Common Dwarf Gourami Disease Types and Treatment Tips
Monday, March 25, 2019
Description: dwarf gourami fish disease ranges from fungal infection to new tank shock syndrome. Here are some of the most common ones.
Gourami
is a hardy fish family, but dwarf gourami may develop certain types of disease
in the tanks. Dwarf gourami fish disease
types range from common freshwater fish ailments to a specific virus. Knowing
about these common diseases will help you in detecting and treating them.
Here
are the most common diseases you could find in dwarf gourami fish.
1.
Fin Rot
Fin
rot is caused by fungal or bacterial infection, resulting in jagged fins. Other
symptoms include decreasing appetite and whitish color. The fish will die if left untreated. The infection signs
start from the fin tips. If the infection reaches the fin base, the fish cannot regenerate and must be discarded.
To
treat the fish, catch it and apply malachite green on the infected part. Treat
the water with antibacterial solution and antibiotic food. Separate the
infected fish from the healthy ones until the treatment is done.
2.
Ich
Ich
is a disease caused by water protozoa. Ich results in white spots, pimples
around the fins, and mucus layer on the skin. The fish may rub their bodies
vigorously against a hard surface or
become lethargic. Their eyes turn milky, and they lost their appetite. If left
untreated, the fins will be frayed, and
the fish die.
The
white spots are sacks containing protozoan embryos. You can increase the water
temperature until these sacks burst. Raise it to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (around
32 degrees Celsius). Add a teaspoon of salt into the tank. Take out all the
ornaments and disinfect them. Replace the vegetations just in case.
3.
New Tank Syndrome
New
Tank Syndrome is a situation where fish suddenly die after being introduced to
a new tank. This happens because the
water still does not have enough bacteria level to support the water’s
biological cycle. The signs include cloudy water, bad smell, and sudden fish
death.
To
avoid it, fish owners must cycle the tank water before putting new fish. Wait
until the nitrate and ammonia level are zero. Use proper kits to test the water
condition.
4.
DGIV
Dwarf
Gourami Iridovirus is a recently found
among freshwater fish breeders. The virus was
first noticed among imported fish from several East Asian countries. The
viral infection does not show symptoms until the fish are too weak. Symptoms
include difficulties in breathing, loss of appetite, bloated appearance, discoloration, and death.
There
is still no cure for DGIV. When you see these signs, it is better to remove all
the infected disease and disinfected the tank (and it's content). Make sure to obtain your fish from trusted, reliable
breeders.
Dwarf gourami fish disease affects your fish’s appearance and
lifespan. Make sure to understand the symptoms and the best way to treat
infected fish.
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