I noticed lately that my juvenile turquoise severum is sort of swimming abnormally and at times rubs up against objects in the tank (flower pots, plants, etc.)...not constantly but every once in awhile. I know the visual aspects of ich with the white spots, but they are not present right now (at least that I can tell). Is it safe to say it is in its early stages? Would it be wise to treat the entire 55 gallon tank for ich or will this harm the healthy fish? If so, what treatment would you recommend?
Ich?
- Thread starter frp13187
- Start date
Ok first, one thing to consider: Flashing or casual rubbing is not ONLY a sign of Ich. Rather; it is connected with several other ailments, as well as social behaviors depending on the pattern of such movements, the species and environment.
Though keeping an alert eye on your animals, and being ready to jump in to treat is an admirable quality in a fish-keeper, it can also be a detriment to you, should that eagerness dominate patience and proper diagnosis.
Medicinal poisoning is far more common than you may believe, and there are several ways to treat a number of ailments without the use of medicines. SO, though we need to figure out what is going on, do not simply assume that your fish is inflicted with a disease such as Ich, simply because he/she displays one or two of the "common symptoms", because as I stated above, depending on the species and the environmental and social factors and fluctuations, those "symptoms" might not be disease related at all. If they are though, they may not be Ich. If you could provide a clear photograph of the fish in question here, I will be able to assess the situation better for you.
Do me a favor though, I want you to do a Vit-check. Don't worry, I will explain what that is. The reason I want this is because if you can do it, and record and report back the information, it will tell me a lot more than you simply trying to explain it on your own. A Vit-Check is a Vitals Check, typically ran in either 2min or 5min "sessions" with an animal in question. The frequency of the checks depends on the severity of the diseased or injured animal, and is sometimes repeated every hour, or even as frequent as ever half-hour, and depending on specifics being monitored, can be extended out to much longer sessions as well.
I would simply like you to do 2 checks for me in a 5-min session for each. Do them 2 hours apart.
What you are looking for:
* Respiration (Gills beats and oral "sucking/yawning")
* Coloration (note natural markings, plus gill coloration)
* Fins (look for any damaged tissue, blood streaking, discoloration, etc.)
- Also note their performance (are they extended, any difficulty in swimming?)
* Eyes (check for clarity, tissue quality, and alertness)
* Skin overall (look for lesions, bumps, blisters, missing scales in patches, protruding scales, excess slime, reddening, blanching, etc., etc. - anything out of the ordinary.)
* Appetite ( is he/she eating, what are they eating, how is their behavior when food is introduced - leisurely or excited, etc.)
* Socialization (swimming around others or keeping to himself? Aggressive towards others near or placid?, etc.)
*Swim patterns (do they appear erratic, or like the animal is having difficulties navigating, staying upright, swimming in any one particular direction, or appear to be in any form of discomfort?)
There, that is a basic list that should provide me with a lot of vital observational information, if you can provide it. All you need to do is know what you are looking for (listed above) and watch the fish like a hawk for the five minute session, recording your observations in the form of quick notes as you go. Even if it seems like it may be unimportant, here is a quick tip: If it catches your attention - note it!
If you can do this and provide a clear and close picture, I and others will be able to assist you more accurately and a lot faster. Thanks.
-Emi
Though keeping an alert eye on your animals, and being ready to jump in to treat is an admirable quality in a fish-keeper, it can also be a detriment to you, should that eagerness dominate patience and proper diagnosis.
Medicinal poisoning is far more common than you may believe, and there are several ways to treat a number of ailments without the use of medicines. SO, though we need to figure out what is going on, do not simply assume that your fish is inflicted with a disease such as Ich, simply because he/she displays one or two of the "common symptoms", because as I stated above, depending on the species and the environmental and social factors and fluctuations, those "symptoms" might not be disease related at all. If they are though, they may not be Ich. If you could provide a clear photograph of the fish in question here, I will be able to assess the situation better for you.
Do me a favor though, I want you to do a Vit-check. Don't worry, I will explain what that is. The reason I want this is because if you can do it, and record and report back the information, it will tell me a lot more than you simply trying to explain it on your own. A Vit-Check is a Vitals Check, typically ran in either 2min or 5min "sessions" with an animal in question. The frequency of the checks depends on the severity of the diseased or injured animal, and is sometimes repeated every hour, or even as frequent as ever half-hour, and depending on specifics being monitored, can be extended out to much longer sessions as well.
I would simply like you to do 2 checks for me in a 5-min session for each. Do them 2 hours apart.
What you are looking for:
* Respiration (Gills beats and oral "sucking/yawning")
* Coloration (note natural markings, plus gill coloration)
* Fins (look for any damaged tissue, blood streaking, discoloration, etc.)
- Also note their performance (are they extended, any difficulty in swimming?)
* Eyes (check for clarity, tissue quality, and alertness)
* Skin overall (look for lesions, bumps, blisters, missing scales in patches, protruding scales, excess slime, reddening, blanching, etc., etc. - anything out of the ordinary.)
* Appetite ( is he/she eating, what are they eating, how is their behavior when food is introduced - leisurely or excited, etc.)
* Socialization (swimming around others or keeping to himself? Aggressive towards others near or placid?, etc.)
*Swim patterns (do they appear erratic, or like the animal is having difficulties navigating, staying upright, swimming in any one particular direction, or appear to be in any form of discomfort?)
There, that is a basic list that should provide me with a lot of vital observational information, if you can provide it. All you need to do is know what you are looking for (listed above) and watch the fish like a hawk for the five minute session, recording your observations in the form of quick notes as you go. Even if it seems like it may be unimportant, here is a quick tip: If it catches your attention - note it!
If you can do this and provide a clear and close picture, I and others will be able to assist you more accurately and a lot faster. Thanks.
-Emi
