1. FISH HEALTH Presentation on FISH HEALTH

2. How do you know if a fish is healthy? Name four indicators of good health in fish Describe five symptoms of ill health in fish What might cause ill health in fish? How can you prevent fish from becoming ill? Introduction

3. How do you know if a fish is healthy? You will need to know about individual species normal behaviour and appearance before you can evaluate if it is healthy or not. This can be researched and gained by observing the fish in the tank. Once you have established what is ‘normal’ for each fish it is then easier to identify what might be abnormal. Fish Health

4. A visual health check should include checks of the following: Colour Body shape and condition Behaviour Feeding responses Condition of fins and gills Vent Swimming position Abnormalities, growths, injuries. Health Checks Fish Health

5. Colour: The fishes colour should be dense, bright and have clear pattern. Body shape and condition: The body shape should be the expected standard for the species. It should be free of unusual lumps bumps or swellings. Scales should be undamaged and flat against the body. Behaviour: This should conform to the expected normal for the species e.g. Nocturnal fish hiding during the day. Shoaling fish swimming together. Generally they should be alert and active. Feeding responses: Again this will depend on the species but most captive fish are conditioned to rush to the food once it is in the tank and eat enthusiastically. All fish should be observed at feeding times so that potential non feeders can be identified. Fish Health What can be considered as general signs of good health?

6. Condition of fins and gills: A healthy fish will hold its fins erect and ‘display’ how healthy it is. The fins and tail should be intact with no damage. Gills should be moving normally and be intact and red in colour. Vent : A healthy fish should have a clean, clear vent with no discharge. Swimming position: all healthy fish should be able to maintain their swimming position in the tank even against a strong current from a filter. Abnormalities, growths, injuries: There should be no ‘additional extras’, no sores open wounds, growths, etc. Fish Health More signs of good health

7. Colour: sick and stressed fish will often lose their colour and ‘fade out’. Some species e.g. clown loach do this as a sign of dominance so check species behaviours first. Body shape and condition: the body may be bloated, or sunken in, scales may sick out from the body or be damaged. Behaviour: Any abnormal behaviours such as rubbing themselves against rocks. Sick fish often hide away or lay dormant on the gravel, or gasp at the surface. Feeding responses: Ill or stressed fish often go off their food. Fish Health What are the signs of ill health?

8. Condition of fins and gills: a sick fish will often clamp its fins against its body, sick or stressed fish may have tattered or damaged fins. Gills may lose their colour and /or be damaged. Vent: fish suffering from internal problems may have trailing faeces. Swimming position: Fish are unable to keep their swimming position and may continually bob to the surface or even sink. Abnormalities, growths and injuries: open wounds, sores, growths, spots, ‘passengers’, swollen eyes are all signs of a health problem. Fish Health Other signs of ill health To see examples of unhealthy fish, view the animation and video in the fish health section.

9. Bad water quality Inappropriate diet Temperature ( too high or too low) Stress Bullying Viral diseases Fungal infections Bacterial infections Parasites Fish Health What can cause ill health in fish?

10. Provide an appropriate well filtered tank with suitable water conditions for the species, i.e. correct temperature, pH, water hardness, low nitrate levels etc. Provide appropriate diet and décor to meet species needs. House only suitable species together, make sure they are compatible and not likely to bully or eat each other. Only select healthy looking fish to add to the tank and do not overstock. Quarantine new fish to ensure they are healthy before introducing them to an established tank. Fish Health How do you prevent the causes of ill health in fish?

11. You will have indications of possible risks to the fish often before serious signs of ill heath appear if you: Regularly monitor water quality/ temperature / salinity etc. Make daily routine visual health and behaviour checks on all the tank occupants. Keep records of all tests and observations. Fish Health How will you know if there is likely to be a threat to the fishes health?

12. Identify the possible causes of the illness. Where possible remove or remedy the cause (this could be environmental) Provide suitable treatment. Isolate potentially contagious or seriously ill fish. Fish Health What do you do if you find a sick fish?