes stressed as a result of an aggressive tank mate is likely to fall ill and may spread disease to the other tank inhabitants.

Another simple way to avoid problems with tropical fish compatibility is to be intentional about the order in which you introduce your fish into the tank. If you dump all of your fish into the tank at once it could become stressful and none of your fish will do well. Introduce all of one species to the tank at once and give each group time to adjust to the tank before you add more fish. While community fish are generally placid, some species like Danios and Tetras may become nippy toward long-finned species like Angelfish unless you introduce the long-finned species to the tank first. After adding fish to your tank, observe them for a few days to be sure none of them are showing signs of aggression or excessive stress. If one of your freshwater tropical fish is becoming particularly aggressive it may be wise to remove it from the tank before it causes problems.

10 Tropical Fish Species Every Beginning Aquarist Should Know

These colorful freshwater tropical fish species are some of the best freshwater aquarium fish choices for the beginning aquarist! Choosing the wrong fish is a mistake you don’t need to make. Learn which tropical fish species are the easiest to keep!

When it comes to stocking your first aquarium with tropical fish, it is wise to take things slow. If you try to rush into your new hobby, or take on too many challenges too quickly, you may end up making mistakes that could cost your fish their lives. This being said, the best way to go is to ease your way into the hobby by stocking your first tank with species of fish that are “easy” to keep. These species are typically capable of tolerating a variety of tank conditions and may provide you with a buffer against the mistakes you are likely to make as a novice aquarist. If you stock your tank with delicate species, even the smallest change in water quality could be deadly. Once you have mastered the basics of freshwater fishkeeping and have gained some experience in the hobby, you’ll feel more confident to move on to more challenging species of fish.

Small Freshwater Fish Breeds

If you are looking for species of tropical fish that are relatively easy to maintain, you will find many choices among the small breeds of community fish. Because they are small, these fish take up less room in the tank, which means that you can mix and match a variety of species if you choose. Most of these species are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least three of their own species, though most species will be more comfortable in groups of five or more.

Guppies: The Fantail Guppy is especially popular among novice aquarists because they are colorful fish that do not require a lot of effort to maintain. These fish are very tolerant of many water conditions and can be kept in either small or large aquariums. Guppies make great community fish and because they remain small, they will not put your tank at risk for overcrowding. Because Guppies are schooling fish it is wise to keep them in groups of 5 or more. If you want to avoid having an overflow of baby Guppies, however, it is wise to stock your tank with only one sex.

Mollies: Though often recommended as freshwater community fish to beginning aquarium hobbyists, Black Mollies tend to do better when kept in slightly brackish conditions. These fish are best kept in planted tanks with some salt content – about one teaspoon of salt per gallon is recommended. Black Mollies produce a great deal of waste when fed properly, so adequate filtration is essential to help maintain acceptable water quality.The Molly is a peaceful breed of community fish that can serve multiple purposes in your tank. Mollies are available in a wide range of colors and patterns so they can help to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your tank. Additionally, Mollies can serve as algae eaters in your tank, picking bits of algae off your live plants and tank decorations. These fish will eat both live foods and flake foods and, if well cared for, can live up to two years. Like the Guppy, Mollies are also likely to breed without much effort on the part of the hobbyist, so if you want to avoid having to raise Molly fry, limit your tank to female Mollies.

Neon Tetras: While most breeds of Tetra are relatively easy to maintain, the Neon Tetra is one of the most popular fish for beginners. These fish are easy to keep and, if treated properly, can live up to ten years. Like most Tetras, Neon Tetras are best kept in groups of at least three to five of their own species and get along well with other community fish. For a more dramatic and eye-catching display consider keeping a school of 15 – 18 in a densely planted tank with open areas for swimming. If you are looking for a cool freshwater fish species that will add vibrant color to your tank, the blue and red coloration of Neon Tetras is and excellent choice!

Danios: There are four well-known varieties of Danio – the Zebra Danio, the Leopard Danio, and the long-finned variety of each breed. These little fish are very active swimmers and their silver and blue bodies shine as they zip around the tank. Because they are so active, it is imperative that you provide Danios with adequate tank space so they have room to swim. Like Guppies, Danios are tolerant of a variety of water conditions and they can live up to five years if properly cared for. This species is also known for being enthusiastic feeders, likely to thrive on just about any commercial fish food you give them. This being true, it is important not to overfeed Danios or to let them eat all of the food designated for other fish in your tank.

