FISH DISEASES 155 



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 Turlington's 

 Balsam as described for White Fungus. Feed on good nutritious sub- 

 stances, such as daphnia or chopped earthworms. If the fish seems to 

 be standing it satisfactorily, keep in the strong salt for about one weekv 

 changing the water daily and relying on accurate measurements for 

 salt quantities. A progressive permanganate of potassium treatment 

 may also be used, but should not be continued as long, five days being 

 about the maximum for a fish in poor condition. Start at one grain 

 to the gallon and go up to three. With this chemical there is no need 

 of gradually reducing the strength, but a new solution should be mixed 

 daily, and twice daily is better, always remembering not to change 

 temperature of water. Happily Black Fungus is not as prevalent as 

 formerly, owing probably to the fact that we now have many more 

 American wholesale breeders, thus doing away with the necessity of 

 purchasing so many fishes that are in a thoroughly bad condition from 

 hard trips across the Pacific Ocean, and shorter but equally hard 

 travels across the American Continent. 



Itch. The Itch is one of the more common complaints in the 

 aquarium. The fishes are observed to quickly rub their sides against 

 the firmer objects in the aquarium, often against pebbles on the bottom. 

 The affection is caused by different fish parasites. 



Treatment. Although this trouble is caused by different organ- 

 isms, they all yield to the progressive salt treatment (page 151). The 

 aquarium should be cleaned out before fish are returned, and care 

 exercised to keep it in a cleaner condition, paying particular attention 

 to seeing that no uneaten particles of food are left lying about. The 

 introduction of more snails and a small Weatherfish or two will help 

 to avoid a recurrence. It is not improbable that mussels consume a 

 large number of suspended parasites and bacteria of various kinds. 



Constipation. Among the highly-bred, short-bodied fishes, con- 

 stipation, as well as other mechanical disorders, are naturally common. 

 The much shortened bodies throw the internal organs out of position, 

 give rise to swimming bladder troubles and tie up the muscles which 

 must discharge eggs and also the excrement of the fishes. Lack of 

 proper exercise in the cramped confines of the aquarium and too highly 

 concentrated foods are other causes leading to constipation. The 

 excrement should be of a brown color and free from bubbles or any 

 slimy appearance. In health it usually is seen in long sections. 



Treatment. An equal mixture of sea salt and Epsom salts, made 

 to a strength of one ounce of salts to the gallon, will usually prove 



