If you’ve ever handled a fish, you’ll know that all fish are slimy and slippery. But why? Every fish’s body is completely covered by a layer of mucus called the slime coat. So, what is the slime coat made of? What is its purpose? And how can you maintain your fish’s slime coat in good … Read more
I’ve kept tropical and freshwater fish of many different species for over 40 years. I love their vibrant colors, beautiful finnage, and quirky personalities. However, what I don’t love about fishkeeping is their susceptibility to diseases. Of course, some species are hardier than others, but every type of fish can get sick sometimes. As a … Read more
In some cases, swim bladder disease is a minor condition that will only last a few days, but in other cases, it can become a permanent ailment. Where chronic symptoms are mild, a fish may be able to continue living a long and relatively happy life, but in more severe cases, euthanasia may be the … Read more
Losing one of your favorite pet fish can be very upsetting, especially if the cause of death isn’t obvious. But sometimes, a fish’s eyes bulge out of its head in death. So, why is that? The first thing to understand is that not all fish eyes pop out when they die. In fact, that’s a … Read more
A healthy goldfish shouldn’t lose its scales or skin. So you know that if your pet’s appearance changes and he begins losing scales, turning white, or his skin starts peeling off, there’s a serious problem. Peeling skin and lost goldfish scales can be caused by several things, including bacterial infections, poor water quality, low levels … Read more
If you’ve seen your Oscar’s skin peeling, or scales flaking off, you have good reason to be concerned. Most of the time, skin conditions indicate a serious underlying problem in your Oscar’s tank that need addressing promptly. Whether your Oscar’s skin is peeling after an ugly encounter with another fish, a skin disease, or incorrect … Read more
Oscars are one of the fiercest and most menacing of all aquarium fish, but that doesn’t make them invulnerable to diseases. It’s not uncommon for Oscar keepers to report white patches on their Oscar’s skin – a legitimate cause for concern. But while you may assume that white patches on your Oscar are fungal infections, … Read more
It’s becoming increasingly frequent these days to hear about guppies suffering from congenital health problems, and one of the common complaints is of guppies with bent spines. Decades of ill-advised breeding have produced guppies that may be beautiful to look at but are often far less robust than their wild ancestors. The genetic problems are … Read more
As a devoted betta fish owner, you love your beautiful pet, but if he suddenly develops a lump on his side, does that mean your betta has cancer? Fish tumors are usually a symptom of an underlying health problem. You can often treat betta fish tumors easily and successfully if you spot the issue early … Read more
Your fish’s scales give the creature a shiny, glittering look that catches the eye when the fish are darting around your aquarium. The outer layer of scales also enables the fish to swim smoothly through the water without resistance and protect the fish’s flesh from injury and attack by parasites and bacteria. But what if … Read more
Betta fish are intelligent little creatures full of character and can make great pets. With patience, you can even teach your betta a few cool tricks! But the main reason people choose bettas is because of the fish’s beautiful looks. Bettas, or Siamese Fighting fish, come in a dazzling range of colors, and many varieties … Read more
You went to feed your fish their breakfast in your beautiful fish tank and spotted a thin, red thread poking out of your fish’s rear end! OMG! What is that?! The chances are that your fish has contracted a Camallanus infection. But what is Camallanus? Are they contagious? And how can aquarium owners treat and … Read more
Neon tetras are one of the most popular tropical freshwater aquarium fish in the hobby. These fish are beginner-friendly and relatively easy to keep, so we reckon you’ll probably have some in your community tank. But why do your Neon tetras have white spots? Can this disease wipe out your entire population of tetras? And … Read more
So you’ve seen some lumps or bumps growing on your goldfish and are worried about their health. The good news is that most wart-like growths on goldfish are completely benign cutaneous tumors that won’t affect your pet fish’s health. What Are the Lumps on My Goldfish? The lumps and bumps on your goldfish are very … Read more
If you thought that all animals can vomit, you’d be mistaken. While most vertebrates can throw up, rats can’t, and neither can horses. But what about fish? The answer is that fish can vomit, but true vomiting is rare in fish and could be a sign of a dangerous disease. What looks like throwing up … Read more
