Your Guide to Bacterial Infections in Aquarium Fish
Bacterial infections are a common ailment among fish and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor water quality or injuries. At FISHMOX LAND.COM, we want to help you properly care for your fish and provide the information you need about common fish diseases. Continue reading to learn more about common bacterial infections that affect freshwater fish, and shop our large selection of fish treatment online today!
What Are Bacterial Infections?
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria that enter the fish through open wounds or gills. The most common type of bacteria that affects freshwater fish is Columnaris, which is a gram-negative bacterium. This type of bacteria thrives in water with poor quality and can quickly spread to other fish in the tank.
Most Common Bacterial Infections in Aquarium Fish
-Popeye
Eyes protrude or appear to be "popping out" of the head. Popeye is caused by a buildup of fluid behind the eye and is often seen in conjunction with Dropsy.
-Cloudy Eye
Eye appears clouded or filmed over. Cloudy Eye is a bacterial infection on the surface of the eye. It is common in tanks that are overcrowded or full of aggressive fish.
-Fin Rot
Fins appear shredded, frayed, or decaying. Fin Rot is frequently mistaken for damage from fin-nipping fish. Contrary to the name, this is actually caused by bacteria, not fungus.
Special Considerations
Fin Rot is often found as a secondary infection (that’s an infection that started because the fish was already sick). Make sure to check for additional infections.
-Hemorrhagic Septicemia
Aeromonas hydrophilia
Reddish streaks in the fins near the body or under scales. Common in goldfish. Associated with overcrowding and stress, particularly in goldfish and koi. It can also be caused by a virus.
Special Considerations
This infection is strongly linked to crowding and poor water conditions. Make sure your fish have clean water and plenty of space.
-Dropsy
Symptom of internal damage
Fish appears bloated, scales stick out in a pinecone-like manner. Dropsy is a result of damage to the liver, causing fluid to build up in the fish. It often starts as bloat and progresses to Dropsy over time.
Special Considerations
Dropsy is a sign of severe internal damage, not a symptom of a specific disease. It is treatable with KanaPlex if caught early, but sometimes the damage is too severe to respond to medications. The best defense is to catch internal infections early, before they progress to this stage.
-Mouth Rot
Columnaris
Damaged fins, ulcers and yellowish patches on gills, tissue on head and mouth eaten away. This infection appears gruesome, but is entirely treatable. It is common to see fungus-like tufts around the face and mouth in addition to deterioration of tissue. It is essential to catch this disease early to prevent long-term damage.
Special Considerations
Columnaris is very contagious. If possible, remove the infected fish to treat separately in a hospital tank.
Treating Bacterial Infections
If you think your fish may be suffering from a bacterial infection, it is important to seek treatment immediately and quarantine the sick fish immediately. This will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other fish as well as remove it from its normal habitat in case that is where the bacteria came from.
The most common type of treatment for bacterial infections is antibiotics. Antibiotics can be administered through the water or by soaking their food with the medication. It is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully and to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated. Another treatment option is a salt bath as it can help to kill many common bacterias that affect freshwater fish.