FISH ILLNESS- Fin Rot

Cichlid Fin and Tail Fin Rot
Photo By en.wikipedis.org/wiki/Fin_rot

Fish illness-fin rot is a general term for necrotic loss of fin tissue, resulting in split or ragged fins. It is usually the edge of the fin that is attacked, although occasionally a hole may appear in the middle of the fin. The appearance of fin rot can vary between a distinct, semi-circular “bite” shape and a “shredded” effect and this is true for any fish whether Koi, Cichlids, Goldfish, Betta.Fish, Neon Tetra's.

Fin Rot Reddening or Inflamation

Inflammation in humans is primary cause of heart failure what had been discovered inflammation in any animal can be deadly. The informational edge of the lesion is usually opaque or whitish. In advanced cases there may be some reddening or inflammation. The main threat from this fish disease is, if left untreated fin rot can slowly eat away the entire fin along with the fin rays and start to invade the fish’s body, leading to peduncle disease if the caudal (tail) fin is involved, or saddleback ulcer if the dorsal (top) fin is affected.

Koi Fin Rot

Fin rot is a bacterial disease involving opportunistic bacteria such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas or Flexibacter that abound in all aquatic environments. Secondary fungal infections are not uncommon and can cause unremitting problems.  Fin rot is the easiest symptom to see.  The edges of the fins are ragged, torn and missing.  Often the areas where the rotting is occurring is red and inflamed with infection.  Left to run its coarse the fins can be eaten totally away leaving the fish unable to swim properly often causing death.

Sometimes fin rot is accompanied by fungus that feeds off the dead tissue left behind by the infection.  If the cause of the fin rot is taken away the fungus should go away on its own but we do have fungus medications that can relieve the symptom quicker.

A severe infection of the caudal fin of a koi; there is extensive inflammation around the lesion extending into the body of the fish. This fish recovered and surprisingly the fin did partially re-grow, with the two halves knitting back together

Leading Edge of the Lesion 

Typical fin rot affecting the dorsal fin of a koi. On the leading edge of the lesion is an area of white necrotic tissue. Surrounding this is a large area of inflamed, infected tissue. The front fin ray has been exposed and destroyed. The infection has reached the fish's body

A extreme example of fin rot of the caudal fin. The white necrotic region of the fin edge is clearly visible. The whole of the fin is very red and inflamed. The infection has entered the body of the fish resulting in raised scales

 

Fin Rot Is Usually Caused By Sustained Stress

With very few exceptions, virtually all cases are precipitated by sustained stress, fear or poor water conditions and quality. In my opinion curing fin rot; you should change 1/3 of your aquarium water and add fresh water and aquarium salt. Directions are the aquarium salt bag or box in 3 day you will remove 1/3 of your tank water add fresh water and aquarium salt you will repeat this process for 2 weeks. Aquarium salt is a natural healing agent for fish.