Uncommon Saltwater Diseases and Infections by greg.chernoffAll saltwater aquarists will deal with common diseases at the beginning of their tank keeping journey. These include the infamous Ich, or “white spot disease,” skin and gill flukes, HLLE, Lymphocystis, velvet, and possibly even Brookynella, or “Clownfish Disease.” These each come with their own remedy, but the cures are well documented and easily available at any local fish store. Sometimes, we get a new fish who develops symptoms that don’t match these widely known ailments, and we are left to frantically research and hope to find someone else who has had the same issue and was able to cure it. This article is aimed at helping you identify these uncommon diseases and how to, hopefully, save your fish. [generalhelp] Uronema Marinum Identifying this uncommon disease is fairly simple. It almost exclusively infects Chromis, although it may appear in other damsels and clownfish as well. Outside of these, it is incredibly rare to see Uronema on other species. It presents itself as a red lesion or sore on the fish’s body. It is a free-swimming parasite and requires no host, so the fish can never be returned to the infected tank, and all of the Chromis should be removed due to the risk of infection. To treat the fish, remove him immediately as the disease spends incredibly fast. In a quarantine tank, treat his food with a binder and Metronidazole. Now, treat the quarantine tank with Metronidazole, acriflavine, chloroquine phosphate, or copper. If one does not seem to be working, switch to a different medication after using carbon to remove the old treatment. It can be tricky to cure once there is external damage. Black Ich This appears the same as normal ich, but with black spots instead of white. Black Ich is actually a parasitic worm. Tangs in general seem to be the most susceptible to it. To treat, use a dewormer such as praziquantel, or formalin if the worms are stubborn. Black Ich does not seem to be as life-threatening as actual ich (Cryptocaryon irritans). Gram-Positive Bacteria Within the broad category of bacterial infection, there are two categories of bacteria involved. Gram-positive bacteria are typically slower acting, and may not appear on the fish until it has been infected for a period of time. These are most common in established individuals that may have been in your tank for months, maybe even years. They can appear as a number of ailments, such as cloudy eyes, lack of appetite, ripped fins, or lethargy. A lot of times, the immune system is able to fight the infection off on its own. If you suspect that your fish has a gram-positive infection, and does not seem to be great distress, encouraging a healthy immune system is a good treatment route. To do this, feed a heavy, varied diet and soak foods in vitamin supplements (not just garlic). Using a UV sterilizer, good water parameters, and low-stress levels will also all help. If, for whatever reason, you believe your fish cannot fight it off naturally, treat him in a quarantine tank with kanamycin, Erythromycin, or another broad-spectrum antibiotic. If the fish stops eating for more than a day or is laying on the sand bed, it is time to treat with medication. Gram-Negative Bacteria This is the more dangerous type of bacterial infection. These are typically fast-acting and may kill fish with 24 to 48 hours if left untreated. As opposed to gram-positive bacteria infecting established fish, gram-negative is typically seen in newly acquired specimens. Red sores, bloody scales, white or dark patches, and red streaks on fish are all phenotypic of these infections. These require immediate treatment with Minocycline, Kanamycin, Metronidazole, and/or Nitrofurazone. The last three may be combined at the same time for the best results. Internal Worms In my experience, wrasses are the most susceptible to internal infection from worms. Many arrive at the fish store already infected, so it is a good idea to treat these fish preventatively before adding to your display tank. Symptoms include loss of appetite, color changes, irregular swimming patterns, white feces, and the inability to gain or maintain weight. Treat the fish with medicated food for the best results. I have had good luck using a binding polymer such as Seachem Focus along with Metronidazole and praziquantel. Tang Fingerprint Disease This is an uncommon disease that we know little to nothing about, but is worth mentioning. Confined to tangs only, this presents itself as a round or oval like areas of discoloration on both sides of the fish. It almost always clears overnight and the fish appears as if nothing ever happened. It is thought to be viral in nature, but this has yet to be confirmed. Nothing is typically required to cure this, although vitamin-enriched foods and perfect water quality are always encouraged, especially when things like this pop-up. Final Notes Due to the large array of uncommon diseases we see in this hobby, and how much time and money we invest