If you are noticing any odd behavior in your salt water aquarium, you’re most likely going to have to accept that some of your fish are sick. You’re also going to have to realize that it’s probably your fault. Now I know this sounds harsh, but every once in a while even you (yes, you) need some tough love. So, deal with it!
Truly though, fish are extremely resilient, so if they are infected by parasites, fungi, or anything else, it’s probably because they are living in a less than ideal environment. Any number of things could make your exotic fish weak and susceptible to illness. One of these things could be that you are feeding them unsuitable food, or you’re giving them too much food, which is deposited as waste in the tank. Another precursor to sickness is a lack of oxygen and improper lighting (too high or too low).
There are several other things that could be causing illness in your aquarium. One of the primary ways that parasites and other things get in is when you introduce a new species to the tank. This could be a new fish, plant, or even water from a nasty source. Another thing that could cause your fish to become ill is rearranging your tank. You must always keep in mind that fish need room to swim and move around and that the placement of props in your tank should leave room for aeration as well. Another thing that could be negatively affecting your fish is aquarium placement. If your aquarium is near a window the fish could be getting too much sun and heat, making them more susceptible to sickness.
If you’re beginning to notice some strange goings on in your aquarium and you think something may be the matter, there are a few things you should look for. The following are just a few ways that you can tell your fish may be becoming ill. First of all, they will have little sense of direction and will appear to be swimming around aimlessly. They will also be sluggish in their movements. Their fins might also be droopy and you may notice lesions, white spots, or even growths on the fish. They might even lose their shiny luster.
Now, the following signs of illness may seem kind of self explanatory or unnecessary, but some people out there just aren’t as bright as you (yes, you), so I’ll list them anyway. If you see your fish either floating at the top of the water or lying at the bottom of the tank, it’s a pretty safe bet that there is something wrong. At this point, you might not be able to help Mr. Fishy because he’s probably long gone. Sorry, you’re bad! Bulging eyes or bloated or emaciated fish are also a sign that there’s something fishy going on (haha, puns!).
Did you appreciate these tips? Did you enjoy my tough love approach? Let me tell you, I love being tough of people, so if you want I could do it regularly. Let me know!