152 FISH DISEASES 



ammonia. (Unfortunately, this varies somewhat in strength.) Place 

 the fish in this for five minutes, but take out sooner, should it turn 

 over. Remove to plain water and then back to its tank. The treat- 

 ment may be repeated at intervals of three days if necessary. 



Special Attention. All fish should, if possible, be placed, after any 

 chemical treatment, in a healthy tank containing green water. Some- 

 times this is, indeed, the only treatment required. 



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, this is a very good way 

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

 cially if a fish is only on the doubtfvd 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 espe- 

 cially 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. 



Fin Congestion. This is the commonest of all fish troubles, and 

 is especially liable to attack the highly developed fins of fancy gold- 

 fishes. Their long fins are no doubt deficient in circulation, causing 

 low powers of resistance. As soon as the fish is slightly indisposed 

 through overfeeding, 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 treat- 

 ment described previously is without a superior. Another method is 

 to paint the fish with coal oil, keeping the head and gills wrapped in 

 a moist cloth.' Usually lighter feeding and plenty of room in fresh 



