Fish Disease Information and Treatment

Ultimate Guide to Reviving Discus Laying Down from Transport

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

Ultimate Guide to Reviving Discus Laying Down from Transport

en sept 23 2025
  When it comes to receiving discus fish that are laying down from transport, it is crucial to follow the proper steps to ensure their well-being. Discus fish are known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns, making them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. Here is the ultimate guide to receiving discus laying down from transport. 1. Acclimation Process Upon receiving your discus fish, it is important to acclimate them to their new environment. Float the sealed bag in the aquarium for about 15-20 minutes to allow the water temperature to equalize. This will help reduce stress on the fish during the transition unless the bag is inflat at arrival then will require to acclimate with difference  technique.  Some case, the bag is inflat at arrival, you should prepare a container which has an airstone then open the bag => dump the water and fish out to a container => use an air tubing to acclimate. Depending on water parameter between your tank and supplier tank, you should slow acclimate or let water freely flow. At texas Aqua, our PH normally around 7.2-7.6 and tds around 300-350ppm, We know the water parameter from breeder so we nomally dont worry too much about those number, we just prepare 1/4 water on our tank matching with the bag then cut and dump. We let water filling in and draining out as the same time. We never have any issue with this technique  2. Water Quality Check Before releasing the discus fish into the aquarium, make sure to check the water quality parameters such as temperature, pH level, and ammonia levels. Discus fish are sensitive to changes in water conditions, so it is essential to maintain a stable and clean environment for them. 3. Quarantine Period It is recommended to quarantine the new discus fish for a period of 2-4 weeks to monitor their health and prevent the spread of any potential diseases to other fish in the aquarium. During this time, observe the discus for any signs of illness or stress. If fish laying down right after you release them from the bag, this is normal. Please do not panic, Just lower the water down to 1 inch above the upper fin in normal standing position. add airstone, add header and keep it at 84-86F. Add some aquarium salt and add metrodinazole 500mg/10 gallon, do not turn the light on nor trying to feed the fish. Just leave them alone. After 10 hours, add another dose of metrodinazole then do water change after 24h then add metro and salt again. Remember do not raise water until fish swimming back to normal.  4. Feeding Schedule Establish a regular feeding schedule for the discus fish, offering them a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. It is important to provide a balanced diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met and to promote healthy growth and vibrant colors. If you use RO water, you should always remineral such as vitamin, Ca,Mg...to ensure it is enough so then can growth as fish require not just those in food. They will absorb it from water as well. 5. Tank Environment Create a suitable and stable tank environment for the discus fish with plenty of hiding spots, plants, and open swimming areas. Discus fish prefer warm water temperatures between 82-86°F and soft, slightly acidic water conditions. Maintain good water circulation and filtration to keep the tank clean. By following these steps, you can successfully dealing with discus fish laying down from transport and provide them with a healthy and thriving environment in your aquarium. Remember to monitor their behavior and health regularly to ensure they are happy and thriving in their new home.  

