I thought maybe it would be helpful to have a "symptoms checklist"; when dealing with an unknown illness, or just to review during quarantine or while browsing your local LFS, as a reminder of what things to keep watch for.
I've compiled two lists, one for physical and one for behavioral symptoms.
Physical Symptoms:
__raised white spots (like grains of salt)
__ flat, larger white or brown spots
__ black spots
__white powdery OR film-like coating
__paleness, washed-out colors
__cloudy or swollen eye(s)
__localized swelling/lumps
__tattered or missing fins
__white/fuzzy growth on fins or body
__patches or spots of discoloration
__ white or red sores or streaks
__white-stringy poop hanging from fish
__foreign, worm-like object attached to body or gills
__visually underweight/malnourished
__bloating, specifically in abdomen
Behavioral Symptoms:
__scratching/flashing on tank, rocks, or decorations
__twitching/ head shaking
__heavy or rapid breathing
__laying on side with^ rapid breathing
__ yawning or mouth "locked" open
__swimming directly into powerhead/flow
__excessive hiding or light sensitivity
__irregular swimming or difficulty swimming
__lethargy
__refusing to eat/suppressed appetite
__"dead" stare (think zombie-fish)
__clamped or prostrated fins
__appearing irritated/pacing the glass continuously
__eating but remaining thin/malnourished
Not all of these things point to a serious issue (lymphocystis is rarely life-threatening, for example)
But, they are good things to be aware of when purchasing or quarantining new fish.
Once you've determined what symptoms are present, I'd suggest referencing @melypr1985 's pictorial guide for diagnosing/treatment links.
Fish Disease Index - Pictorial guide
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Fish-Disease-Index---Pictorial-Guide.285708/
Hope this helps - Happy reefing!
I've compiled two lists, one for physical and one for behavioral symptoms.
Physical Symptoms:
__raised white spots (like grains of salt)
__ flat, larger white or brown spots
__ black spots
__white powdery OR film-like coating
__paleness, washed-out colors
__cloudy or swollen eye(s)
__localized swelling/lumps
__tattered or missing fins
__white/fuzzy growth on fins or body
__patches or spots of discoloration
__ white or red sores or streaks
__white-stringy poop hanging from fish
__foreign, worm-like object attached to body or gills
__visually underweight/malnourished
__bloating, specifically in abdomen
Behavioral Symptoms:
__scratching/flashing on tank, rocks, or decorations
__twitching/ head shaking
__heavy or rapid breathing
__laying on side with^ rapid breathing
__ yawning or mouth "locked" open
__swimming directly into powerhead/flow
__excessive hiding or light sensitivity
__irregular swimming or difficulty swimming
__lethargy
__refusing to eat/suppressed appetite
__"dead" stare (think zombie-fish)
__clamped or prostrated fins
__appearing irritated/pacing the glass continuously
__eating but remaining thin/malnourished
Not all of these things point to a serious issue (lymphocystis is rarely life-threatening, for example)
But, they are good things to be aware of when purchasing or quarantining new fish.
Once you've determined what symptoms are present, I'd suggest referencing @melypr1985 's pictorial guide for diagnosing/treatment links.
Fish Disease Index - Pictorial guide
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Fish-Disease-Index---Pictorial-Guide.285708/
Hope this helps - Happy reefing!
