Bacterial Infections

[Mr.Reefer]

Bacterial infections are usually a sign of poor water quality or secondary infections related to injury or parasite infestation. As a generalization, Pseudomonas species of bacterial infections tend to be external, while Vibrio species are more frequently associated with internal infections. Usually only one or two fish are affected initially. There are many possible symptoms associated with bacterial infections.
Some symptoms to watch for are the following:
• Cloudy water when viewing the aquarium from end to end
• Ragged or deteriorating fins
• Red spots or lines on the body or base of fins that grow larger
• Cloudy eyes
• Skin lesions or ulcers
• Cloudy or thickened fins
• White patches on the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Hiding
• Fish becomes listless
• Increased breathing rate
• White or red area with tissue coming off
• Swollen belly
• Anus swollen or bloody
• Raised scales
• Exophthalmoses (popeye), or blindness
• Occasional scratching without visible parasites
• Stringy, white feces
• Lateral line erosion