Fin rot is a symptom of disease in fish. This is a disease which is most often observed in Aquaria and Aquaculture, but can also occur in natural populations [1].
Fin rot can be the result of a bacterial infection (Pseudomonas fluorescens, which causes a ragged rotting of the fin), or as a fungal infection (which rots the fin more evenly and is more likely to produce a white 'edge'). Sometimes, both types of infection are seen together. Infection is commonly brought on by bad water conditions, injury, poor diet, or as a secondary infection in a fish which is already stressed by other disease.
Fin rot starts at the edge of the fins, and destroys more and more tissue until it reaches the fin base. If it does reach the fin base, the fish will never be able to regenerate the lost tissue. At this point, the disease may attack the fish's body directly.
In aquaria common treatments are to do a major water change, add aquarium salt if the species can tolerate it, and make sure that a healthy balanced diet with a lot of vitamins is provided. There are many commercial medications available for treatment.
References[]
- ↑ http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/publications/crd/crd0413/crd0413.pdf; Ninth Flatfish Biology Conference, December 1-2, 2004, PDF, Page 68, retrieved 7-July-2008]
External links[]
- Diagnosis, prevention and treatment information at the Aquarium Wiki
- http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=263 Practical Fishkeeping Magazine article on fin rot.
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