RG Gesunde Aquarienfische US PDF

Healthy aquarium fish
n Recognize fish diseases, find out causes

n Treat successfully with sera treatments
Contents
1 Prevention is better than the cure! ............... 3
2 Recognizing fish diseases ............................ 5
2.1 Diseases caused by viruses ......................... 7
2.2 Diseases caused by bacteria ....................... 7
2.3 Diseases caused by fungi ............................ 10
2.4 Diseases caused by flagellates .................... 11
2.5 Diseases caused by ciliates ......................... 13
2.6 Diseases caused by Plathelminthes
(flatworms) .................................................... 16
2.7 Diseases caused by fish leeches ................. 18
2.8 Diseases caused by crustaceans ................. 18
Diagnosis 2.9 Multiple infections ........................................ 20
3 Deficiency diseases and malnutrition .......... 21
4 Maintenance mistakes and intoxications ..... 22
5 Treatment chart
– the most important information in brief! .... 26
6 Treating fish diseases ................................... 27

6.1 Treating virus caused diseases .................... 27
6.2 Treating bacterial diseases ........................... 28
6.3 Treating fungal infections ............................. 30
6.4 Treating flagellate infections ......................... 30
6.5 Treating ciliate infections .............................. 32
6.6 Treating flatworm infections ......................... 34
6.7 Treating fish leech infections ........................ 35
6.8 Treating crustacean infections ..................... 36
General Professional Treatment
6.9 Treating multiple infections .......................... 37

7 Preventing and treating deficiencies
and malnutrition ........................................... 38
8 Preventing and remedying maintenance
mistakes and intoxications ........................... 41
9 sera med Professional treatments ............... 46

9.1 sera med Professional Flagellol ................... 47
9.2 sera med Professional Protazol ................... 48
9.3 sera med Professional Tremazol .................. 51
9.4 sera med Professional Nematol ................... 54
9.5 sera med Professional Argulol ..................... 57
10 General recommendations
for application .............................................. 60
11 Checklist ...................................................... 64
2
1 Prevention is better than the cure!
Stress affects the immune system and weakens You will find extensive and well founded infor-
disease resistance. It therefore is – just as in mation about keeping your aquarium fish
humans – one of the main factors for fish dis- stress free in the sera guides “How to set up
ease outbreaks. Stress is caused by different an aquarium”, “How to feed your tropical fish
factors. Maintenance mistakes (too many, in- naturally” and “Aquarium care according to
sufficient or wrong measures taken), a fish nature”, and on www.sera.de. Your specialized
stock that does not harmonize, adding too retailer can counsel you in detail which fish are
many fish, strongly varying temperatures, suitable for keeping together, and which spe-
overfeeding and correspondingly high organic cial features and water parameters they re-
water pollution along with a large number of quire. If you then dedicate one to two hours
pathogens in the water are among the most per week to your aquarium it will provide you
common ones. Frequently, diseases then plenty of joy for a long time. In case a disease
break out whose unnoticed corresponding ever actually occurs, this guide and the sera
pathogens were already present in the tank products will provide excellent support for
(secondary parasites, among others). helping your fish quickly and effectively.
Other important stress factors include monot- We want you to enjoy your aquarium and your
onous or unsuitable nutrition, fear due to being healthy, lively fish to the fullest.
caught, frequent maintenance in the aquarium,
transport, toxic substances in the water and
unsuitable plant fertilizers.
How does stress develop in an aquarium? –

Examples
• Fish transfers and transports

• Varying temperatures
• Frightened fish, e.g. due to keeping unsuit-
able species together or due to permanent
hierarchy fights
• Frequent maintenance in the aquarium, e.g.
due to permanent decoration changes
• Aquariums without places to hide or retreat
• Too strong water agitation
• Unsuitable water parameters
• Improper application of chemical agents
(e.g. unsuitable fertilizers, wrong application
of treatments)
• Poor hygienic conditions, e.g. by insufficient
or wrong care
• Overfeeding or wrong/deficient nutrition due
to feeding poor quality food
• Overstocking
Avoiding stress = preventing diseases
3
1 Prevention is better than the cure!
! Tip
The sera UV-C Systems reduce the number to the filter material (sera siporax is particu-
of pathogens in fresh and salt water aquari- larly well suited) and to the bottom gravel.
ums as well as in ponds in a merely physical The sera UV-C Systems therefore provide an
way, without chemical agents. Many important contribution to disease prevention
pathogens as well as annoying algae are re- and largely contribute to high life quality in
duced or even almost entirely removed by di- aquariums.
rected use of a UV-C lamp. Filter bacteria re-
main largely unaffected as most of them cling
UV-C lamp
filter mat (floss)
filter sponge
sera siporax
sera UV-C System 5 W for adding to

