Discus fish diseases.

[Gebhardt]

Stress
When discus become stressed they stop producing their stress coat and their immune system stops thus leaving them susceptible to parasites and diseases.

Types of Internal Parasites
Hexamita, Roundworms, Capillaria, Threadworms
Tape Worm, Metacercaria, Sanguinicola
For the treatment of flagellates (most common ailment of discus):
When you see white feces are present in the tank, and the fish will not eat then use:
Metronidazole B.P. Tablets - 200mg
Dosage: 2 tablets for 50 gallons water
Change water and repeat the treatment everyday for 5 days.
When white feces disappeared and see black feces, internal parasites cleared.

Sluggish, Clamped Fins,
Not really a disease, but would indicate fish are not happy with water conditions. Check all basic parameters and alter as required.

Split Fins
Not really a disease, usually the result of new Discus damaging themselves in the bag on the way home. Secondary bacterial infection of wound may occur if action is not taken to heal. If UV fitted then no action required. Alternately run a coarse of any proprietary anti bacterial remedy.

Bacterial Lesions
A whitish patch on skin with raised scales, if untreated develops into a bloody cavity and may be infected by numerous bacterial and fungal organisms. Good aquarium husbandry will lessen the chances of infection, however if it does break out treat with proprietary medications. If unsuccessful seek the advice of a vet.

Off Food
At feeding times Discus that usually feed freely either pick at food or in worst cases won't eat at all. Fish may be seen to pass white / clear faeces. If symptoms persist it would indicate an internal parasite or worm. Treat by raising the tank temperature up to 32 degrees and run a coarse of treatment such as Interpet Anti Internal Bacteria Treatment. Alternately seek the advice of a vet.

Fin Rot
Rare in Discus, but not unknown, usually caused by excessive levels of bacteria in water. Regular water changes will keep bacteria levels at an acceptable level, so to will the addition of a UV steraliser. A proprietary remedy such as Myxazin will sort out the problem otherwise.

Gill Flukes
Caused by various bacteria, and protozoans. Poor water quality is also a factor. Rapid gill movements indicate a problem, in untreated will lead to discolouration, excessive mucus production and eventual death. As with all stress related problems regular water changes will decrease significantly any chance of your fish contracting Gill Flukes. However if an outbreak does occur then treat with off the shelf remedies such as Sterazin. In extreme cases consult a vet.

Hole in Head
Probably the most feared Discus disease, but in reality quite rare. Caused by the flagellate protozoan, Hexamita. Fish generally stop feeding, turn very dark, become excessively nervous and small holes appear in the head or body from which a white puss like substance protrudes.
All healthy Discus have the Heximita protozoan present at a low level. Poor water, low oxygen content and poor diet. Ie Stress will cause the fish's immune system to fail and allow the Heximita to reproduce in an uncontrollable fashion. Proper husbandry will eliminate the chances of Hole in the Head. Infected fish should be isolated and treated in the first instance with medicated foods from a vet. Unfortunately infected fish often will not feed so treating the water with metronizadole is often the only solution. Adult fish can have the drug injected directly into their stomach. Discus are having Hole in the Head disease !

In fact, a combination of mineral deficiency and a massive increase in the numbers of flagellates lead to the formation of holes.
Holes can also be caused by tapeworms, threadworms and fish tuberculosis, as well as incorrect feeding.

Treatments for Hole in the head disease are,
Increase the mineral content of the water.
Heat treatment can be combined with orally administered Metronidazole (sold under the brand name Flagyl) once every three days.
Increase frequent water changes.
Improving the quality of the fish's water supply, vitamin and minera.
Well I ll write a detailed post about this disease later.

Pop Eye
Two causes firstly poor water conditions. Secondly, a bacterial infection behind the eye. Simple to cure with an increase in tank temperature and a broad-spectrum bacteria treatment such as Myxazin.

Swim Bladder Problems
Discus swim erratically, appear to float on their sides, or stand on their heads. Not much you can do other than be patient. Maintain a constant water temperature and do not feed the fish. Aerate well to ensure good gill movement. Often Discus will simply eat too much and will not swim properly as a result, do not panic as all will return to normal after a few hours. Other wise healthy fish sometimes suddenly stand on their heads, they continue to feed, again nothing you can do except hope they sort themselves out.
There are many other ailments that may attack our Discus
Newly acquired fish should be quarantined for a minimum of 4 weeks in a separate tank with separate water changing equipment being used to eliminate the possibility of bringing in an infection to established fish. It is generally accepted that new fish should be added after “lights out” or during normal feeding to lessen stress