The main diseases of angelfish: external signs and treatment

Aquarium enthusiasts often choose angelfish because of their eye-catching appearance and elegant movements. But, just like any fish, they are susceptible to a number of illnesses. The early detection of these health problems can significantly impact the efficacy of treatment. Keeping your angelfish healthy and vibrant requires knowing what to look for and how to react.

We’ll discuss a few of the most prevalent illnesses that affect angelfish in this post, with an emphasis on the outward symptoms that may warn you of impending issues. Being able to recognize these symptoms early on will enable you to take quick action to avert more serious health problems. In order to help you address these issues and restore your angelfish to their peak condition, we will also go over treatment options. Knowing these indicators is crucial for keeping a healthy aquarium, regardless of experience level with angelfish keeping.

Every disease has different symptoms, such as odd spots and discolorations, behavioral and dietary changes, and altered appetite. We’ll explain these symptoms simply so you can decide fast if your angelfish needs to be taken to the vet. With this understanding, you’ll be more capable of making sure that your aquatic pets live in a healthy environment.

Disease External Signs Treatment
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) White spots on the body and fins, rubbing against objects Increase water temperature slightly, use an anti-ich medication
Fin Rot Frayed, discolored fins, possible red edges Improve water quality, use a fin rot treatment
Velvet Disease Gold or rust-colored dust on the body, lethargy Increase water temperature, use copper-based treatments
Dropsy Swollen abdomen, pinecone-like scales Improve water quality, use a dropsy treatment or broad-spectrum antibiotic
Columnaris White or grayish patches on skin, mouth rot Use an antibacterial medication, ensure good water conditions

Many aquarium enthusiasts choose angelfish because of their elegant appearance and vivid colors, but they are also vulnerable to a number of diseases that can compromise their beauty and health. It’s essential to recognize the outward symptoms of common diseases like velvet disease, ich, and fin rot in order to treat the condition effectively and keep the tank environment healthy. This post will discuss the main signs to look out for and provide clear guidance on how to treat these problems to maintain the health of your angelfish.

Diseases of angelfish

Angelfish frequently possess:

  • worms, microspores, protozoan parasites;
  • greenhouse rot, tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
  • glugeosis, dermatomycosis, ichthyosporidiosis, rubella;
  • hexamitosis – food poisoning.

Aid! Numerous illnesses are successfully treated. However, severe cases—such as TB, greenhouse rot, and other infections—often result in death.

Description of external signs, reasons and recommendations on what to do

If the fish appears to be drooping and is not moving much, it’s critical to identify the cause of this behavior. The following symptoms can assist in identifying the illness and facilitating an early start to treatment.

Bulging eye

TB is what this is. Sadly, there is no known cure. There are further indications as well:

  • loss of color (the angelfish becomes dull, slightly "dusty");
  • exhaustion;
  • redness, clouding, bulging of one or both eyes;
  • low mobility.

The following procedure explains the appearance. Within the aquarium, there is a standard population of pathogenic microorganisms. Harmful bacteria start to actively multiply when their equilibrium is upset, which leads to tuberculosis.

Fish removal from the aquarium is the solution to the issue. For roughly two weeks, live composition is fed to other fish. In addition, the soil is calcined and the water is changed.

Citation! The angelfish will perish in a difficult-to-reach shelter if it is not destroyed. The pathogens that cause tuberculosis will start to decompose and enter the bodies of other fish.

The fish is swimming on its side

This is glugeosis, yet another horrible virus brought on by spores of Microsporidia. Cysts that develop in the body’s tissues and organs are the disease’s hallmark. Warning signs:

  • the angelfish is swimming on its side;
  • unilateral or bilateral exophthalmos is observed;
  • the appearance of cone-shaped protrusions on the body.

Feeding fish live food from a natural reservoir is the cause of this virus’s emergence. The fish’s owner is also at fault in this instance. Only in patients with compromised immune systems is the fungus activated. It is impossible to prevent glugeosis if one does not change the water, let it cool, or remove dead animals right away.

There is no cure for this illness. Experts recommend destroying all plants and aquarium inhabitants. Disinfectants must be applied to the container itself, as well as to the decorations and soil.

Take note! The symptoms of gluteosis are similar to those of ichthyospiridosis and mycobacteriosis. The detection of microorganism spores is extremely challenging. But since the process is irreversible in any case, you shouldn’t take a chance and attempt to cure the fish.

The belly is swollen

These are worms, but they’re quite developed already. Furthermore, the body develops wounds as a result of adult parasites leaving the body. Correlated indicators:

  • low mobility;
  • refusal to eat;
  • rapid breathing;
  • exhaustion;
  • change in the shade of waste products.

It’s critical to realize that treating an ill angelfish is pointless. A few hours or days after the parasites leave, it will perish. But "Antipar" medication needs to be given to other fish.

The fish does not eat

If the angelfish isn’t eating, it’s critical to identify the symptoms of a particular illness. Any illness from the previously mentioned list could be this. Once the fish’s condition has been examined, start the proper treatment.