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

Discus Stop Eating And String White Poop

en oct 14 2023
Discus fish are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their vibrant colors and unique shape. However, they are also known for their sensitivity to changes in their environment, making them susceptible to various health issues. One such problem that discus owners often encounter is when their fish stop eating and start producing white stringy poop. This could be a sign of a discus fish bacteria infection, which requires immediate attention.Understanding Discus Fish BehaviorBefore diving into the specifics of the bacteria infection, it's crucial to understand the normal behavior of discus fish. These tropical freshwater fish are generally peaceful but can be quite picky eaters. They have specific dietary requirements that need to be met for them to stay healthy.Under normal circumstances, discus fish produce dark-colored feces. If you notice a change in the color or consistency of their poop, particularly if it becomes white and stringy, it may indicate a health issue.Discus Stop Eating: A Cause for Concern?Discus fish can stop eating due to various reasons ranging from stress, poor water quality, inappropriate diet, or illness. While occasional fasting is not necessarily alarming, prolonged refusal to eat can lead to weight loss and other health complications.If your discus has stopped eating and is showing other signs of distress like lethargy or unusual swimming patterns, it's time to investigate further. The presence of white stringy poop along with these symptoms could point towards a bacterial infection.White String Poop: A Sign of Bacteria Infection?One common cause behind white stringy poop in discus fish is an internal bacterial infection. This condition is often accompanied by loss of appetite and lethargic behavior. The bacteria infection could be due to poor water quality or exposure to infected fish or plants.The bacteria can affect the digestive system of the discus, causing inflammation and damage. This leads to the production of white, stringy feces, which is basically undigested food passing through the fish's system.Treating Discus with string white poop.If you suspect your discus fish has a bacterial infection, it's crucial to act promptly. The first step is to isolate the sick fish from the rest of the tank to prevent the infection from spreading.Next, you'll need to improve water conditions as poor water quality is often a contributing factor. Regularly test your aquarium water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels and pH balance. Ensure that the temperature is kept stable within the range suitable for discus fish (between 82-86°F).Medication is usually necessary to treat bacterial infections in discus fish. At Texas Aqua, We will check to find down which type of internal bacteria it is. But we recomend deworm the fish ans use medication such as praziquantel, levamisole. If you cannot buy these ingridients, you can use Prazipro or Expel-P. Use those to deworm, then mix metrodinazol with food to feed or put straight metro into the water if fish not eating. If fish has white poop but it is cause by worm then the medication we normaly use called tinidazole. However, it's crucial to consult with a vet or an aquarium professional before administering any medication. We use those medication base on our experience after many years in keeping and breeding without confirmed from a vet so it is up to you. Preventing Bacteria Infections in Discus FishPrevention is always better than cure when it comes to keeping your discus healthy. Here are some tips:1. Maintain Water Quality: Regularly check and adjust your aquarium’s water parameters.2. Balanced Diet: Provide a varied and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.3. Quarantine New Additions: Always quarantine new fish or plants before introducing them into your main tank.4. Regular Observation: Keep an eye on your discus' behavior and appearance for any signs of distress or illness.ConclusionDiscus fish are beautiful creatures that require careful attention and care. If your discus stops eating and starts producing white stringy poop, don't ignore these signs as they could indicate a bacteria infection.Remember that prompt action can make all the difference in treating bacterial infections in discus fish. By maintaining good water quality, providing a balanced diet, and observing regular quarantine practices, you can keep your discus fish healthy and happy.
How To Treat Hole In The Head

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

How To Treat Hole In The Head

en oct 14 2023
If you're a fish enthusiast, you know that keeping your aquatic pets healthy is paramount. However, sometimes, despite your best efforts, they can fall sick. One such disease that affects discus fish is the bacteria infection known as 'Hole in the Head.' This condition can be quite alarming for fish owners due to its peculiar symptoms and potential severity. But don't worry! This blog post will guide you through understanding and treating this discus fish bacteria infection effectively.1. What is Hole in the Head Disease ?The Hole in the Head disease, also known as Hexamita or HITH, is a common ailment among discus fish and other cichlids. It's characterized by small pits or holes on the head or along the lateral line of the fish. The condition gets its name from these distinct symptoms.This disease is primarily caused by a protozoan parasite named Hexamita that thrives in freshwater environments. However, poor water quality, nutritional deficiencies, and stress can also contribute to this condition.2. Recognizing Symptoms of Hole in the Head DiseaseEarly detection of Hole in the Head disease is crucial for successful treatment. The initial signs include loss of appetite and color fading. As the disease progresses, small indentations start appearing on the head or body of your discus fish.In severe cases, these holes may become larger and deeper, leading to secondary bacterial infections if left untreated. The infected fish may also exhibit erratic swimming patterns due to discomfort.3. How to treat hole in the head Once you've identified that your discus fish has contracted this bacteria infection, it's time to take immediate action.a. . Improve Water Quality: The first step towards treating any aquatic pet ailment is improving their living conditions. Regularly change at least 25 and more % of your aquarium water and maintain the temperature between 82-86°F. Also, ensure to remove any uneaten food or waste promptly to prevent ammonia build-up.b . Medication: Over-the-counter medications like Metronidazole are effective in treating Hole in the Head disease, you can buy it here: https://www.txaquatic.com/products/metronidazole . 500mg/10 gallons and salt, but we normal treat with stronger dose at Texas Aqua such as 500mg/5 gallons and 1 table spoon salt/ 2 gallons. It's best to consult with a vet or an aquatic expert for the correct dosage and treatment duration.c. Diet: A balanced diet is crucial for your discus fish's recovery. Include high-quality pellets, flakes, and frozen foods rich in vitamins A, D, and B complex in their diet.d. Quarantine: If you have multiple fish in your tank, it's advisable to quarantine the infected ones to prevent the disease from spreading.4. How to prevent Hole in the Head DiseasePrevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your discus fish healthy and free from bacteria infection:i. Regular Water Changes: Maintaining clean water is essential for your discus fish's health. Regular water changes help eliminate harmful toxins and parasites that can cause diseases like HITH.ii. Balanced Diet: Feed your discus fish a varied diet rich in essential nutrients to boost their immune system and prevent nutritional deficiencies that can lead to diseases.iii. Stress Reduction: Stress can make your discus fish more susceptible to diseases. Ensure they have enough space to swim freely, avoid overcrowding, and provide hiding spots for them.iv. Regular Health Check-ups: Regularly observe your discus fish for any signs of illness or abnormal behavior. Early detection can make treatment easier and more successful.While Hole in the Head disease can be distressing for both you and your aquatic pet, remember that it's treatable with proper care and attention. By maintaining good water quality, providing a balanced diet, reducing stress levels, and administering appropriate medication when necessary, you can ensure that your discus fish recovers fully from this bacteria infection and continues to thrive in its aquatic home.
How To Treat Discus Flukes?

