Behavioral Disorders & Diseases In Aquarium Freshwater Fish
Unexpected behavioral changes like twirling and running into things is often a symptom of disease in aquarium fish. Learn about the most common diseases that cause this behavior and what to do about them.
Reasons Why Your Aquarium Fish Twirling And Running Into Things
There are various reasons why your fish might be twirling and running into things. Below I discuses some of them:
- One of the most common causes for this behavior I’ve seen is stress. Fish can become stressed due to overcrowding, poor water conditions, or sudden changes in their environment.
- Swim bladder disorder can be another possible cause for this behavior. This condition affects the fish’s swimming patterns including swimming in circular motion. Swim bladder disorder can be caused by overeating, gastrointestinal issues, or physical injury.
- Another cause for concern is ammonia poisoning. High-levels of ammonia in the tank can irritate the fish’s gills and skin, causing erratic swimming behavior.
- Whirling disease is a parasitic infection that can make fish swim in a spiral pattern. It mainly affects fry and can lead to severe spine deformities.
- Neurological issues can also cause this behavior. Infections, injuries, or congenital defects affecting the brain can lead to disoriented swimming behavior.
How to Identify Stress in Fish
Stress is freshwater aquarium fish can be caused by many reasons. Look for these signs to identify if your fish is stressed.
- Rapid gill movement or lethargy can indicate that your fish is struggling to get enough oxygen.
- Loss of appetite is also a result of stress. If your fish is eating less than usual or stops eating, it’s often a sign of stress or illness.
- Pay attention to color changes. Faded or dull colors can signal that your fish is stressed.
- If you notice your fish hiding more than usual, it might be feeling threatened or unwell.
- Observe any clamped fins where the fins are held close to the body. This often indicates discomfort or anxiety in fish.
Symptoms of Disease That Cause Fish to Swim in Circles
These infections often come from bacterial or fungal growth in the ear canal, causing inflammation and disrupting the fish’s balance. You can identify a disease in your freshwater fish by looking for these signs:
- Swim Bladder Disorder: Fish with this disorder may display buoyancy problems, like floating upside down or sinking to the bottom of the tank.
- Ammonia Poisoning: Symptoms of ammonia poisoning in fish include bloody patches on the body of the fish, gasping for breath near the surface of the water and damaged gills.
- Whirling disease: The physical symptoms of whirling disease include blackened tail, whirling behavior, and abnormal deformities and swelling of the head and spine.
Parasite Infections
How to Treat Common Fish Diseases
Here’s how to treat common diseases in fish:
Bladder Disease
Before we begin the diagnoses lets first take a look at what causes this disease.
Causes for this disease can include:
- Overfeeding or diet-related issues
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Bacterial infection
- Injury or genetic factors
Treatment
- Stop feeding your fish for 2-3 days. This can help relieve pressure on the swim bladder. Note that this will only work if the issue stems from overfeeding.
- After the fasting period, feed your fish cooked, pealed peas. The fiber in peas can help digestion and reduce bloating.
- Poor water quality can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to bacterial infections. Ensure the water in the tank is clean.
- If a bacterial infection is suspected, consult a veterinarian for antibiotic treatment. Never use antibiotics without a vet guidance.
Parasite Infection
Do the following to treat a fish for parasitic infections:
- Isolation: Quarantine the affected fish to prevent the spread of parasites to other aquarium inhabitants.
- Medications: Use specific treatments like anti-parasitic medications, which are available at pet stores. Make sure you follow the dosage instructions carefully to stop the spread of disease.
- Tank Maintenance: Regular water change and tank cleaning can remove any remaining parasites. Do this to maintain a healthy environment for your fish.
Neurological Issues
Treatment for neurological issues might include medications to manage symptoms and address the root cause. Ensure you fish lives in a stress-free environment, as it can also help improve your their condition.
But remember it is extremely important to, consult a vet specializing in aquatic animals for a proper diagnosis.
Improving Water Conditions to Encourage Normal Swimming Behavior
Contaminated water can stress your fish, affecting their behavior. Do as mentioned below to maintain stable water conditions.
- Clean water is crucial for your fish’s health. Regularly change at least 25% of your tank water to reduce toxins and keeps the water fresh.
- Use an air pump or add live plants to reduce carbon dioxide levels and boost oxygen levels in your tank. Plants also provide hiding spots, reducing stress.
- Invest in a good filter to remove waste and keep the water clear. Clean or replace the filter media regularly to ensure it functions well.
- Adding wood and rocks to your aquarium can enhance its appearance and make it a better environment for your fish.
Closing Thoughts On Fish Twirling In The Tank
Fish can be stressed by any number of things, but you can prevent that by looking at the symptoms and treating them before it becomes a serious problem!
