AILMENTS AND DISEASES OF THE GOLDFISH AND OTHER 

 FRESHWATER FISHES, AND THEIR REMEDIES 



As already stated, the appearance and conduct of the goldfish and 

 other fishes are the surest indications of health or illness. A bright color, 

 clean appearance, expanded fins, lively disposition, good appetite and active 

 digestion are indicative of good health; while a dull color, coated or in- 

 flamed body and fins, a congested appearance, drooping or fraying fins and 

 tail, apathy, loss of appetite, and disturbances of the digestive system 

 indicated by the unusual appearance of the excrement, are equally certain 

 indications of illness. 



The goldfish is not only subject to the usual ailments of fishes but to 

 others incidental to the unnatural conditions under which it is propagated, 

 marketed and kept in captivity. Many of the diseases are the result of 

 unsanitary conditions due to inexperience, neglect or overkindness; others 

 are due to infection and the presence of external and internal parasites. 

 These diseases may aflfect the surface and the fins, the respiratory organs, 

 the digestive, pulmonary and muscular systems, and the swimming bladder. 

 This important subject will be treated of at large, as investigations of the 

 diseases of goldfishes and their remedies have not had the careful attention 

 which has been devoted to other domesticated animals, and on account of 

 the meagre data it is difficult to classify them other than on general lines. 



At all stages of their existence fishes are subject to a variety of 

 diseases. The spawn is attacked by a white fungoid growth which covers 

 the exterior with a mat of fine hair like filaments, first visible on unfertile 

 eggs but which spreads to others with which it comes In contact. A sim- 

 ilar fungus attacks the umbilical sac of the alevin. Numerous other 

 diseases also afflict the fry, while the organic and parasitic diseases of 

 goldfishes may be classed as systemic, surface, gill, fin, fungus and parasite, 

 the origin of which may be traced either to simple or to more complex 

 and obscure causes; all more or less fatal to these beautiful household pets 

 of which fine specimens are probably more difficult to rear than any other 

 domesticated animal. 



Detection of Illness. In good health, the goldfish swims with a 

 slow and regular motion, with the dorsal fin erect and the pectorals moving 

 easily and regularly. When startled it darts to the bottom by a vigorous 

 stroke of all the fins. When ill or out of condition, the movements are 

 languid or the fish will remain motionless near the top or on ,the bottom 

 of the aquarium, the dorsal fin folded on the back and the movement of 

 the pectorals listless, as though the fish were unwilling to make exertion. 



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