Barbs: There are several varieties of Barbs including Tiger Barbs, Ruby Barbs, and Giant Barbs. In general, Barbs are peaceful schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least five or more to prevent them from developing aggressive behaviors. Though they are typically easy-going, Barbs have been known to nip the fins of some long-finned breeds like Angelfish. Therefore, it is not recommended to mix Barbs with long-finned species such as Angelfish, Gouramis, or Siamese Fighting Fish. Barbs can grow up to three inches, though some species like the Rosy Barb may grow up to six inches, and they can live between one and three years.

Bettas: Betta fish, also called Siamese Fighting Fish, are very popular as starter fish. Known for their vibrant colors and variety of fin types, Bettas are sold not only in pet stores, but can sometimes also be found in grocery stores and home decoration stores. These fish are very hardy – tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures, pH levels and water conditions. However, like all aquarium fish they have an ideal range of water conditions for optimum health. Though they are easy to care for on their own, it’s best not to keep Bettas in a typical community aquarium, especially with other Bettas present. These fish can become very territorial, so if you plan to keep a Betta, keep only one to a tank. If you want to house your Betta with other fish an acceptable setup would be a 10 gallon tank with 3 or more Corydoras Catfish to occupy the bottom level.

Medium and Large Aquarium Fish Breeds

Gouramis: These fish are very hardy, able to tolerate a range of temperatures and various water conditions. Gouramis come in a variety of sizes and colors and they are generally peaceful fish. Some types of Gourami, like the pearl Gourami and dwarf Gourami, are more inclined to be community fish while other breeds, like the kissing pink Gourami and blue Gourami, have a tendency to be semi-aggressive and territorial. In order to avoid conflict, do not keep more than one male Gourami in a tank and provide all of your fish with adequate hiding places. If given enough space, Gouramis can peacefully coexist with other breeds – provided these fish are not so small that the Gouramis might be tempted to eat them.

Plecostomus: The Plecostomus is a well-known type of algae eater. Plecostomus, or plecos, require very little care because the main portion of their diet is made up of algae and uneaten fish food gleaned from the walls of the tank as well as items of tank decor. In small tanks, or tanks stocked with multiple bottom feeders, it may be necessary to supplement your pleco’s diet with algae wafers or spirulina pellets. Under the right conditions, Plecostomus have been known to grow upwards of 10 inches and they can live as long as ten years. As these fish increase in size they may become aggressive and territorial, so only small Plecostomus are recommended for new fishkeepers.

Oscars: The Oscar is a very popular fish among aquarium enthusiasts because these fish have a tendency to develop a personality. Oscars have been known to greet their owners and are prone to begging around mealtimes. However, because this species grows very large, they require a sizeable tank. For a single specimen, a 125 gallon tank is recommended. A regular water maintenance routine is essential since these fish are very messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. If you decide to put an Oscar in your tank you should be prepared for the commitment since Oscars can easily live for more than 10 years. You should also be willing to make the investment in a high-quality filtration system and perform weekly 25% to 50% water changes to maintain a high level of water quality since poor water conditions makes this species especially susceptible to disease.

Angelfish: Angelfish are a hardy species that are very popular in the aquarium hobby with both novice and experienced aquarists. Because of their tall body shape, Angelfish prefer to live in tall tanks rather than wide ones. Though they can become territorial at times, Angelfish are more likely to be bullied by other fish, so they should only be kept with smaller community species. Angelfish are not pick eaters – they will eat flake food as readily as they will consume frozen and freeze dried foods. Some breeds of Angelfish can grow up to six inches and will live between 8 and 10 years.

Tips for Maintaining a Successful Tank

Even though these species of tropical fish are known for being easy to care for, there are still a few precautions you should take to ensure that your tank remains harmonious. Do not overstock your tank – overcrowding will put undue stress on your fish and it could also increase the biological load of your tank to such a high level that the water quality declines. Keep in mind that while most small species of community fish can be kept in a tank together, some larger breeds may be aggressive toward smaller fish. Before you select the fish for your tank, brush up on the basics of tropical fish compatibility. Once you have an understanding of the different categories into which certain species of fish fall you will be more equipped to make the proper species selections for your tank. If you are able to maintain peace in your tank your fish will be that much happier and healthier.

In reality, it should not be difficult to keep most species of freshwater fish. Though some fish could be considered delicate or picky when it comes to their requirements for water parameters, your tank equipment will do most of the maintenance work for you. As long as you have a strong filter to provide water circulation and filtration and a heater to regulate the tank temperature, there is little work that you will actually have to do. Regardless what type of fish you choose to stock your tank, you will still need to perform routine water changes and you should also test the water once a week to keep an eye on the water chemistry. If you do these things and provide your tropical fish with a balanced and varied diet, then you should have no trouble successfully maintaining a perfect, healthy aquarium.

