Signs & Symptoms of Freshwater Fish Disease

Taking care of a freshwater fish can be enjoyable. Unfortunately, like any living creature, freshwater fish are susceptible to diseases. Knowing the symptoms of the possible diseases will make it easier to identify and treat them.

  1. Hole in the Head Disease

    • This begins as small holes in the fish's head and along the lateral line of the fish. If it is left untreated, your fish will develop infections, as well as a loss of appetite and eventually death.

    Tail and Fin Rot

    • If your fish experiences rot, its fins will start to fall apart. You may also see blood on the fins or skin ulcers. Fish usually have cloudy eyes as well.

    Dropsy

    • A fish with dropsy will bloat and its scales will stick out, giving it a pine-cone look.

    Ich

    • Ich is one of the most common diseases for freshwater fish. A fish with ich will have trouble breathing, keep its fins tight to its body, and refuse to eat. You will probably see slime all over the body of the fish as well as white spots.

    Swim-bladder Disease

    • If your fish has this disease, you will see your fish swimming oddly and most likely it will have trouble staying upright.