AILMENTS AND DISEASES 



When startled it will slowly sink to the bottom, soon to return to its 

 former position, or when on the bottom will seek to secrete itself. 



This appearance is sometimes due to improper water conditions, which 

 may be easily remedied. But when the body becomes coated and the fins 

 pointed, then frayed, ragged, congested or inflamed, as these are certain 

 indications of advanced illness, it behooves the fancier to investigate the 

 cause or to consult an experienced breeder. Let it be stated, however, that 

 it is not well to accept of promiscuous advice. 



Treatment of Diseases. In treating the diseases of goldfishes the 

 natural self-remedies of freshwater fishes should be applied under similar 

 conditions as far as practicable. In a state of nature the fishes seek brack- 

 ish or salt water, saline deposits or salty earths for some of their illnesses; 

 or darkness, light, deep or shallow water, abstinence from food, natural 

 purgatives and rest for others. These conditions should be imitated by 

 the aquariist when his pets become afflicted with such ailments that in his 

 judgment would be benefited by their application. In addition the rem- 

 edies hereafter mentioned should be tried. 



Sanitarium and Hospital. Where many fishes are kept, it is advis- 

 able to have an aquarium or battery jar in reserve in which a luxuriant plant 

 growth has been developed, to serve as a sanitarium in which fishes of 

 doubtful appearance may be isolated and quarantined, to prevent the spread 

 of diseases, and which would also serve as a "snail farm" as young snails 

 are one of the best articles of diet for sick fishes. In such sanitarium the 

 plants should be grown in pots or dishes that they may be removed with- 

 out disturbance when it is necessary to thoroughly clean both the jar and 

 the plants. It may be well to here mention that a 5^ solution of 

 bichloride of mercury can be used for cleaning purposes, but plants and 

 receptacle must afterwards be thoroughly washed with clean water. 



As a hospital a well seasoned tank, if possible one having an active 

 growth of algae on its sides, is best. It should contain considerable well 

 developed plant life and the water should have a bright green color, indi- 

 cating an active growth of the smaller algae. The plants should be rooted 

 in clean soil in pots with a slight covering of grit, because earth and mud 

 are beneficial to sick fishes. The tank should have a large surface area as 

 compared with Its depth; the latter not to exceed 12 inches. In the sum- 

 mer, it should be partially protected from the sun, but in winter it should 

 get the full sunlight, and should be kept at a temperature of 60" to 70° F. 

 One end may be covered with a board when fishes are introduced, for rest 

 and shade. 



All vessels for fishes having contagious and parasitic diseases should 

 be of glass, so that they may be thoroughly cleansed. A sick fish does 



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