FISH DISEASES 85 



Another very good after-treatment which may be used in summer 

 is to place the hospital tank under a small stream or drip. In making 

 the final change from salt back to fresh water, the drip is a very good 

 way to accomplish it. Dripping water may do all that is necessary, 

 especially if a fish is only on the doubtful line, which is more often the 

 case than not. 



Summer offers one more treatment when all others fail— place the 

 affected fish in a shallow mud-bottom tank or pool. This is especially 

 beneficial to goldfishes. 



When a skilled aquarist finds a fish a little out of condition, but 

 with apparently nothing radically wrong, his first treatment is to remove 

 the fish to another tank if he has one available. This often has the 

 stimulating effect of a change of climate and usually wards off more 

 serious trouble that might be developing. As with ourselves and all 

 animals, it is much better to prevent an ailment, if possible, by improved 

 conditions, rather than by recourse to drugs or chemicals. 



The foregoing is general in character but will be found useful in 

 most of the diseases that can be cured. We will now deal specifically 

 with the diseases and ailments, first with those of the goldfish. 



Fin Congestion. This is the commonest of goldfish troubles, and 

 is especially liable to attack the highly developed fins of fancy goldfishes. 

 Their long fins are no doubt deficient in circulation, causing low powers 

 of resistance. As soon as the fish is slightly indisposed through over- 

 feeding, sudden chill, protracted low temperature or other causes, fin 

 congestion is usually the first symptom of trouble. The fins of fancy 

 goldfishes may be considered very good barometers of the condition of the 

 fish. The appearance produced by the disease is well indicated by the 

 name— fin congestion. The fins are more or less red and streaked with 

 veins. In advanced cases they commence to split and fray, particularly 

 the tails. 



Treatment. Fin congestion, as well as being the commonest of 

 goldfish diseases, is also the most easily cured. The salt-water treatment 

 described previously is without a superior. Another method is to dip 

 the affected parts for half a minute or more in coal oil, keeping the head 

 and gills wrapped in a moist cloth. Usually lighter feeding and plenty 

 of room in fresh water will be all that is necessary if taken in time. 

 Two grains of permanganate of potash to the gallon of water is a suc- 

 cessful treatment for goldfishes, but is dangerous to tropicals. It is best 

 to use this in an enamel or a glass receptacle. Organic substances, such 

 as wood or floating particles of dirt, quickly decompose the chemical. 

 The fish may be given the permanganate treatment an hour at a time, 

 but a fresh solution should be made daily. 



