Fin Rot Tail Fin Rot Disease
Fin rot is the degeneration of the tissue between the individual rays of fins caused by a bacterial infection often brought on by bad water conditions. The fins especially tail fin may already be damaged by a bullying fish or bad handling. This is one of the most common tropical fish diseases
and often occurs as a secondary infection. It can usually be cured, but if left untreated, like most diseases will kill the fish and will infect other fish in the tank.
Symptoms Of Fin and Tail Rot
This disease is quite easy to diagnose as the fins begin to fray and rot away. The fins edges turn white and the base of the fins become enflamed. If left the whole of the fins will eventually rot away.
Treatment Of Fin and Tail Rot
Fin rot is a disease associated with stress. Common causes are poor water quality, overcrowding the tank, poor diet and fish handling. The first thing to do is check the temperature and PH level of the water is suitable for the type of fish that you are keeping. Regardless of the outcome perform a water change. The aquarium keeper should be doing partial changes as a routine task. A careful examination of the tank is the next thing to do. If there is un eaten food its well worth vacuuming the tank. Another thing to check is the food that you are feeding your fish. The flake food does begin to loose its vitamin content quickly, especially if allowed to become excessively dry. Always buy high quality food as fish soon become ill if under nourished. The water temperature is important for fish that have long wavy tails. If the root cause is corrected, antibiotics will usually cure the disease itself. Use a drug that is effective against gram negative organisms. Chloramphenical, Oxytetracycline, and Tetracycline, are good choices. Treat according to manufacturers instructions. If conditions remain consult your local aquatic store.