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

How To Treat Discus Flukes?

en oct 05 2023
Discus fish, with their vibrant colors and unique shape, are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. However, these beautiful creatures are also known for their susceptibility to various diseases. One such disease that can severely affect the health of your discus fish is a bacteria infection caused by discus flukes. This article aims to provide you with comprehensive information on how to identify, prevent, and treat discus fluke infections in your beloved aquatic pets.What is Discus Flukes ?Discus flukes are parasitic flatworms that attach themselves to the gills, skin or fins of the discus fish. They feed on the blood and body fluids of the fish, leading to severe discomfort and health issues. The most common types of flukes that affect discus fish are Dactylogyrus (gill flukes) and Gyrodactylus (skin flukes).These parasites can cause a range of symptoms in your discus fish including lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, excessive mucus production on the skin or gills, and visible spots or worms on the body or gills. If left untreated, a severe infestation can lead to death.How To Identifying Discus Fluke Infections?The first step towards treating any disease is accurate identification. Discus fluke infections often manifest as unusual behavior in your discus fish. You may notice your sick discus rubbing against objects in the tank or displaying erratic swimming patterns – these are signs that they may be trying to dislodge the parasites.Other symptoms include rapid breathing due to gill damage caused by the flukes and a decrease in appetite as the infection progresses. In advanced stages of infection, you might notice visible worms on your discus' body or around their gills.How To Preventing Discus Fluke Infections? Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent discus flukes, maintain optimal water conditions in your aquarium. Regular water changes, proper filtration, and avoiding overcrowding can significantly reduce the risk of a fluke outbreak.Quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank to ensure they are not carrying any parasites. Regularly inspect your discus fish for any signs of illness and act promptly if you notice anything unusual.How To Treat Discus Fluke Infections ? If you suspect your discus fish has a fluke infection, it's essential to act quickly. The first step is to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done by taking a skin or gill scrape and examining it under a microscope for the presence of flukes.Once confirmed, there are several treatment options available:1. Medication: Anti-parasitic medications such as Praziquantel(500mg/10 gallons) or Flubendazole(500mg/10 gallons) are effective in treating discus flukes. These medications can be added directly to the aquarium water.2. Salt Baths: A short-term salt bath can help dislodge the parasites from the fish's body. However, this should be done with caution as discus fish are sensitive to changes in water conditions.3. Formalin bath or soak, we only soak, not bath: Formalin(3.5 ml / 20 gallons for soaking technique). This is a powerful anti-parasitic agent that can effectively kill flukes. However, it's potent and should be used with care due to it is a very strong medication which will kill your fish if you using it wrong.4. Potassium Permanganate: This chemical can also be used to treat discus flukes but should be used cautiously due to its strong oxidizing properties.Remember that while treating your sick discus, it's crucial to maintain optimal water conditions in your tank and provide them with a balanced diet to boost their immune system.Discus flukes are a common issue that many aquarists face but with early detection and appropriate treatment, they can be effectively managed. Maintaining good aquarium hygiene and regularly monitoring your discus fish for signs of illness can go a long way in ensuring their health and well-being. If you're ever unsure about diagnosing or treating a discus fish bacteria infection, don't hesitate to seek advice from a professional aquarist or vet.
How To Treat Discus Plague?