existing filters
4
2 Recognizing fish diseases
Unfortunately, fish diseases may occur even Regular and careful observation allows to rec-
when best care conditions are provided. It is ognize many diseases already in their early
important to recognize these diseases, allo- stages. The affected fish are not yet weakened
cate them correctly and treat them. Some ba- too much, and chances are good that healthy
sic knowledge about the most common fish fish will not be infected at all.
diseases is required to do so.
Correct diagnosis is a precondition for suc-
You should observe the fish for disease symp- cessful treatment. sera treatments are tai-
toms and unusual behavior every day when lored to specific diseases and does not unnec-
feeding them, as to ensure you can judge their essarily burden the fish nor the aquarium.
health status. Be extremely vigilant even if only
one fish separates from the others or behaves A general rule applies for all diseases: treating
conspicuously in another way. quickly considerably increases the chances for
recovery. This in particular applies for very
Generally, external and internal diseases are contagious diseases.
distinguished, depending on where they occur.
We will provide you with exemplary pictures
External diseases mainly occur on the fins, and symptom descriptions for diagnosis sup-
the skin and the gills. They can usually be rec- port in the following chapters. Please take
ognized in early stages and therefore be treat- your time and carefully read the sections
ed in time. about all possible disease causes as well as
the general useful advice at the end of this
Internal diseases are less easy to recognize. guide booklet. Some disease symptoms look
However, upon careful observation almost all very similar at first. A hasty and, accordingly,
diseases lead to untypical behavior. This in- possibly wrong diagnosis may lead to a wrong
cludes loss of appetite, conspicuous swim- treatment with possibly far reaching conse-
ming behavior, apathy and color changes (es- quences. If in doubt, please consult a special-
pecially darkening). ized veterinarian.
Attentive aquarists therefore can quickly no-

tice something is wrong also in case of internal
diseases.
! Tip
Observation Diagnosis Treatment
5
2 Recognizing fish diseases
The contents of this guide were compiled by Please note that the chemical and biological
an expert team with all required care and ac- conditions in different aquariums may differ
cording to newest scientific findings. Never- very strongly. It is therefore not possible to
theless, this short brochure can only give an precisely predict the exact reaction for each
overview about the most common fish dis- single aquarium and for each animal species.
eases and their causes. Rarely occurring dis- This in particular applies if chemical sub-
eases or those that cannot be treated at all or stances have entered the aquarium with water,
only with support from a veterinarian (e.g. ul- organic pollution or previous treatments and
cers caused by cancer, nerve damages and might cause unpredictable cross reactions
genetic deformations) are not included here. In with the treatments. A general warranty and li-
such cases, we wish to refer you to further ability for personal injuries, property damage
specific literature, e.g. to the easily under- or financial loss due to the treatment sugges-
standable and abundantly illustrated book, tions in this guide is therefore excluded by the
“Krankheiten der Aquarienfische” by the sera editor.
specialist Dieter Untergasser, issued by the
Kosmos Verlag (available only in German lan- You will find extensive advice about setting up
guage). and maintaining your aquarium on our Internet
site www.sera.de or in our numerous guide
booklets.
6
2.1 Diseases caused by viruses
Pearl Gourami with Lymphocystis cysts in its skin
Observation
Firm, globular cysts measuring 0.5 to 1 mm on the skin and the
fins (mucous membrane cells strongly enlarged by the virus).
Diagnosis: Lymphocystis
(possible in freshwater and saltwater fish)
Treatment: page 27
2.2 Diseases caused by bacteria
White lips caused White spots

by Columnaris disease underneath the skin
Columnaris disease, also affecting

scale pockets
Observation
Clamped fins, white lips, white edged scales and
white coatings in the head and back area; skin
tears open; loss of scales; spreads wider within
hours.
Diagnosis: Columnaris disease
Treatment: page 28
7
Decomposed caudal fin
Observation
Fins rot away with white edges, in final stages
up to the fin base.
Diagnosis: Fin rot
Treatment: page 28
Bacterial gill rot (gill lid removed)
Observation
Pale gills, milky skin areas, the gill filaments
decompose in final stages.
Diagnosis: Bacterial gill rot
(mostly secondary infection,
e.g. after a parasite infestation)
Treatment: page 28
8
… and at the caudal peduncle
Silver Molly with multiple bacterial infection:

