Disclosure: We are not vets! The information below is based on our 35+ years of working with pond fish, as well as professional training from industry experts.
Erratic movement, flashing or rubbing on rocks and surfaces throughout the pond
- Possible Problem: Parasites
- Treatments: Parasite & Ich Treatment, Praziquantel Treatment, Pond Salt, Probiotic Fish Food
Large lumps or ‘warts’
- Possible Problem: Benign Neurofibromas
- Treatments: Rarely requires treatment; neurofibromas may fall off and regrow
Growths that look like cotton balls
- Possible Problem: Parasites
- Treatments: Parasite & Ich Treatment, Praziquantel Treatment, Pond Salt, Probiotic Fish Food
Open wounds or ulcers
- Possible Problem: Bacterial Infection
- Treatments: Ulcer & Bacterial Infection Treatment, Probiotic Fish Food
Fins appear to be rotting away
- Possible Problems: Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection
- Treatments: Ulcer & Bacterial Infection Treatment, Probiotic Fish Food, Pond Salt
Red streaks in fins
- Possible Problems: Bacterial Infection, Parasites, Ammonia Poisoning
- Treatments: Parasite & Ich Treatment, Praziquantel Treatment, Probiotic Fish Food, Water Change, Pond Salt, Pond Detoxifier
Small, white spots that look like salt stuck to the fish
- Possible Problems: Ich, Parasites
- Treatments: Parasite & Ich Treatment, Pond Salt
Gasping at the surface of the water
- Possible Problem: Oxygen Depletion
- Treatments: Aerate the pond and agitate the pond surface, Reduce fish load
Bulging eyes
- Possible Problem: Bacterial Infection
- Treatments: Ulcer & Bacterial Infection Treatment, Probiotic Fish Food
Scales protruding from a swollen body (like a pine cone)
- Possible Problems: Dropsy, Bacterial Infection
- Treatments: Dropsy is difficult to treat; treat the pond as a preventative measure, Ulcer & Bacterial Infection Treatment, Probiotic Fish Food
Difficulty swimming underwater floating at the surface upright
- Possible Problem: Swim Bladder Disease
- Treatment: If fish are still feeding, feed with canned peas or Probiotic Fish Food
Red or swollen gills
- Possible Problem: Parasites
- Treatments: Parasite & Ich Treatment, Praziquantel Treatment, Pond Salt, Probiotic Fish Food
