Goldfish Station

Like all infestations, weakened fish fall victim first. The gill fluke (Dactylogyrus) is very easily detectable. It causes the gills to swell up pink and red, and the fish spends lots of time near the surface trying to suck in air. Sometimes a puss like fluid will be exuded from the gills at this time. These flukes are microscopic parasites that lodge themselves in the gills. Sometimes the fish have a severe color loss. The skin fluke (Gyrodactylus) gives the appearance of a swelled-up coat of some sort. As in all other parasite manifestations, the host fish is constantly trying to rub itself against objects to scrape off the infestation.

Again, pet stores have pest-control remedies for this ailment, which is more easily treatable than other diseases. Again, the tank also needs to be treated to make sure the infestation does not spread.

Some experts add formaldehyde to the water where the fish has been quarantined. Do this only if commercial solutions are unavailable or have not resulted in a cure. Place the fish in a gallon of water. Add fifteen drops of formaldehyde every minute for ten minutes. Then remove the fish and place it in the hospital tank. Repeat this process daily for three days. Don't just dump in a whole load of formaldehyde - it may kill your fish. It is important to follow the instructions and time it precisely.

Sometimes fry fall victim to this parasite. They are not strong enough to make it on their own. Make a solution of twelve tablespoons of salt to two quarts of water. Dip the fry in for thirty to forty-five seconds each. Put them in a hospital tank and repeat the process again one hour later.