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A Tropheus
suffering from bloat |
| When starting your aquarium, start with the end in mind.
Determine what kind of
species or fish you want to keep. Prepare a list and learn as much as possible
on the species or fish characteristic, dietary requirements, water parameters
requirements , breeding habits, etc. This will assist you in making
an informed decision on whether you would want or can provide the fish with the
right requirement to thrive. Unless you want to attempt to recover a sick fish, the best way to ensure
that you have a aquarium of healthy fish is to buy only healthy
fish.
Some tips :
1. Body. Observe the fish to ensure that there are no
missing, protruding or peeling scales. The body should be free of any open sores,
white/red spots, lumps, unusual growth or ulcers. These indicate sign of
injuries or infections.
2. Eyes. No cloudy or popping eyes. |
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" The
best way to ensure that you have a aquarium of
healthy fish is to buy only healthy fish "
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3. Fins. No torn, missing or split fins.
If the fins are completely clamp shut, they normally indicate that the fish is
not healthy.
4. Colour. Overall colour of the fish
should be vibrant, not dull or faded. However, do note that fish in fright, sometimes lose their colour.
5. Behavior. Not ducting around,
knocking into glass, rubbing against objects or still and lethargic. Should be
constantly moving. Observe whether they are eating or looking for food which
usually indicate that the fish is not sick. Also observe the tank mates.
If they are in the company of sick or dead fish, there is possibility that the
fish may have been infected without showing obvious signs of sickness yet.
A sickly looking
Sajica (female) |
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