Koi Disease Overview
Koi, like goldfish, are members of the carp family. While goldfish are easy, Koi are a bit more   demanding. The first rule of thumb in disease prevention is to avoid overstocking. However, even a novice can spot many of the changes in the appearance or behavior that mean a fish is ill. You may notice your koi acting lethargic or huddle against the edge of the pond. They may gasp for air, or swim frantically and bump the pond edge, or other koi may bully it. The fin on its spine may be droopy. It might hold its fins against its body or develop red fins or veins, another sign of disease.
If you notice any unusual symptoms immediately check your pond water, the temperature, pH, and levels of ammonia and nitrities to determine whether any of these factors are  stressing your fish. Before attempting any further treatment, correct any water-quality issues and see if your fish improve. If you have a koi that is showing signs of disease, often it is best to  immediately remove it from the pond. You should have either an aquarium or perhaps a child's wading pool set up as a "sick tank" for treating and isolating diseased fish. Your koi can be treated for their disease with a medicine or salt bath and at the same time you will keep the disease from spreading to the other koi in your pond. You should handle the fish as little as possible to minimize stress. Your koi should be netted underwater and guided into a bowl or bucket. Then, lift out the bowl and lower into your aquarium water.
The m ost common disease in koi are the dreaded ulcer. If caught early and treated properly, this disease can be cured. It is caused by a bacteria common to pond water. Fish affected develop an ulcer along their body walls as well as their head. Secondary bacterial infections commonly develop and can cause death . If the fish do survive this disease, they commonly become scarred and/or stunted. See the picture at left. Drs. Foster and Smith.com carries many disease remedies for your Koi fish.  Their anti-parasite medicated food shown at right helps control common internal parasites found in ornamental pond fish such as koi.
|
|