Fish Diseases

Objective:

The student will be able to name at least four different fish diseases and to suggest a cure for each disease.  Students also will learn how to help prevent these diseases from infecting their fish.

Materials Needed:

• A First Aid kit
• Paper and pencil for each student

Activity:

Ask students to name a variety of sicknesses and diseases that they have had or come in contact with.  List these on the board.  Allow students to describe the symptoms they observed with some of the diseases.  They may have heard their parents talk to a doctor about symptoms such as fever, upset stomach, no energy, loss of appetite, red throat, etc.  What illnesses are accompanied by these symptoms?

Ask students to name some of the treatments that were administered for many of the diseases on the list.  Did they call a doctor?  If so, what did the doctor prescribe?  Open the First Aid kit and ask students how each item in the kit would be used on a person.

Ask students if they think that fish get sick.  Since fish can't talk, how would they be able to let the students know they were sick?

Tell students about the following most common fish diseases and suggested treatments.   As you describe each disease, ask students to draw a "Fish Hospital" with pictures of their sick fish based upon the description that is read.  Assure the students that you will teach them how to be a good Fish Doctor!

• ICH (pronounced "ick," white spot disease) - a ciliate protozoan, white spots are clearly defined and look like "grains of salt," affected fish will usually shimmy near the bottom of the tank before spots are apparent.  Fish will usually scratch on the gravel.  Treatment:  make sure water temperature is stable and treat with malachite green medicine.
• External parasites - can be seen on the fish's body.  Treatment:  use malachite green medicine.
• Fungus - can be white, grey or brown cottony growths that can spread quickly.   Treatment:  use fungicide.
• Dropsy - protruding scales over most of the body.  Fish looks like a pine cone; cause is not known.  Treatment:  catch fish in net and move it to another tank or elsewhere; can treat with broad spectrum antibiotic but outcome is usually not good.
• Physical damage - lesions, red ulcerated areas, torn fins from rough handling or fighting between fish.  Treatment:  remove the "fish bully" if necessary; treat with antibacterial medication.

Post a Health Chart near the tank with sections for Symptoms, Behavior and Treatment.   Students can note any health problems that the fish might be exhibiting and even catch a disease in its earliest, and most treatable, form.

The best prevention for many fish diseases is good nutrition, proper water quality, stable temperature and scheduled water changes.  If medications are needed, they can be obtained from a local pet store.

Result:

Students will be proud of their skill at recognizing common fish diseases and knowing how to provide prompt and effective treatment.

Portions of this page reprinted courtesy of the National Aquarium in Baltimore