People keep fishes for the many rewards the hobby bring. Known as hardy fishes, goldfish are popularly kept in home aquariums and garden ponds because the many advantages for keeping such species proves to make anyone’s fishkeeping venture more worthwhile. We know as fishkeepers, we should look after our aquarium’s and pond’s water conditions and over-all environment to make sure our fishes stay healthy and are free from diseases. Hardy as they are, our goldfish could get sick if not cared for well.

The many diseases that could affect your goldfish are a result of any or a combination of several factors. Your goldfishes’ genetics, environment, nutrition and many harmful microorganisms like parasites, bacteria and fungi all contribute in causing certain health conditions to your fishes. Though there are certain genetic anomalies in your goldfish like lack of an eye, odd-shaped mouth or late color changes that can be tolerated, genetically diseased fishes are mutated and have unexpected developmental changes which could already affect their health one way or another.

Environmental conditions could cause your goldfish to have Swim Bladder disorders. Because of such, aquarists should be watchful of high nitrite contents and generally poor water conditions. Parasitic diseases that could affect your goldfish are Ich, Anchor Worms, Fish Lice and White Spot. The Ich (Ichtyopthirius) is the most common of all. When your goldfish is stressed, it becomes more vulnerable to this condition and is known to be deadly if not managed early. Similarly, White Spot is a stress-related condition. When Anchor Worm and Fish Lice attach to your goldfish, they could be manually removed. But the problem of its ability to quickly reproduce makes management of the condition to take a little while. Bacterial infections known to goldfishes are FinRot and Dropsy. FinRot is an opportunistic bacterial infection that takes advantage of frail fishes. It is characterized by white edges on your goldfishes’ fins, but is generally easy to cure. Dropsy, on the other hand, is an internal infection that could cause the scales of your fishes to appear sticking out, and is most detrimental, often causing your goldfish to die. Like most bacteria, fungal infections are opportunistic and would tend to thrive on open wounds, causing a white cottony appearance on your fishes’ injuries. Your goldfishes could also experience digestive problems such as constipation when they are not eating the proper food. With cause not fully understood, Hole in the Head is a deadly disease most prevented by maintaining water on a regular basis. Less common, but could affect your fishes, are body and gill flukes, costia, lymphocustis, velvet disease, columnaries and Trichodina.

These diseases that could affect your goldfish have certain treatments and management options. But knowing the best water temperature, diet, space requirements and more of their needs would prepare and equip you in preventing such. Examining your goldfish regularly, water-quality checks and proper maintenance, along with a proper understanding of your goldfishes and all conditions most suited for them, is important to have disease-free goldfishes.

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A known potentially lethal disease of Oscar fishes is the “Hole-in-the-Head” (HITH). The disease affects sensory organs in the fishes’ face and lateral lines, characterized by small sores above the fishes’ eyes which grows, penetrates the skin and creates small holes or pits. For some reason, the Oscar fish is among those most susceptible to HITH. Cause of how the disease came about is inconclusive. Many theories have surrounded the development of the disease such as carbon and flagellate Hexamita parasite, but many believes that stress, food and water plays a very great role in Oscar fishes getting sick from this disease.

As you become more familiar with keeping Oscars, you would come across with other conditions common to Oscars if not kept in the best conditions. Occasionally, you would see your Oscars with cuts and abrasions and damaged fins. This may be caused from squabbling with other Oscars or from rubbing against some rocks or decorations in the tank. These injuries are mostly superficial and would heal up reasonably quick. As long as you keep your water in good condition, there is no need for medicating the tank. If the injury on your Oscar fish looks nasty and does not heal in a reasonable time, you should consider calling a local vet and obtain medications for treating your tank.

If you notice grey, white or brown cotton-wool type growth on your Oscars’ skin, they may be developing fungal infections which can often cause an outbreak if you have a community tank. Fungal infections can also cause serious physical damage to your fish if they have existing cuts and abrasions. When this happens, fungal remedies used to treat the water which can be obtained from local fish stores and should be used. One other condition that could affect other fishes in the tank is the Velvet disease. It is a dangerous parasitic infection that needs immediate attention. It is mostly treated by anti-parasite medication but seeking expertise from a professional is more advised. Pop-eye disease and Finrot are some of the diseases your Oscar fish can also have and are either caused by bacterial infection, poor water quality and parasitic infestation. These conditions are normally treated by antibacterial medications.

Feeding your Oscar with live goldfish and guppies increases the chance of introducing diseases. Vegetarian cichlid pellets, peas, lettuce, earthworms and shrimps are more advised. Keeping your water healthy and well-filtrated is also one way to assure your Oscars stay healthy. Frequent interaction with your Oscars is helpful to observe for changes in them. Besides, these fishes are very sociable and love to be lifted from the water, it would be a good chance for you to inspect and observe them. Your Oscar fish makes wonderful and interesting pets. It is your responsibility to care for them and provide them a healthy environment, and they would in turn be great companions for a long time.

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