Fish Antibiotics, Vitamins, and Medications
| Commercial fish farming is big business in the world today. Similarly, many people keep pet fish in home aquariums. Anyone who invests their time and money in domestic or commercial fish rearing should also learn how to take care of these delicate marine creatures. Fish health and exuberance depends on the quality of life the owner gives them. These include the food they eat, water conditions, other fish in the aquarium, fish antibiotics, vitamins and medications. This article will focus on the last three items in the list above, their uses, indications, benefits and availability. |
Fish Antibiotics and Vitamins |
| Two types of antibiotics are available in the market for treating fish bacterial infections. Static antibiotics usually slow down or delay the reproduction process of disease-causing bacteria, allowing the fish's immune system to fight the disease. Cidal antibiotics on the other hand, actually get rid of pathogenic bacteria. It is a known fact that not all bacteria cause fish diseases. However, primary and opportunistic pathogens can invade the fish tank or pond and cause trouble, depending on their inherent virulence. |
Fish, just like mammals, require a well-balanced meal. Hence, fish food must include vitamins A, C and E, recommended for boosting fish immune systems against pathogenic bacteria. As mentioned before, opportunistic bacteria thrive alongside harmless strains in the aquatic environment. Such bacteria are not harmful to the fish, until the conditions for infection manifest in the aquatic environment. A common trigger for bacterial infections among fish is stress as a result of poor feeding and living conditions in the tank or pond. Therefore, a poor diet with minimal vitamins will weaken their natural defense mechanisms, leading to diseases. |
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Symptoms of Bacterial Infections in Fish |
| Fish display a number of abnormal physical and behavioral signs when infected with bacteria. Owners may administer fish antibiotics to treat these symptoms, although marine experts recommend a multipronged treatment approach. Bacterial fish disease can lead to the following physical and behavioral symptoms: |
Physical Symptoms of Fish Bacterial Infection |
Behavioral Symptoms of Bacterial Infections |
• Bloody patches
• kin lesions
• Decaying or frayed fins
• Swollen abdomen
• Clamped fins
• Raised scales
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• Clamped fins
• Raised scales
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• Rubbing against objects inside the aquarium
• Isolation from the school
• Gasping for air and increased breathing rates
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abnormal swimming movements
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Treating Bacterial Fish Diseases |
| Three main culprits are responsible for most bacterial infections among fish species: vibrio, aeromonas and pseudomonas bacteria. These gram negative bacteria are resistant to the common penicillin antibiotic. Synthetically modified fish antibiotics such as broad-spectrum ampicillin-based drugs, are the most effective against resistant bugs. Thus, a dose of Fish Cillin containing 250 mg of the active ingredient is a good place to start treatment. Cephalexin (US: Cefalexin) is also effective against some forms of bacteria. Agro-Vets usually retail it in the form of Fish Flex. Amoxicillin is also one of the most popular antibiotics used today retailing under the brand name Fish Mox, containing about 250 mg of the active ingredient per dose. Lastly, metronidazole medications are also effective against several bacteria, amoeba and protozoa bugs. The medication retails under the name Fish Zole, used for treating various bacterial infections among fish. |
Fish Antibiotics, Vitamins, and Medications