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

How To Treat Discus Plague?

en oct 05 2023
As we can see discus fish are known for their vibrant colors and unique, round shape, making them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. However, like any other pet, discus fish are susceptible to various diseases. One of the most common and severe illnesses that can affect these beautiful creatures is the discus plague. This disease is caused by a bacteria infection and can be fatal if not treated promptly and effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify, prevent, and treat discus plague.Many Newbie in keeping discus can not identify any sign when discus fish get an issue. So today we will get into the definition of discus Plague.What is Discus Plague?Discus plague is a term used to describe a severe bacterial infection that affects discus fish. This disease is often characterized by rapid onset and progression, with affected fish showing signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, color fading, and rapid breathing. If left untreated, the discus plague can lead to high mortality rates within your aquarium.The bacteria responsible for this disease are usually present in most aquariums but only cause problems when the fish's immune system is compromised due to stress or poor water conditions. Cross contamination from an infected tank or equipment can also lead to an outbreak of this disease.Identifying Discus Fish Bacteria InfectionEarly detection of discus plague is crucial as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The first signs of a bacteria infection in your discus fish may include behavioral changes such as reduced activity levels or loss of appetite.Physical symptoms may include color fading or darkening, clamped fins (fins held close to the body), rapid breathing or gasping at the surface for air. In advanced stages of the disease, you may notice ulcers or sores on the body of your fish.Preventing Discus PlaguePrevention is always better than cure when it comes to dealing with diseases like discus plague. Here are some preventive measures you can take:1. Maintain Good Water Quality: Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels can help keep your discus fish healthy and stress-free.2. Quarantine New Fish: Always quarantine new fish before adding them to your main tank to prevent the introduction of diseases.3. Avoid Cross Contamination: Use separate nets, siphons, and other equipment for each tank to prevent cross contamination.4. Feed a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet can boost your fish's immune system, making them less susceptible to diseases.How To Treat Discus Plague ?If you suspect that your discus fish are suffering from a bacteria infection, it is crucial to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take and this is what we have been done to cure this issue:1. Isolate Infected Fish: Remove the affected fish and place them in a separate quarantine tank. This will help prevent the spread of the disease to other fish in your main aquarium.2. Antibiotic Treatment: We has use multiple tyfe of medication so we highly recomend Bactocide 1 : https://www.txaquatic.com/products/bactocide-1. Bactocide 2: https://www.txaquatic.com/products/bactocide-2. These medicines will cure the problem around 10 days. Consult with a vet or an experienced aquarist for advice on the best antibiotics for treating discus plague if you do not want to use bactocide 1 and bactocide 2. Commonly used antibiotics include kanamycin, metrodinazol (only active for 8hours after contact with water, 500mg/5-10 gallons water), tetracycline(work less for some type of bacteria and water look nasty, we don't use this much because less effective than other medication), japaniese tetra(soaking for 2 days. This is last step before move back to main tank) and salt(we use natural solar salt from homdepot, 1 table spoons/1-2 gallons). Remember keeping water at 84F, change all water every 24 hours or as soon as it look dirty before 24 hours and reapply medication. add an airstone to increase oxygen.3. Supportive Care: Provide supportive care by maintaining optimal water conditions in the quarantine tank and feeding a high-quality diet.4. Monitor Progress: Keep a close eye on the infected fish to monitor their progress. If there is no improvement after several days of treatment, consult with a vet or experienced aquarist for further advice.ConclusionDiscus plague is a serious disease that can have devastating effects on your aquarium if not addressed promptly and effectively. By understanding what causes this bacteria infection, how to identify it, and how to treat it, you can increase the chances of saving your beloved discus fish from this deadly disease.Remember that prevention is always better than cure; maintaining good water quality, avoiding cross contamination, quarantining new fish, and feeding a balanced diet can go a long way in keeping your discus fish healthy and disease-free.

