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 on a 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 oflf 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. 



AuTOTOxiNE. 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 water in 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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