Skin bleeding at the side
Observation
Small bleeding spots on the skin, the fins and
the gills, or boils and ulcers that break up
bleeding.
Diagnosis: Infection by Aeromonas or
Pseudomonas bacteria
Treatment: page 28
Severe dropsy
Observation
Protruding eyes, puffed out anus, slimy fish
waste, bloated belly and protruding scales (not
all symptoms are always fully distinctive).
Diagnosis: Dropsy
(caused by bacteria)
Treatment: page 29
9
2.3 Diseases caused by fungi
Cichlid with fungal infection on the side
Fungus infected Discus with injury infected

Firemouth Cichlid by fungi
Observation
White, cotton-like outgrowths on the skin with
long filaments standing away (often after a
previous injury).
Diagnosis: Fungal infection (Mycosis)
Treatment: page 30
10
2.4 Diseases caused by flagellates
Fin clamping Platy
Platy with Ichthyobodo infection
Observation
Color changes to gray or milky in some areas of the skin
(reddish in case of stronger infestation); long finned fish have
frayed fins; clamped fins.
Diagnosis: Ichthyobodo necator
(formerly: Costia necatrix)
Treatment: page 30
11
2.4 Diseases caused by flagellates
Discus infected by intestinal flagellates
Observation
Decomposing fins, slimy, whitish fish waste, holes in and
around the head (especially in case of discus fish), possibly
emaciation and darkening.
Diagnosis: Intestinal flagellates (Hexamita sp.,
Spironucleus sp. as well as other parasites such as
Protoopalina sp., Trichomonas sp., Cryptobia sp.)
and/or hole-in-the-head disease
Treatment: page 30
Gourami with Piscinoodinium infection
Piscinoodinium on the back
Observation
The fish scrub themselves on decoration and swim hectically
in early stages, later on fine whitish yellow dots (< 0.3 mm)
on skin and fins; frequently infestation of the gills; fish looks
– especially in backlight – as if dusted with flour; velvet-like
coating.
Diagnosis: Piscinoodinium, Velvet disease
Treatment: page 31
12
2.5 Diseases caused by ciliates
Black Neon Tetra with white spot infection
Black Molly with “Ich” Angelfish with infection

by Cryptocaryon irritans
Observation
Clearly visible white spots (0.4 – 1.5 mm) on skin and fins,
clamped fins and scrubbing on decoration.
Diagnosis: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
(white spot disease),
Cryptocaryon irritans (saltwater ich)
Treatment: page 32
13
Infected Dwarf Gourami
Firemouth Cichlid with Apiosoma infestation at the caudal fin
Observation
Furry coating after mucous membrane injuries; many elon-
gated protozoans on a short stalk (no long threads as in
case of fungal infections) are visible with a strong magnifier.
Diagnosis: Apiosoma (formerly: Glossatella) or
Epistylis (formerly: Heteropolaria)
Treatment: page 33
14
Infected Firemouth Cichlid
Dark colored Discus with Chilodonella infection Infection by Tetrahymena

(elliptic white thickened skin areas) (net-like thickened mucous membrane)
Observation
Isolated, whitish thickened areas on the mucous membrane
(partially stringy); small pale areas on the skin; apathy and
loss of appetite; mucus secretion (in case of marine fish). The
fish scrub themselves and occasionally wince with their fins.
Diagnosis: Trichodina, Tetrahymena, Chilodonella,
Brooklynella (in saltwater)
Treatment: page 33
15
2.6 Diseases caused by Plathelminthes (flatworms)
Corydoras with skin flukes
Observation
The fish scrub themselves and become apathetic. Cloudy
skin and small, motile worms on the skin (partially visible with
the naked eye, otherwise detectable with a magnifier; mostly
smaller than 1 mm).
Diagnosis: Skin flukes / Gyrodactylidea
Treatment: page 34
Discus with breath shortage caused by gill fluke infestation
Observation
Breathing becomes stronger every day until the fish stay un-
der the surface panting; sometimes one-sided breathing; one
or both gill lids closed or spread open; small flukes usually
sized less than 1 mm sit on the gills (possibly visible on a se-
dated fish with a magnifier); fish scrub themselves at the gill
lid.
Diagnosis: Gill flukes / Dactylogyridea
Treatment: page 34
16
2.6 Diseases caused by Plathelminthes (flatworms)
Swordtail with Transversotrema infection
Large Metacercaria in a Kissing Gourami from an Metacercaria in the fins

