How To Remove Fish Tank Parasites

The primary concern of any aquarist is to keep their fish healthy. There are many problems that can occur in a fish tank and fish can be afflicted with a number of diseases and illnesses. Fish can be affected by bacteria and parasites, both of which are encouraged to reproduce when the water conditions are bad. Thus it is important to keep an eye on the quality of water in the fish tank. This article will look at the common parasites that cause illness in fish and how they can be treated.

The most common form of parasite in an aquarium will be the Ichthyophtirius multifiliis, commonly known as ich or ick. This is a ciliate protozoa that measures between 0.5 to 1 mm in adults. The parasite reproduces at a rapid rate and can quickly infect all the fish in a tank. The most common sign of this infection is white spots on the fish, particularly round the gills. If untreated a fish will die from the infection. Chemical treatments for ich can vary but the common types are formalin and malachite green.

Another common parasite is the Hexamita. This parasite often causes an illness called hole in the head disease. Hexamita are a flagellate protozoa that is very small and impossible to see with the naked eye. It is thought to exist in the intestinal tracts of a wide variety of fish and is aggravated by excessive feeding or malnutrition. This combined with poor water quality can cause a fishes immune system to lose control of the protozoa and they reproduce at a rapid rate. Ultimately this will lead to hole in the head disease that starts with a small bump or lesion around the head. This lesion will usually get bigger if untreated and will cause death. Treatment for early infection with hexamita is Metronidazole and quinine sulphate in later stages.

Another disease that is caused by parasites is known as velvet or gold dust disease. The dinoflagellate parasite is responsible and will cause the fish to have gold spots on the body (hence name). Fish will appear distressed and rub or scratch themselves against objects in the tank. A medication known as acriflavine can be used to treat this condition.

Gill and skin flukes are another common parasite that will infect fish. These parasites are a type of flatworm known as Trematoda. They are characterized by grappling hook-like appendages that they use to attach themselves to a host organism. Under normal circumstances they will exist on fish but the fish will be healthy enough to live with them. If the fish becomes stressed for some reason then they may not be able to resist the flukes and they will become a problem. The more serious condition is when they attach themselves to the gills. This will cause the gills to become red and swollen. The fish will try to scratch or close it's gills as the infection increases.

If you think your fish have a disease or infection then it is a good idea to quarantine the fish in question. This may prevent infection of the other fish in your tank. Identify some of the key symptoms and get advice from your aquarium shop on the proper treatment. Also ensure that the water condition is suitable for the type of fish you are keeping.

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