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

DISCUS BLOATING, CAUSE AND TREATMENT

en ene 02 2022
Discus like any other living being can become sick and unwell. After many years in this hobby, we went through many issues so here we share with you how to identify, cause, how to make them better, and what medication we can use just in the advent that anything does goes wrong. Very often I get asked by many new discus keepers what medicines I would recommend keeping in hand, just in case their discus becomes ill and sick. First, we must identify what is bloating and what cause the issue.  1. Bloating caused by water quality - Symptoms  Your discus will look bloated - like he swallowed a marble. There may be an indentation behind the bloated area as if he had been pinched by your thumb and forefinger. Your discus may shimmy and shake. He may not be able to maintain his balance and will generally look uncomfortable and be dark in color.    - How to cure  + Clean water is very important to cure the bloating that caused by poor water quality. Please consistent water changes 50% every day during treatment. Treat with Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate - sold in grocery stores or drug stores as a foot soak for human). One to two teaspoons of Epsom Salt per every 10 gallons of water. Discus should be better in 4 hours or you can add another dose. Epsom salt will not hurt the filter or the other fish. You may dose in higher amounts of even one or two tablespoons per 10 gallons. If fish is not better in 24 hours suspect a bacterial infection.   2. Intestinal Flagellates   - Symptoms  Your discus may quit eating or spit out its food. White, stringy, mucus-like feces will hang like a thread from the anus. He may be dark in color and stay in the back of the tank away from the other discus.  - How to treat  Move the sick fish to a hospital tank if only one fish has symptom or remove carbon filter, turn off all your filtration system if you need to treat all fish. Treat with Metronidazole (sold in pet stores as Hexa or Metrozol) https://www.txaquatic.com/products/metronidazole . This medication can be purchased online from several sources including Txaquatic.com. Use 500 mg per 10 gallons of water. Keep tank temperature at 92 degrees above. Dose each day after a 50% water change for 3 to 5 days. Remember using 92-degree F water for water changes. Feed sparingly of favorite foods. Keep water temperature elevated for a week after treatment ends. It may take a week or so for the discus to regain its appetite. In severe cases of long standing, you may need to dose every 8 hours for three days.   3. Gill Flukes or Bacterial Disease - Symptoms  Your discus may breathe rapidly. Gills may be flared. He may be dark in color and stay apart from the other discus. Head may be pointed down at a 45degree angle.   - How to treat   Move the sick fish to a hospital tank if only one fish has symptom or remove carbon filter, turn off all your filtration system if you need to treat all fish, recommend treat all fish in tank. Treat with Formalin (formaldehyde) sold in pet stores as Formalin and in a combination with dyes as Quick Cure and Rid Ick or can be purchased online. One cc or ml per 10 gallons of water along with 50% water change after 8 hours. Remember do not raise the temperature. Add extra air stone as it will depletes oxygen. If you see an improvement after first dose you can treat every other day for two weeks.  you can also use this Praziquantel to treak gill fluke: https://www.txaquatic.com/products/fluke  4. Copepods  - Symptom  Little skittery bugs you can barely see skitter and hop on the bottom of the tank and inside the filter. They are a symptom of overfeeding.    - How to treat   Treat with Fluke Tabs sold in pet stores or online https://www.txaquatic.com/products/fluke . Make sure inside of tank and filters are clean. Day one does a 50% water change and dose one tab per 10 gallons. Day two and three do regular water changes. Day four dose one tab per 10 gallons.    5. Planaria   - Symptoms   White dots on the glass walls of the tank and inside the filter. Planaria love smooth surfaces.   - How to treat   Treat by cleaning your tank, rinsing the filter, wiping down the inside of your tank and increasing water changes. Decrease amount fed and use a pre-filter if food and feces are being sucked into the filter. You can also dose with formalin at 1 cc per 10 gallons, but would need to watch for ammonia spike if heavy die off.   All the information above is based on our experience. This statement is not replaced for any doctor advise. This is just an option for treatment and you make your own decision on how you treat your fish. We have been successfully treating our fish farm by the technique above for many years so we would like to share it with you. Don't hesitate to contact us for any question. info@txaquatic.com         
POP-EYE: THE SWELLING OF DISCUS EYES