Asian outdoor hatchery
Observation
Fish scrub themselves; inflammations underneath the
scales; emaciation.
Diagnosis: Transversotrema sp.
Treatment: page 35
17
2.7 Diseases caused by fish leeches
Fish leech on a Discus
Fish leech
Observation
Circular bloody inflamed areas measuring 3 – 8 mm on the
skin of the fish; up to 5 cm (2 in.) long (often shorter) worms
with suction cups at both ends of the body and a ring pat-
tern; can be found on aquatic plants or on the fish them-
selves.
Diagnosis: Fish leech / Piscicola sp.
Treatment: page 35
2.8 Diseases caused by crustaceans
Argulus on a Koi
Observation
Fish jump and swim hectically; flat (louse-like), almost trans-
parent crustaceans sized 4 – 14 mm with two black eyes vis-
ible on the skin of the fish; red sting marks on the fish skin.
Diagnosis: Fish louse / e.g. Argulus
Treatment: page 36
18
Platy with Lernaea Lernaea on a caudal fin
Observation
White, bar shaped crustaceans with two small sacs at the
end, they stick deeply and firmly in the skin; anemia and
emaciation of the fish.
Diagnosis: Anchor worm / Lernaea
Treatment: page 36
Ergasilus on the gills (gill lid removed)

Photo: Dr. Dirk Kleingeld
Observation
White to grayish blue crustaceans sized 0.5 – 3 mm on the
gill filaments.
Diagnosis: Parasitic copepod / Ergasilus
Treatment: page 36
19
Parasitic isopod
Parasitic isopod on a Butterfly Cichlid
Observation
Clearly segmented, oval, opaque, yellowish to brownish
arthropods [1 – 5 cm (0.4 – 2 in.)] are attached to the fish;
bloody, dot-shaped sting marks.
Diagnosis: Parasitic isopods
Treatment: page 36
2.9 Multiple infections
Siamese Shark with multiple infection
Observation
Strong mucus secretion, often with fungal infection in some
areas, numerous other symptoms possible.
Diagnosis: Multiple infection (a differentiated diagnosis
is usually possible only by a specialist)
Treatment: page 37
20
3 Deficiency diseases and malnutrition
Gill lid deformation
Discus with fin deformation caused by mineral deficiency
Observation
Deformation of gill lids, fins and spine in off-
spring.
Cause: Mineral and vitamin deficiency
caused by too soft water and unsuitable food
low in vitamins
Treatment: page 38
Fatty liver degeneration
Observation
Listlessness, too thin or too thick animals, poor development.
Cause: Poor quality, monotonous food leading to liver
fattening, among others
Treatment: page 38
21
4 Maintenance mistakes and intoxications
Uniform darkening of the entire fish
Observation
Pale colors or, in some fish such as Discus, uniform darken-
ing.
Cause: Feeling unwell, caused by unsuitable or polluted
water, or by not keeping the fish according to their
requirements (e.g. no hideaways, keeping unsuitable
species together etc.)
Treatment: page 41
Large-area injury on a Discus
Observation
Mucous membrane rubbed off, skin injuries.
Cause: Injuries, e.g. by catching with a coarse net,
transport injuries, injuries by trying hectically to escape
(bouncing into sharp edged decoration objects) or by
territorial fights
Treatment: page 41
22
Air bubble disease

Photo: Dr. Sandra Lechleiter
Observation
Clear small blisters under the skin (0.5 – 2 mm).
Cause: Air bubble disease (oversaturation of the water
with gas)
Treatment: page 41
Cornea swelling caused by a pH lower than 3
Observation
Slimy, milky skin, cloudy bleedings underneath; thick cloudy
coatings on the eyes; brownish coatings on the gills.
Cause: Acidosis
Treatment: page 42
23
Damaged gills after an ammonia intoxication