Fin rot

Pseudomonas fluorescens is the bacterium that causes fin rot. It enters the aquarium together with fresh fish from the pet store, live food, soil, and décor.

The fins can be severely damaged by this infection quickly; they appear ripped, worn out, and damaged. The rot is treated in its early stages before spreading to the pet’s body and killing it entirely in its advanced stages.

  • the color of the fins changed to light blue;
  • red stripes appeared on the body;
  • cloudy eyes;
  • breaking of fins;
  • ulcers;
  • loss of appetite.

Treatment with "Levomycetin," "Streptocide," "Bicillin-5," and "Biseptol-480" is acceptable in the early stages. Adhere closely to the directions on the medication.

Citation! After buying, wait before putting the angelfish in a public aquarium. It is preferable to leave it in an old container that has been filled with store-bought water. Maintain quarantine for two to three days. It’s time to introduce the fish to the new pets if it doesn’t cause any controversy.

Red eyes

Worms are these. The signs and treatment options are explained above. The second possibility is that the recently acquired pet was unable to adjust to its new surroundings. For instance, it is not content with the water’s acidity. Irritation consequently surfaced. Advice: Speak with the veterinarian.

Swims upside down

This food poisoning is really bad. caused by water that has a high nitrite and nitrate content. The fish also exhibits abrupt, incomprehensible movements that cause injuries. Pet owners should be aware that nitrate shock can be fatal if they ignore this.

It’s necessary to make sure the aquarium has excellent aeration and filtering. Use a siphon to promptly remove food and waste from the water. Make tests to determine the liquid’s chemical composition on a regular basis.

Red gills

This is indicative of a rubella virus infection. It can seriously injure every aquarium occupant because it is extremely sharp and infectious. Warning signs:

  • the abdomen is covered with red spots;
  • the gills become inflamed and turn bright red;
  • inflammation of the scales and skin;
  • disruption of the internal organs, due to which the fish stops eating.

Since rubella has not been thoroughly investigated, neither its causes nor its treatments are known. The owner ought to get in touch with a veterinarian who can assist in developing a skillful course of care.

Lies on the bottom

This happens as a result of ichthyophonosis, alkalosis, acidosis, and swim bladder malfunction. Associated symptoms include fatigue, low mobility, unkempt appearance, appetite loss, and slightly enlarged eyes.

These illnesses frequently arise from an infectious pet that was recently bought from a pet shop. In this case, you should contact a physician so that they can diagnose the fish and determine its general health. After that, the vet will suggest a course of action.

Aid! Angelfish occasionally overeat and lie on the bottom. It has peculiar behavior, swims at an odd angle, and can spend hours lying on the bottom. Here, it’s crucial to heed the manufacturer’s advice regarding fish food.

Clouded eye

This phenomenon has multiple explanations. Stress is number one, vitamin A deficiency is number two, and parasites are number three. If the first two causes can be resolved, then treating worms or protozoa is necessary. Related symptoms:

  • white feces;
  • low mobility;
  • exhaustion;
  • red cloudy eyes;
  • loss of reaction.

You can get by with pet store-purchased medications during the initial stages of the illness. In severe situations, the fish is destroyed and the others are given the proper medication. The soil is calcined and the aquarium is cleaned.

Float at the surface of the water

It’s called hexamitosis. It has an impact on the gall bladder and intestines. The body is rife with open wounds, ulcers, and holes. The fish swims close to the surface, secretes white filiform epithelium, and does not eat.

Live food and cheap pet store items can introduce parasites into the water. You ought to speak with an expert for knowledgeable treatment advice.

Maintaining a healthy and lively aquarium requires knowledge of and attention to the main diseases that affect angelfish. You can treat your fish and avoid more problems by identifying the outward symptoms of illness, such as odd spots, behavioral changes, or unusual swimming patterns. Keeping a careful watch on your angelfish can have a significant impact on their recovery because prompt detection is essential for effective treatment.

Angelfish are susceptible to ich, fin rot, and velvet disease, among other common illnesses. These ailments all have different symptoms and call for different courses of action. For instance, fin rot can result in the fins deteriorating and appearing ragged, whereas ich usually manifests as white spots on the skin. Your angelfish can return to their healthy state by treating these problems with the right medication and making necessary tank conditions adjustments.

To ensure your angelfish are healthy overall and to prevent disease, you must maintain good water quality and feed them a balanced diet. Maintaining a varied diet, testing the water frequently, and cleaning the aquarium on a regular basis will keep your fish healthy and less prone to disease. Recall that taking preventative measures is always preferable to having to deal with major health problems later.

In conclusion, you can significantly improve your angelfish’s chances of recovering if you keep a close watch on them and take prompt action if you notice any problems. You can make sure your aquatic friends are in a healthy and happy environment by keeping up with common diseases and treatments. When you witness your angelfish swimming elegantly and healthily in your aquarium, your efforts will have been well worth it.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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