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

POP-EYE: THE SWELLING OF DISCUS EYES

en ene 01 2022
1. Identify, symptom and the reason to cause of bulging eyes Pop-eye is not a specific discus disease itself but describes a condition and can be a symptom of an illness or infection in fish. In medical term, it also known as exophthalmia. This is a condition where the eye of the fish is swollen and protrudes abnormally from its socket due to various underlying diseases. This issue affect on single eye or both eyes. This illness cause by a bacteria named Steptococcus.   Note: The picture above was used with permission from " Handbook of Fish Diseases" by TFH Publications, Inc. It also may be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. If the fish suffers from both pop-eye and dropsy (edema of the belly), the prognosis is bleak. Internal problems, such as kidney failure or a metabolic issue can result in fluid build-up, making it extremely hard to treat your fish. Poor water conditions can also contribute to pop-eye and fish that are sensitive like discus will be affected faster than other hardy fish. In late stages the spine can curve. Often times they stay at the back of the tank.  2. How to treat Pop-eye on discus fish.  Please look for any sign, symptom to identify the problem before treatment. This step is very important as it will give you more chance to success treating the illness fish. Treatment for pop-eye will depend upon the underlying cause. The treatment step bellow is base on our experience and apply for fish from Texas Aquatic only. We are not guaranty or using this statement to replace for any doctor advises. You make your own decision on how you want to treat but these step worked perfectly for us after many years in keeping and breeding fish specially with discus fish. a. If pop-eye caused by poor water quality, you must do a heavy water change. This sometime will fix the problem. b. If the pop-eye caused by bacteria then please follow these steps: - Lower temperature and keep between 80 to 82 degrees F. - Use Epsom salt, 1 to 2 tablespoons for every 10 gallons aquarium water. - Use antibiotic with an internal affect such as Neomycin, Kanamycin, and Erythromycin. 500mg/10 gallons aquarium water. These are some example of medication that work well for this issue. You can use as directed, if improvement is noted, please continue through a second course of treatments. - Do not change water until day 5 in the treatment, before the third does of antibiotic. New water helps the bacteria more than it helps the fish. If water is too dirty, just change 10-20% then reapply second and keep continue the treatment. After day 4, change 50-70% of water. - Lowering PH will inhibit bacteria(6.0 range), this also prevent any ammonia becoming toxic if the bio filter is affected, which means less stress for fish. - If the fish start eating, a medication such as Discomed may be added to the food.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALTUM AND SCALARE ANGELFISH

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALTUM AND SCALARE ANGELFISH

en jul 26 2021
The Altum Angel is a wild fish from the rivers of Colombia, South America. This fish is really rare in the wild compared to other freshwater angelfish, first identified by Dr. Axelrod as Pterophyllum scalare altum. This species was later re-identified as Pterophyllum altum. The Altum Angelfish can be identified by the silver vertical brown stripes on the body. The fins are slender and long, extending most of the body of the fish. This is the most beautiful of the angelfish.Altum Angel needs a glass tank with a minimum capacity of 30 gallons of water, with soft, acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the tank, but need to leave space for the fish to swim freely. When raising Altum Angelfish, you need to feed them a full range of different foods including plants, vegetables, and meats.- How to identify the Egyptian Altum-Peruvian Altum and the 3 stripes: + Egyptian angelfish- The most special feature is the Egyptian angelfish with a size of up to 6 inches, the largest of the angelfish species.- The fins are stretched, the longitudinal stripes are bold and close together (closeness between the lines), the size of the black bars is also uniform and larger than other angelfish. (This point is not very accurate, when the fish reaches a large size, you can see it quite more accurate) - Standing fin close to 90 Degree- The mouth of the Egyptian angelfish has a clear broken point- The color of Egyptian angelfish if about five colors, the end of the fin and the tail fin of the Egyptian Altum is red + Peruvian angelfish- Although the fins are tight but still not as tight as the Egyptian angelfish, the stripes are also bold but not close together (tightness between the lines) like the Egyptian altum- The space between the two main stripes never goes straight down to the abdomen (When young, it can be pulled down to the abdomen, but as it gets older, it becomes more blurred and only extends less than 1/3 from the dorsal fin to the middle near the middle of the body. - The biggest difference is that there are dots and spots on the body of the Peruvian angelfish + Three-striped angelfish -  While the mouth of the Egyptian angelfish has a broken point, then the 3-stripes has only a slight fracture- The size of the three-stripe angelfish is up to 3 inches only, not up to 15cm like the Egyptian Altum- The 3-stripes angelfish color shines a lot of blue, and the Egyptian Altum has many colors such as five colors, and red tail fins- The selling price of the Egyptian angelfish is about 10-15 times more expensive than the 3-stripes angelfish
HOW TO BREED DISCUS

