Fint Rot

Disease Type-Bacterial (gram negative organism)

Description-Fin rot is one of the most common, and most preventable, diseases in aquarium fish. It is caused by several types of bacteria, and often occurs concurrently with other diseases. It can usually be cured, but if left untreated it can kill the diseased fish and infect all the others in the tank.

Symptoms

1. Fin edges turning white.
2. Frayed fins.
3. Bases of fins enflamed.
4. Entire fin rotting away.
5. Frayed fins.
6. Bases of fins enflamed.

Treatment

1. Correct root cause.
2. Water change.
3. Antibiotics such as MelaFix.
4. Addition of aquarium salt.

Fin rot is caused by one of several gram negative bacteria. Several anitiboitics are effective, however the root cause must be addressed as well. Fin rot occurs when a fish becomes stressed. The most common causes are poor water quality, overcrowding the tank, and overfeeding.

Treatment should include a water change and careful examination of the aquarium conditions. If there are any food debris, vaccumm the gravel and be sure to avoid overfeeding. Start dating your fish food as it loses the vitamin content quite quickly after it is opening. Feeding with fresh, high quality food in smaller quantities is far better than frequent large feedings of stale foods. Check the pH and water temperature of the water, and make sure it is appropriate for your species of fish. Incorrect pH is extremely stressful for fish and can lead to disease. Low water temperatures can also trigger fin rot in some fish. If the root cause is corrected, antibiotics will usually cure the disease itself. Be sure to use a drug that is effective against gram negative organisms. Chloramphenical, Oxytetracyclin Tetracycline are good choices. Treat according to manufacturers instructions. The use of aquarium salt will benefit livebearing fish but should be avoided in fish such as scaleless catfish that are sensitive to salt.

Prevention

1. Maintain good water quality.
2. Keep proper water parameters.
3. Feed fresh food in small amounts.

The best prevention is good aquarium maintenance. Change the water regularly, vaccum the gravel and monitor the water chemistry. Do not overcrowd the tank, and be sure to watch for signs of fighting between fish. When feeding, keep the volume low! Overfeeding is the most common mistake made by all fish owners, and contributes to poor water quality. Be sure to use fresh foods. If the can has been open for half a year, it has lost most of its nutritional value. Purchase food in small enough containers that it can be used in one to two months.