How to Treat Sick Koi and Other Pond Fish

Most fish issues can be avoided by following a few simple, preventative measures. Please call the experts at Splash if you see any of the following issues in your pond:

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

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

Learn more in our Ultimate Guide to Pond Fish Care.