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

HOW TO BREED DISCUS

en jul 20 2021
Discus is considered by many aquarists to be the most amazing freshwater fish, It is the "king of the aquarium" by their mystery look and the beautiful appearance as well as their behavior. . Discus is considered by many aquarists as the most amazing freshwater fish Where are discus come from: Amazonian Basin, Brazil South America, now widely farmed in Asia. Body shape The size is about 8 inches max under proper care and full growth, the height is equal to the length, making the body shaped like a round disk. The mouth is small, the eyes are large and often red or yellow. Males are usually larger than females. Characteristics Fish need a large space to swim, suitable for quiet places, or startled when they see people. Discus likes to live where clean water has a low pH of 5 - 7, the temperature is from 82-84 o F. Discus fish is a species that love eating worms, lentils, heart, liver, ground beef... or industrial foods with a protein content higher than 30%. Breeding Male fish: large shape, slightly hunched head, saggy ventral fin, under the abdomen the concave fin area looks very clear, more aggressive than female fish. Females: usually smaller than males with short protruding genital spines, divided into 2 pointed lobes and slightly curved back. Fish can spawn after 12-18 months of age. When they mature, they will pair up with each other, separate the group and swim to a corner. It is difficult for discus to breed artificially, artificial spawning tanks should have a slightly acidic pH (PH=5.5-6). The mating phase occurs during the spawning period, the pair of fish will separate themselves in a corner of the tank, using their mouth to clean the place where they will spawn. These fish often stay close to their mouths, wag their tails, chase each other, and scare away other fish that come near them. Then they swim in pairs, entwined with each other. A few days before spawning, the fish has a shivering phenomenon, shaking the whole body, folding the fins, sometimes standing still in place, rarely catching prey. When the fish is born, the head is lowered to 45 degrees, at this time the genital spines are clearly visible, the color is very bright. The female fish lays eggs vertically on the substrate, from the bottom up, the male fish also follows that route to spread sperm to fertilize the eggs. The number of eggs laid by the female participating in the first spawning is usually 70-80 to 150, sometimes more. Fertilized eggs are transparent. Unfertilized eggs are cloudy. After 24 hours, the fertilized egg turns greyish white. At 86o F the eggs hatch within 55-57 hours. During this time, the male and female fish take turns moving pectoral fins to fanning water so the eggs to get enough ventilation. Egg hatching rate: 60-90%. Should give the fish to spawn in a quiet place (cage, cover the fish tank). Breeding fry: After the eggs hatch into fry, the parents take the fry to another location. The fry cling to the wall of the tank or a substrate. Juveniles cannot swim yet and live off of reserves in the yolk sac below the abdomen. Any fish that is dropped will be brought back by the parents. After 60 hours, the fry can swim around the parents. The fry live by eating slime from the parents' bodies for 12-15 days. After that, the fry begin to eat small organisms in the water. About 18 days, the fry can eat artificial food. After 21 days they can find food on their own. Newly hatched fish is very small; after 1 week the fish is 1/8 of an inch long. About 2 weeks old, fish 1/4 inch long, straight striped body, gray-brown eyes. At 18 days, the fish is 1/2 inch long, the dorsal and pelvic fins are black and colored. About 5-6 weeks, the fish is about 1 inch long, shaped like an adult fish, but the color is unknown. After 3 months, the fish is 2.5 inch long and the color is clear, but it is not until the 5-6th month that the fish has the colorful color of the adult fish. In the first time, from day 7, should feed fry with live brine shrimp several times a day, avoid overfeeding. Food should be evenly distributed throughout the tank, avoiding large fish competing for food. Then until 2 and a half months, fish should be fed water lice (Daphnia), brine shrimp. Fish 3-4 months old feed more larvae, blood worm...etc. For the first few weeks, the water temperature should be kept at 84-86° F. Light for about 18 hours is recommended. But don't use too bright light. Translated by Son Nguyen
COMMON DISEASES IN FLOWERHORN AND HOW TO TREAT

