Fin Rot

[hoges]

As the topic states, out of curiousity what is the cause for fin rot?

cheers

Laura

[anchar]

Hi Laura,

Fin rot (and tail rot) occurs through chemical, bacterial or physical factors. The fins (and tail) deteriorate, and often necrosis of the flesh occurs. It commonly occurs in every body of water; affections becoming apparent particularly when the fish are kept in an unsuitable environment (eg. during shipment). Common bacteria responsible for this disease are those of the genera Aeromonas and Pseudomonas .....tetracycline and neomycine are effective in their treatment. The addition of salt can prove to be useful, however treatment with an anti-bacterial remedy is nessecary.

Sometimes fin-rot is an indicator of secondary bacterial infection....often initially caused by a parasitic infection.

Many live bearers, eg. swordtails, mollies, platies and guppies seem to be more susceptible than most.

HTH.

merjo