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Various bacteria such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and myxobacteria |
Fin rot, characterized by the outer rays falling out
Split, ragged or stumpy fins, often with a white edge to them
Cloudy eyes
Increasing difficulty swimming
Fish may hide or lay on the bottom of the tank away from other fish
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Fin rot is a general term for necrotic loss of fin tissue, resulting in split or ragged fins. It is usually the edge of the fin that is attacked, although occasionally a hole may appear in the middle of the fin. The appearance of fin rot can vary between a distinct, semi-circular "bite" shape and a "shredded" effect.
The edge of the lesion is usually opaque or whitish. In advanced cases there may be some reddening or inflammation. The main threat from this fish disease is, if left untreated fin rot can slowly eat away the entire fin along with the fin rays and start to invade the fish's body, leading to peduncle disease if the caudal (tail) fin is involved, or saddleback ulcer if the dorsal (top) fin is affected. Fin rot is a bacterial disease involving opportunistic bacteria such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas or Flexibacter that abound in all aquatic environments. Secondary fungal infections are not uncommon. Coincidental infections with cotton-wool disease caused by the Flexibacter bacterium may arise.
Fin rot often occurs in fish that are in poor conditions for some reason. Recent importation, rough handling, fighting - especially 'fin-nipping - overcrowding, incorrect water conditions and poor feeding will all predispose fish to Fin rot. Fancy coldwater fish with long trailing fins may develop Fin rot if the water temperature fall very low (below 10°C/50°F), or if they are left in a garden pond over the winter.
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