(gill lid removed)
For comparison: Healthy gills

(gill lid removed)
Observation
Whitish skin slime; frayed fins; gill filaments dying off.
Cause: Alkalosis or ammonia intoxication
Treatment: page 42
24
Discus with fin parts missing after an osmotic shock
Observation
Mucous membrane comes off, fins fall off.
Cause: Osmotic shock
Treatment: page 42
Observation
Fish become apathetic and die suddenly in spite of beautiful
colors, often without other outer disease symptoms.
Cause: Acute nitrite intoxication
Treatment: page 43
25
5 Treatment chart
Disease/Pathogen Treatment in aquariums
Aeromonas or Pseudomonas sera omnipur, sera baktopur,
sera baktopur direct, sera bakto Tabs
Anchor worm (Lernaea) sera baktopur, sera med Argulol
Apiosoma or Epistylis sera costapur
Brooklynella (only marine fish) sera costapur
Columnaris disease sera omnipur, sera baktopur,
Cryptocaryon (only marine fish) sera costapur
Dropsy sera omnipur, sera baktopur,
Fin rot sera omnipur, sera baktopur,
Fish leech sera baktopur
Fish louse (Argulus) sera baktopur, sera med Argulol
Fungal infection (Mycosis) sera mycopur, sera costapur
Gill flukes sera mycopur, sera omnipur
Gill rot (bacterial) sera omnipur, sera baktopur,
Ichthyobodo necator (Costia) sera costapur
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis sera costapur
(white spot disease)
Injuries (infected) sera mycopur
Intestinal flagellates sera baktopur direct, sera med Flagellol
Lymphocystis sera pond cyprinopur
Multiple infection sera omnipur
Parasitic copepods (Ergasilus) sera baktopur, sera med Argulol
Parasitic isopods sera baktopur, sera med Argulol
Skin flukes sera mycopur, sera omnipur
Transversotrema and fluke larva sera mycopur, sera omnipur
Trichodina, Tetrahymena, Chilodonella sera costapur
Velvet disease (Piscinoodinium) sera ectopur
26
6 Treating fish diseases
6.1 Treating virus caused diseases
The best measure against virus
Lymphocystis
caused diseases is to strength-
en the immune system. Be Diagnosis: page 7
sure to maintain good water
values and provide your fish After intruding into a mu-
with all required nutrients – es- cous membrane cell, the
pecially with vitamins (e.g. virus multiplies strongly,
sera fishtamin). Fish with ac- and the infected cell
Lymphocystis
tive disease resistance are grows into a giant lym- in a skin swab
considerably less frequently af- phocyst that finally bursts
fected by virus infections than and releases an enormous
stressed animals. If ever they number of the pathogens into the water. These
should be infected they will be- viruses then can infect the mucous membrane
come healthy again more cells of the same fish or of other, not yet af-
quickly. fected fish. Infected fish should therefore im-
mediately be removed from the tank.
You can suppress further spreading of viruses
in your fish stock by quarantining infected fish Treatment with sera pond cyprinopur, which
and using disinfecting agents (e.g. sera pond is usually used in garden ponds, is suitable for
cyprinopur from the pond product range). suppressing this spreading within freshwater
Gently increasing the water temperature sup- aquariums. The treatment prevents the viruses
ports and accelerates recovery in case of attaching to new skin cells. The infected skin
many viral infections. The immune system of spots heal within a few weeks. Duration of the
the fish is then highly active. treatment depends on the course of the dis-
ease. In case of treatments lasting longer than
The water temperature can be lowered again three days, the daily treatment addition should
very slowly [max. 1°C (1.8°F) per day] to the be reduced to approximately half dosage
normal keeping temperature after the disease [0.5 ml per each 20 l (5.3 US gal.)]. Carry out a
symptoms have entirely vanished. larger partial water change every couple of
days (at least every fourth day). Invertebrates
(e.g. snails) and plants may be harmed in case
of longer treatment.
27
6.2 Treating bacterial diseases
Bacteria are present in every aquarium and ful- Proper water quality and good aeration must
fill important tasks in there, e.g. the breakdown be maintained in case of all bacterial infec-
of ichthyotoxic nitrogen compounds. However, tions. You should generally not feed – possibly
some of the bacteria species may cause dis- except for adding sera bakto Tabs – during
eases. This in particular applies for fish with in- the treatment as to prevent additional water
juries, a weakened immune system and in pollution. During and after the treatment it
case of high pathogen density. There should makes sense to strengthen the immune sys-
be hardly any problems caused by bacteria in tem of the animals by additionally applying
an appropriately maintained aquarium. vitamins (sera fishtamin).
The diseases described in the following are Various bacterial infections may occur in fresh-
caused by different bacteria species. Precise water and saltwater. Some of the bacterial dis-
species identification is usually only possible eases most frequently occurring in ornamental
by a specialized microbiological laboratory. fish are described in the following.
However, knowing the precise species is al-
most always not important for a treatment.
Columnaris–Krankheit
Columnaris disease
The first symptoms for a bacterial infection
may include fin clamping and the fish tending Diagnosis: page 7
to hide. Treatment: see above
The preparations sera omnipur, sera bakto- Treatment should begin

