90 FISH DISEASES 



quickly. This was formerly a common disease among fancy fishes, but 

 for some unknown reason has largely subsided; we hope permanently. 



Treatment of Fry. Innumerable experiments have been tried to 

 cure this devastating disease, but without consistent results. So fatal 

 is it considered by many expert fanciers that when they find a few 

 affected fishes they destroy them, together with perhaps thousands of their 

 fellows in the same tank without attempting a cure, throwing out bad 

 and apparently good alike. The tank is then disinfected with strong salt 

 water or more powerful germicides. The great trouble is that any 

 chemical which will kill the parasites is also very apt to kill the delicate 

 fry. However, it is almost certain a cure can be found, and it is a great 

 pity to neglect an opportunity for experimenting. Cases have been cured, 

 but exact data are lacking. The most encouraging thing that can be said 

 in this connection is that the disease can almost always be avoided by 

 not overcrowding the fry. Allow at least three square inches of water 

 surface per fish up to six weeks old, and more thereafter. 



Treatment of Larger Fishes. This form of gill congestion has 

 also been considered necessarily fatal, but such is not the case. The fish 

 should be placed in strong salt water (3^2 ounces to the gallon) until 

 it rolls over from exhaustion. It is then transferred to a tank of gently 

 running water which overflows. It appears as though the salt loosens 

 the disease-germs and the running water carries them off while they 

 are weakened. Treatment is repeated daily until improvement is noticed. 



Eye Inflammation. The protruding eyes of Telescope fishes are quite 

 subject to injury, especially against the sides of cans in travel. Pains- 

 taking treatment can go far to relieve this condition and ward off perma- 

 nent blindness. 



Treatment. Make a saturated solution of boracic acid in tepid 

 water. This is gently applied daily to the affected parts by a bit of 

 absorbent cotton. The fish should be placed, if possible, in a large tank 

 free from obstructions, that the injured eyes may not be further irritated. 



Instead of boracic acid, the eye may be swabbed with a mixture 

 composed of one part of tincture of iodine with nine parts of glycerine. 

 One treatment is usually enough. It takes about two weeks to clear up. 

 This mixture is a most efficient home remedy for applying to cuts or 

 other open wounds, giving all the benefits of iodine without its burning 

 qualities. 



ANIMAL PARASITES 



There are only five of these of sufficient importance to keepers of 

 aquarium fishes to require mention. Food fishes and all wild species 

 are more or less subject to numerous parasites, many of them serious or 

 fatal. No doubt aquarium conditions are not favorable to their propaga- 