into our tanks, we should all quarantine new animals before adding them into our display tank. Even experienced hobbyists sometimes overlook this fact and add a fish directly into their tank, only to face the repercussions days later. Some of these diseases can be incredibly difficult to identify, and it is not worth risking infecting a whole tank that has been established for years just to save a couple of weeks of quarantine. Even after quarantining new fish, I highly recommend you keep certain medications and extra 10 or 20-gallon setup on hand in case something pops up down the road, as some diseases can stay dormant for quite some time. I always keep Erythromycin, Kanamycin, Metronidazole, and Praziquantel medications on hand and they have saved me once or twice. [generalhelp]
mcc says May 28, 2019 at 8:58 pm Thirty-one years ago, I had a saltwater tank with everything I wanted, except one fish that I could not find. I cautiously added fish and invertibrates … used a quarantine tank … etc. After a year I gave up hope on finding that one fish, so I dismantled my quarntine tank. All the previous fish had been healthy and it seemed the quarantine tank was a waste of time. Then I found this missing fish, bought it and introduced it directly to my tank. Within two weeks, ever fish in my tank died. If you value you existing tank buddies, quarantine new fish. Reply
Ken Ishiki says May 13, 2019 at 4:32 pm I’ve had a major die off of chromis due to uronema. it’s so hard to catch those fish Reply
conner stumpf says May 13, 2019 at 5:03 pm I unfortunately got marine velvet in on some snails I bought… wiped out all but my clown in days. Dont overlook any water or surface can transfer disease Reply
Douglas Campbell says May 14, 2019 at 6:44 am Starting to feel like a scientist with all this information Reply
silvercityreefer says May 14, 2019 at 7:17 am The best thing I ever did was start a quarantine tank when I setup my first saltwater reef tank. This gives me time to observe new fish, ensure they are eating properly, along with treat any diseases that may arise prior to introducing them, and any diseases, to my main display. Reply
Leslie Pustilnik says May 14, 2019 at 12:51 pm I hope I don’t have to deal with any of these problems Reply
Perry Eason says May 20, 2019 at 3:42 pm Great source of information. Hope I don’t have to deal with any of these. Reply
Mike says May 20, 2019 at 5:11 pm This is the stuff of nightmares! I’m anxious enough worrying about ich and brook… Reply
Diana Aliprandi says May 20, 2019 at 7:04 pm Interesting read. I haven’t dealt with fish disease due to quarantine for eight weeks Reply
Compy Ginorio says May 20, 2019 at 7:10 pm I knock on wood, I been very lucky. But this information is very helpful. Reply
Carol Mauch says May 20, 2019 at 11:11 pm Glad you brought these conditions up, I hadn’t seen anything about a couple of them before now! Fortunately haven’t had any of these. Found a word error here above in the section Uronema marinum, fifth line To treat the fish, remove him immediately as the disease SPENDS should be /spreads incredibly fast. Reply
eddie roggero says May 21, 2019 at 6:22 am Great advice. Can you get those medications over the counter and what kind of shelf life do they have? Also do you quarantine inverts as well? Reply
Jose Ponciano says May 21, 2019 at 8:50 am Did I win … my reef tank is kicking but and looking great because of you guys. Reply
Jose Ponciano says May 21, 2019 at 8:52 am Did I win lol.. thanks for making my reef tank look amazing Reply
Dwayne Newell says May 21, 2019 at 1:09 pm Refugium information is outstanding. Wonderful ways to keep the Chaeto alive and thriving which in turn keeps my tank healthy. Reply
Krish says May 21, 2019 at 10:12 pm Informative read. Had some issues in the past. Wish I saw this. Reply
Jose Ponciano says May 27, 2019 at 11:26 am Did I win lol!!! Have the quarantine tank ready and info In mind ready to go Reply
Jorge says May 29, 2019 at 9:42 pm I plan on starting a QT soon so the information on the medications was very useful. Thanks! Reply
Alyssa says June 3, 2019 at 1:56 pm A lot of great information! Worth the read I definitely learned a couple of things. Reply
Andrew B says June 3, 2019 at 4:28 pm My old old tank was wiped out by diseases 🙁 Article helped for future references! Reply
Nick says June 3, 2019 at 6:31 pm Thanks for the info now I know more about these diseases and how to address them Reply
Kenneth Showman says June 3, 2019 at 7:36 pm I learned my lesson about quarantining years ago with fresh water. Since then I quarantine everything (fish, coral, inverts). I don’t always keep my fish quarantine tank up and running, but I always keep some marine pure bio cubes, and some live rock in my sump incase I need to setup my quarantine tank on short notice. As always I love that you guys don’t just sell high quality products on your site, but also try and help educate us on the hobby. Reply
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