148 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AiN^D 



they can successfully attack the remaining well fish. White fungus, there- 

 fore, is contagious, and the sufferer should be removed from its fellows 

 at once. This disease is caused by overcrowding, overfeeding, lack of 

 proper plant life, transferring to water of dififerent temperature and by 

 bruises in shipment. 



Treatment. Fishes suffering from white fungus should be treated 

 exactly the same as those having fin congestion. If the fins have become 

 very much frayed and it is necessary to trim them, this can best be done 

 by a sharp knife, using a board to cut on. Scissors make a very poor 

 result. It is well to treat the new cut edges with a permanganate solution 

 of one grain to a glass of water. By grain we of course always mean 

 a certain quantity of w^eight, and not simply a small particle. 



Sometimes raw spots are left after the fungus has been removed. 

 These or similar spots from other causes can be greatly helped by the fol- 

 lowing method : Wrap the head and gills of the fish in a moist rag, dry 

 the afifected spot and apply some Turlington's Balsam with a small piece 

 of absorbent cotton. Allow to dry for three or four minutes. This will 

 not endanger the life of the fish so long as the gills are kept moist. 



Black Fungus. Many have supposed this disease to be invariably 

 fatal, but this is not the case. If taken in time, the majority of cases can 

 be cured. The great trouble is that the fish is in a run-down condition 

 before contracting the disease and has little power to withstand the 

 necessarily severe treatment. This disease manifests itself more on the 

 body than the fins, at first presenting a dark gray appearance, later turning 

 black and peeling off, leaving raw spots. A common place for the first 

 appearance is the center of the gill plates, and also on the sides of the 

 fish where they w-ould be most likely to rub, for the parasites are conveyed 

 principally by contact. The Protozoans causing this serious complaint are 

 animal parasites which soon lodge themselves so deeply in the skin of the 

 fish as to make treatment difficult. If they get into the gills the case is 

 considered hopeless. 



Treatment. Start at once on the increasing salt method described 

 on page 144, only carrying it further. Over a period of from three to four 

 days the strength of solution should be carried to two and one-half ounces 

 to the gallon. Goldfishes can stand a great deal of salt if brought to it 

 gradually. As before noted, the strength should be slowly reduced before 

 returning to normal water. (The same is true of most other aquarium 

 fishes.) After the maximum strength of solution is reached the fish 

 should be pencilled on the affected spots with a 50 per cent, solution of 

 peroxide of hydrogen for a few moments (being careful not to slop over 

 on the healthy parts). The next day the spots may be treated with 



