a 
AILMENTS AND DISEASES 

If the fungus has extended and the fins and tail become ragged, it 1s 
necessary to cut off the affected parts, painting the cut edges with Phenol- 
sodique, tincture of aloes and myrrh or with the peroxide of hydrogen 
solution. If the spots are extensive on the body they should be cleansed 
with a table salt or peroxide solution and also painted with the tincture of 
aloes and myrrh. Immediate attention is necessary as soon as the disease 1s 
detected, then a cure is almost always possible. 
If the fish improves, the white appearance disappears and a dark edge 
shows on the fins and tail. It may then be transferred to the hospital 
tank to acquire strength on a light mixed diet, sparingly but frequently 
fed, but if it becomes weaker, the fungus extending over the sides and 
into the gills, unless it is very valuable, it is best to destroy it, because 
little more can be done for its benefit. A final recourse is to place it in 
the greenest water procurable and leave it there. Sometimes it recovers, 
but it may be subject to a recurrence of the disease, or may present only a 
wreck of its former appearance and beauty. 
A recently introduced and approved remedy is the Turlington’s 
Balsam. It is applied as follows:—The affected parts should be dried and 
cleaned and the balsam applied generously with a small brush or a pledget 
of cotton and permitted to dry from three to five minutes. During this 
time the head and gills of the fish should be wrapped in a wet cloth to 
keep the gills moist and to prevent movement. If this is properly done 
no fear of endangering the life of the fish need be entertained. The 
Balsam coats the affected edges with an insoluble surface and protects 
them from the further ravages of the fungus. Also apply the parasiticides 
mentioned hereafter. Prompt measures have saved many valuable 
aquarium fishes. 
Brack Funecus. This serious 
evil attacks the goldfish in a similar 
manner to the White Fungus, but 
is only conveyed by contagion and 
does not so much depend upon the 
water and other conditions. It is 
manifested on the body and fins. These 
first assume a mottled dark grey ap- 
pearance in spots and streaks; later they 
become black and form a thick layer 
which scales off, leaving raw spots and 
ulcers on the body and destroy the fins 
ni a. eA eee ie en and tail. The indirect causes are the 
so-called Black Fungus. same as those which induce the White 
Usually Gyrodactylus and My.xidium. 

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