Changes in your pond fish's behavior or appearance may indicate illness, stress, or poor water quality. Watch for the following warning signs.
Changes in behavior
- Isolation: Staying away from other fish.
- Clamped fins: Holding fins tightly against the body.
- Flashing or rubbing: Repeatedly rubbing against rocks or other surfaces.
- Unusual swimming: Difficulty swimming, floating abnormally, or resting on the pond bottom.
- Loss of appetite: Eating less than normal or refusing food.
- Gasping: Repeatedly gulping air at the water's surface.
Changes in appearance
- Red streaks, sores, or ulcers on the body or fins.
- Frayed or deteriorating fins.
- Small white spots resembling grains of salt.
- White, slimy patches or cotton-like growths.
- Swollen or bulging eyes.
- A swollen body with scales sticking outward like a pine cone.
- Red or swollen gills.
What should I do if my fish show these symptoms?
- Test your pond water. Poor water quality can cause stress and symptoms that resemble disease. Check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels.
- Check oxygen levels. If fish are gasping at the surface, immediately increase aeration and water movement.
- Identify the problem before treating. Similar symptoms can have different causes. Consult a knowledgeable pond fish retailer or aquatic veterinarian for help identifying the appropriate treatment.
Important: Visible symptoms do not always indicate an infectious disease. Water quality problems, parasites, and other conditions can produce similar warning signs. Avoid selecting a medication based on one symptom alone.