
AILMENTS AND DISEASES 

The affected fishes become restless, endeavoring to alleviate the irrita- 
tion and dislodge the parasites by rubbing against objects in the water or on 
the bottom. A close observation in severe cases will reveal the presence 
of cysts in the skin of the fish or a white scum on its surface, and some- 
times a congested appearance, due to the presence of parasites. 
TREATMENT. Cure is usually effected by immersion in a strong salt 
solution until the fish shows signs of exhaustion, or by rubbing it gently 
with a saturated salt solution ona pledget of cotton, followed by similar 
treatment with slightly diluted Phenol-sodique; or a weak solution of per- 
manganate of potassium diluted until it is of the color of claret; but a better 
method is to place the fish in a weak salt solution for several days, as this 
is less likely to injure the mucus covering of the surface and the parasites 
yield as well to this mild brackish water treatment. Change of water, 
more scavengers, especially tadpoles, which often eat the parasites off the 
sides of the fishes, greater care in feeding, siphoning out the humus in 
the aquarium and other simple sanitary regulations will obviate this evil. 
Avtotoxine. Fright, constant fatigue, lack of rest, too strong light 
and other abnormal conditions often produce in the aquarium fish a jaded 
and exhausted condition, loss of vitality, surface irritation and interference 
with the respiratory and digestive systems which render it liable to diseases 
to which it would be immune under normal conditions. One of these is 
known to the breeder as Autotoxine or self-poisoning. It affects the scales 
and gills and causes the formation of a scum or slime, similar in appearance 
to White fungus, which weakens the fish, disturbs its normal functions 
and causes a partial suffocation under which it soon succumbs. 
This is a complaint of mature fishes, but also frequently affects 
younger ones during the winter months. When the latter is the case it is 
advisable to add rock salt to the water in which the fishes are kept at 
intervals of twice or thrice a week, but never to the extent of imparting a 
salty taste, because such excess would be injurious not only to the fishes but 
also to the plants, interfering with their functions as liberators of oxygen. 
TREATMENT. Mature fishes so affected should be rested in a screened 
aquarium or placed in a jar containing a teaspoonful of epsom salt to the 
gallon and kept in a darkened place for several days without food. Later 
the food should be frequently changed to give a variety, feeding lightly 
and adding a tablespoonful of salt to each 5 gallons of waterin the container. 
Usually more plant life is also required, more especially those which are 
the best oxygenators; the main remedy being healthful surroundings, 
complete rest, exclusion of excessive light, and careful feeding. 
Constipation. In the aquarium or tank goldfishes often suffer from 
the confinement, lack of proper exercise, restlessness, the results of their 
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