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

COMMON DISEASES IN FLOWERHORN AND HOW TO TREAT

en jul 19 2021
2
Flowerhorn fish is a fish obtained through the re-creation method of aquarium artisans, but there is no such fish in nature. In fact, they are hybrids from many different fish species sharing a very diverse family of tilapia, which has more than 400 species. The first Flowerhorn appeared in aquariums in Malaysia. Flowerhorn fish often suffer from some of the following diseases: 1. Hole on the head The disease is caused by a single-celled parasite called Hexamita. The cause of the disease is poor water quality and improper fish care. In addition, it can also be due to improper diet.The disease usually manifests as small blisters or holes appearing on the head of the fish. These pimples are usually white and have mucus around them. When sick, fish is often accompanied with long white string. Treatment: This disease can be spread very easy, so it is important to isolate the sick fish as soon as it is detected. We put in the isolation tank a drug called Metronidazole (250mg for 10 gallon of water). Continue to add the drug to the tank with the same dosage as above for 10 days. During this time only change about 20-30% water between each treatment. It is possible that during treatment the fish will stop eating. If this disease is detected in time, the success rate of treatment is very high. 2. Inflammatory skin disease The disease is caused by bacteria Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vbrio. It can also be caused by a parasite or fungus. When sick, the external skin of flowerhorn fish will appear red and swollen patches that are getting bigger and bigger, whole body itching. So fish often rub their body against the bottom of the tank or any object in the tank. How to cure: When the fish shows the above symptoms, we must first conduct regular water changes. Note: Do not put in the aquarium any object with sharp, sharp edges because it will make the fish more scratched when rubbed. Add antibacterial drugs such as Methylene blue (5ml/10 gallon of water). Give the medicine once every other days for 10 days and change about 50% of the water before putting the medicine in. 3. Fish disease loss of balance When suffering from this disease, the fish suddenly loses its balance and lies on its side, the body is bent, indicating that there is an injury in the spine. Dermatitis at this time also appears on the fish. Therefore, the cause of the disease is thought to be damage to the muscles or vital areas of the body, genetic defects or malnutrition. How to cure: In fact, there is currently no effective treatment for this disease on the market. However, it can also be treated by lowering water level and changing the water every day, feeding the fish with your hands and helping the fish to return to a balanced position when the fish leans away. With this method, it takes a lot of time to be effective 4. Piercing disease Classified as nutritional and parasitic diseases, cichlids often suffer from this disease. When the fish is infected with this disease, its body, especially the head, often appears small holes, the fish has no appetite, the abdomen is sunken in, white string in fish waste, if not treated promptly, these holes will penetrate through the epidermis or abdomen, causing other diseases, leading to fish death. Fish with perforated head disease due to nutrition, the body color also gradually turns to a gloomy pale black color, at this time, Vitamin A, D3 can be added to the food. If it is infected, it must be disinfected. If the fish is sick due to parasites, in addition to the symptoms of a punctured head, the intestines and abdomen of the fish are also infected, accompanied by the phenomenon of floating white particles. This phenomenon may also be due to the deterioration of the water source, the change in water temperature, the density of rearing and spawning is too thick, the nutrition and oxygen are not enough to supply the fish. At this time, medicine must be used to treat the fish. 5. White spot disease Symptoms of the disease are white spots or a cluster of small yellow spots on the outside of the body. When fish are infected with white spot disease, they will be itchy and constantly rub themselves around the tank, so on their bodies appear small white cysts, this disease is easy to arise when the temperature and pH change. sudden change. White spot treatment: Mix Epsom salt into the water about 1 teaspoon for every 10-20 gallons, increase the water temperature to about 86 F or more, adding some metronidazole(500 mg / 20 gallon water) can help treating this problem as well. Or you can bathe the fish with salty water for 10 second and every day for 3-5 days. You can also use methylene blue for every other day for 5-10 days until the white spot disappear. This is very simple disease to treat for flower horn. normally just need increase water temperature and bath fish with Salt.   Translated by Son Nguyen
DISCUS CLOUDY EYES

Fish Disease Information and Treatment

DISCUS CLOUDY EYES

en jul 19 2021
Discus cloudy eye and treatment