Fish

Jessie M Sanders, DVM, CertAqV When keeping aquarium fish, a lot of time and research goes into what is normal versus what is abnormal. It can be challenging to distinguish. Among these challenges are worms. What are they? Where do they come from? Are they dangerous to my fish and their environment? Depending on your system and fish aquarium setup, sometimes worms are a normal, natural, and unavoidable occurrence. But other times they can be an indication that something is very wrong with the health of your system. What is an Aquatic Worm? Many an aquatic hobbyist is confused when they see a long, milky string coming from their fish’s anus. However, this is not actually a worm at all, but a normal gastrointestinal secretion. Just as mucus coats the feces of other animals, fish tend to pass mucus when they are not eating, or between large, infrequent meals. This worm-like structure is completely normal and is no cause for alarm. True worms can be either parasitic or commensal, and internal or external. Parasitic worms act only in their best interest and at the expense of their hosts’ resources, whereas commensal worms either benefit their hosts, or have no effect on their host or environment. Aquatic reptiles and amphibians are much different from fish, but they can also be infected with worms. They can contract the same internal and external parasites as their terrestrial cousins.

Colorful and captivating, reef aquariums are as beautiful as they are fascinating. These saltwater aquariums mimic natural coral reefs, complete with colorful live corals, flashy fish, and interesting invertebrates.  Having your own oceanic ecosystem does come with a learning curve, however. Compared to their freshwater counterparts, reef aquariums require more specialized knowledge, equipment, and maintenance.  

Plants in freshwater aquariums do more than look nice. They also help keep the water clean, provide oxygen, and filter out toxins. Some also offer food or shelter for your fish, creating a more natural habitat. ,Whether your aquarium is new or you want to update its look, adding live aquarium plants will beautify your fish tank.   Here are 14 of the best live aquarium plants to include in your fish tank design. 

Water quality is important for the well-being of your goldfish. Temperature and pH are key parameters for overall fish health, and must be closely maintained.  

By LisaBeth Weber   There is no shortage of dog and cat Instagram accounts, but look for the same among pet fish, and you won’t find many. This lack of fish galleries was noted by one U.K. magazine, who questioned whether the lack of fish selfies correlated to a decline in fish pet sales. According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), out of nearly 125 million households, the number of homes with pets is nearly 85 million. Of that, the percentage of dog and cat ownership is 48% and 38% respectively, while freshwater fish is 10% and saltwater fish is 2%. For the curiosity seekers, birds are 6%, reptiles are 4%, and horses are 2%. The Tech Evolution of Fish Ownership Ziggy Gutekunst, owner of the Hidden Reef Tropical Fish Store in Bristol, Pennsylvania, sees a shift rather than an increase or decrease and believes the aquatic industry is healthy overall. With a 20,000 square foot store and over 30 years of experience in aquatics, Gutekunst knows fish. “In the old days, more people had fish tanks. It’s different now,” says Gutekunst. “There aren’t as many young kids coming into the store, but those that do [come in] are involved and educated.” Gutekunst has also seen steady growth among millennials. From large aquariums that become part of the home décor to the foods and medicines needed to keep fish healthy, more attention is being given to caring for the fish, both physically and mentally, rather than keeping them just for background color. Being an aquarist (fish-keeper) has become a more sophisticated hobby. Gutekunst gives some of the credit to the growing influence of technology and how it can be utilized to care for our pets. “Because they can do so much research online, they come in with ideas and are eager to learn,” he said. There are now apps available to monitor and control everything remotely, from tank temperature to leak sensors to fish feeders. Owners can receive text alerts and watch their aquariums via webcams and web portals. With strict regulations on collecting wild fish for the retail trade, from permits to protected areas in the sea, Gutekunst also gives credit to the conscientious breeders and hobbyists who are promoting sustainable fish collecting and are reaching out to teach beginning aquarists how to buy and raise fish ethically. “There is a lot of education to help protect the ecosystem,” said Gutekunst, adding that the biggest issue in fish care is for people to understand that they cannot release fish into the wild. “It causes problems, as with the Lionfish, an invasive species without a natural predator,” Gutekunst said. “If someone decides they don’t want their fish anymore, the best thing to do is bring them back to the store.”

Known for its vibrant colors and striking patterns, the mandarin dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) is a popular pick for saltwater aquariums—especially nano reef setups. Let’s dive into the details of caring for this unique species.  

“An aquarium suffering from a spike in temperature has several visible signs,” Matt Hayes of Fish Shop Matt explains. They include: Cloudy or murky water, which happens due to increased bacterial activity (this is also a sign that the tank is cycling or the biological filter was disturbed). Fish gravitating toward aeration devices or the water’s surface and gasping,You aren’t the only one who struggles to keep cool during the summer—your fish do too. If your home gets hot—whether your air conditioning is overwhelmed or you don’t have it—so does the water in your aquarium. Unfortunately, the higher water temperatures can lead to many issues, such as reduced oxygen levels and stressed fish. In addition to these emergency situations, there are some species of fish that prefer cooler temperatures, and some tanks that can overheat if they include a lot of equipment. Fortunately, by watching out for a few clear signs and acting when you spot a problem, you can cool things down for your fish. Whether you’re new to aquariums or just trying to plan ahead, this guide covers what to look for and the best ways to keep your aquarium safe and stable.

Carp pox is a viral disease which is caused by the herpesvirus infection. It is one of the oldest diseases seen in fish. As the disease weakens the fish with infection and lesions, it leaves the fish susceptible to secondary infections by other microorganisms. The fish also become disfigured by the disease. This disease usually affects carp and koi, but can also infect other types of fishes, and is therefore also named fish pox. Symptoms and Types Initially, the Carp pox shows up as milky skin lesions, which are smooth and raised in appearance. These lesions are not aesthetically pleasing and devalue the koi fish, which is known for its looks. In severe cases, the viral infection also diminishes the fish’s immunity and leaves the lesion-filled (papillomas) area prone to a secondary infection by bacteria.

Branchiomycosis in Fish   Branchiomycosis is a fungal infection; one of several serious and deadly infections that can affect a fish’s gills. This particular infection is most often due to the environmental conditions of the water in which the fish are kept.   Symptoms   Branchiomycosis affects the fish’s gills by causing them to become mottled, or blotchy in appearance due to the dying tissue. For this reason it is also known as “gill rot.” There may also be traces of gray on the surface of the skin. The infection begins in the gills and, if not interrupted, spreads out to the skin. The infected fish will become lethargic and will eventually suffer severe respiratory problems, including hypoxia, which can lead to death.  

Jump to section Choosing a Location Necessary Pond Equipment How To Build a Koi Pond: Step by Step Maintaining Your Pond Koi Pond FAQs