UPDATE:

I frequently get asked about how I keep the water in my tanks looking so crystal clear. The answer is simple….install a quality filter. That’s the first and most important step to a crystal clear tank. I can’t stress enough the importance of having a quality filtration system for your aquarium. There are many choices to consider, but my favorite choice is a well made canister filter such as Eheim or those made by Fluval. And yes, there are other good ones out there as well. If you’ll buy a canister filter that is slightly oversized for your tank capacity you’ll be glad you did.

Important Advice For Buying Freshwater Tropical Fish

Buying freshwater tropical fish isn’t as straightforward as you may think. Learn important advice that may save you time and money!

It may sound easy to purchase freshwater tropical fish for the aquarium. After all, you just go to the fish store, pick out some pretty fish, buy ’em and take ’em home…right? Well, not exactly! Unless you take a few precautions,and put forth the effort to do a little research before you buy, you may find yourself facing some negative consequences. If you rush the process of purchasing your fish or buy them from a disreputable source your fish could die and you will be faced with the cost of replacing them. In order to avoid this, peruse your options and make an educated decision about where you will buy the fish for your new aquarium.

Where to Buy Aquarium Fish

When it comes to purchasing fish for your aquarium you may be overwhelmed by the large number of options. There are the large chain pet stores as well as the local, family-owned pet stores that offer a selection of aquarium fish. It is also possible to order fish directly from a breeder or to purchase them online from an aquarium supply company. All of these options have their associated advantages and disadvantages so the only way to make the right choice is to research the options and decide which suits you best.

Online versus In-Store

The main advantage of purchasing your fish in-store is that you can actually see and observe the fish for yourself before you buy. While this does not guarantee that the fish you bring home will be completely healthy, you will at least have some control over the selection of your fish. When purchasing from an online retailer or breeder you do not have the luxury of choosing the exact fish you want. While this is considered a disadvantage to some aquarium hobbyists, the fish you receive from a breeder may actually be healthier than those you might buy from a pet store. The fish in the pet store may already be stressed from the shipping process, but purchasing from a breeder ensures that the fish are shipped directly to you with no stops in between.

While the tropical fish you purchase online may be healthier than those you would purchase in-store, they are also likely to be more expensive. In addition to paying for your fish, the breeder will also charge you a fee for priority shipping. Some breeders and retailers adjust the price of their fish or offer flat-rate shipping fees to their customers to make it more affordable. Most breeders also offer their customers free replacement fish if the ones they receive in the mail die during the shipping process. Also, the breeders and other online sources usually make every effort to ship the healthiest fish possible so that the fish have a better chance of surviving the shipping process.

What to Look For When You Buy

The last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned cash on a selection of beautiful tropical fish just to have them die within a few days of introducing them into your home aquarium. While keeping the water quality in your home aquarium high will greatly increase the chance of survival for your fish, there is something you can do before you even bring them home. Maintaining a healthy aquarium starts with purchasing healthy fish.

When you arrive at the pet store, spend a few minutes looking around at all of the fish tanks. Are they clean or are the walls slick with algae and the water levels too low? Do the tanks look well-stocked (or worse yet, overstocked) or is the selection very limited? Check to see whether there are dead fish lying at the bottom of the tank or stuck to the filters. If there are, the rest of the fish in the tank may not be far behind. Dead fish in multiple tanks may be a sign of negligence on the part of the staff, poor water quality or inferior stock. Whatever the reason may be, it is best to avoid purchasing fish from a store that has these problems.

There are several things to look for when buying fish from a pet store. Select fish that are lively and active – they shouldn’t be floating at the surface or lolling about on the bottom of the tank. If possible, visit the store while the fish are being fed to see which fish have a healthy appetite. Look for fish with intact fins, no swelling or redness around the gills and clear eyes. If there are any growths, discolored patches or signs of bloating do not purchase the fish.

Other Tips For Buying Tropical Fish

Stocking your home aquarium can be fun, but it is not a process you should take lightly. In addition to purchasing your fish from a reputable dealer and selecting fish that are healthy, you need to be sure that the fish you are bringing home are compatible with one another. Certain species of fish are more aggressive than others and if you try to fill your tank with aggressive fish it may only be a matter of time before you see trouble. In order to ensure that your fish are happy and healthy, brush up on the basics of tropical fish compatibility before you buy. Check out our “Fish Photos” section for more freshwater tropical fish information.