Fin rot

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fin rot is a symptom of disease in fish. This is a disease which is not difficult to treat, and fish usually will survive. Most common in the fancy varieties of goldfish and Bettas, fin rot can occur as a result of an injury, as a secondary infection once the fish has been weakened by another disease, or in some cases, as a primary infection (bacterial (Pseudomonas fluorescens) ).

Fin rot can be the result of a bacterial infection (which causes a more ragged rotting), or as a fungal infection (which rots the tail more evenly and is more likely to produce a white 'edge'). Sometimes, both types of infection are seen together. Infection is commonly brought on by bad water conditions, injury, poor diet, or outwintering fancy goldfish (who should live in warmer temperatures).

Fin rot starts at the edge of the fins, and destroys more and more tissue until it reaches the fin base. If it does reach the fin base, the fish will never be able to regenerate the lost tissue. At this point, the disease may attack the fish's body directly. This infection can happen overnight without warning.

The treatment is to do a major water change, add aquarium salt (salt without iodine, often called sea salt), and make sure that you are providing a healthy balanced diet with a lot of vitamins. Medications should be added as the main treatment.

[edit] External links

• Help with Fish Stress & Disease