Instructions
Look for swimming disorders. Slowly swimming fish or fish with clamped fins close to the body, gasping at the surface for oxygen, not eating or purple gills instead of bright pink-red gills indicate the fish are not are not getting enough oxygen.
Check for bloating or enlarged eyes. Bloating of the body, protruding scales or enlarged eyes are all symptoms of dropsy, which is brought on by a bacterial infection of the kidneys that causes excessive fluid to accumulate or renal failure.
Watch to see if fins look frayed. A fish with frayed fins usually has a more aggressive fish nipping at her. Damaged fins can become infected by bacteria or fungus that will show itself as rotting of the fins. Look for white spots or cotton-like patches on the fins, which indicate an infection. The affected fish will need to be isolated so the fins can heal.
Look for parasites. Parasitic worms can come from adding new fish or plants to your fish tank. Parasites can quickly move from fish to fish, killing them rapidly. You will be able to clearly see parasites on the body of your fish. You must remove parasites as soon as you find them to save the fish.
Look for white spots or patches. IchIchthyopthirius multifiliis, known as ich, shows itself as white spots or patches on fins or the body. The fish will abrade their bodies on the plants or filters like they are scratching an itch. Once this is in your fish tank, it will affect all the fish.
How to Tell If Pet Fish Are Sick
Being able to tell if fish are sick is important for any aquarium owner. A daily visual inspection of your fish will acquaint you with the fish and help you identify problems early before they become a catastrophe. It is important to know what to look for and to diagnose the condition correctly. Sometimes a virus or other condition may require you to quarantine the affected fish in a separate tank. Other times the entire tank will need the same medication or treatment.