pur direct, sera baktopur and sera bakto without delay as the dis-
Tabs are treatments that can safely heal most ease quickly develops
Scale with areas
bacterial infections occurring in fish. Treating and spreads. Lowering dissolved by an
in time is very important as later infection the pH value to just under infection
stages increasingly affect internal organs, and pH 7 (e.g. with sera pH-
the damages quickly become irreparable. minus) supports the
treatment since the bac-
The broad range treatment sera omnipur ef- teria prefer alkaline water.
fectively treats most ornamental fish diseases Please make sure in ad-
in freshwater aquariums – in particular bacter- vance whether the fish
ial infections. The liquid sera baktopur (in you keep tolerate this
freshwater) has disinfecting and recovery sup- acidification. This disease
porting effects. It provides good support espe- frequently occurs on fish
cially in the early stages of an infection. sera imported from Asia. Agglomerates of
baktopur direct (freshwater and saltwater Columnaris bacteria in
fish) and the medicinal food tablets sera bak- There is a certain risk of a mucous membrane
to Tabs (freshwater and saltwater fish) are an- confusing the disease skin swab
tibiotically effective and can even treat some with neon disease,
very advanced infections. You may use the which not only affects
preparations sera baktopur, sera baktopur Neon Tetras but also numerous other fish
direct and sera bakto Tabs in combination. species. It is caused by the single celled para-
This is particularly advisable in case of ad- site Pleistophora (Microspora), which may also
vanced, severe infections. The care product cause skin areas turning white. Swimming
sera ectopur provides support especially if around restlessly at night and spine curvature
the mucous membranes are also affected. It are other common symptoms of neon disease.
releases disinfecting oxygen and stimulates Affected fish should be isolated as quickly as
mucous membrane regeneration due to the in- possible as to prevent the disease from
cluded salt. spreading. There is no known treatment.
28
6.2 Treating bacterial diseases
the scale pockets (protruding scales) or at the
Fin rot
background of the eyes (exophthalmus). Addi-
Diagnosis: page 8 tional swimming bladder infections usually
Treatment: page 28 lead to abnormal swimming behavior. Fish
showing these symptoms can often not be
This disease frequently saved any more.
occurs in case of poor
hygienic conditions and An extensive treatment with the above men-
Fin rot in its final
overstocking. These bac- stage tioned treatments must be carried out if only
teria, small numbers of one of these symptoms is observed. It is ideal
which are also present in to put the affected fish, which excrete plenty
the tank otherwise, be- of pathogens, into a quarantine tank and use
come a serious threat only a combination of the three sera baktopur
under such conditions. preparations. You should also treat the main
tank with, for instance, sera baktopur after
you have removed the conspicuous fish, as to
Bacterial gill rot
reliably prevent the disease from spreading.
Diagnosis: page 8 Be sure to maintain proper water quality in any
Treatment: page 28 case.
Aeromonas or Pseudomonas bacteria

Diagnosis: page 9
Treatment: page 28
Dropsy
Diagnosis: page 9
Long lasting stress situations, e.g. strongly or-

ganically polluted water, weaken the immune
system of the fish, making the organism vul-
nerable for bacterial infections. Often, only a
few of the fish are affected. The disease usu-
ally begins with a bacterial infection of the in-
testines. However, it can also occur as a final
stage symptom of various other diseases. The
infection of the intestines becomes visible by
the excretion of slimy fish waste. During the
further course the intestinal mucous mem-
brane begins to decompose (it comes off as
white slime threads). Nutrition taken up cannot
be digested any more. The damaged intestinal
mucous membrane has become penetrable
for pathogens, leading to other organs being
infected or degenerating due to lacking nutri-
ents in this stage. When finally the kidney
function is affected, unexcreted liquid accu-
mulates in the body cavity (bloated belly), in
29
6.3 Treating fungal infections
It is therefore important to immediately add
Fungal infection (Mycosis)
sera aquatan or sera blackwater aquatan to
Diagnosis: page 10 the aquarium water even in case of small skin
abrasions upon catching and transport as a
Fungi (e.g. Saprolegnia) are breakdown organ- preventive measure.
isms present in every aquarium. They provide The contained mucous membrane protecting
an important contribution for hygiene by utiliz- components quickly seal small injuries and
ing waste substances such as fish waste. As abrasions. You can successfully treat fungal
long as the mucous membrane remains unin- infections broken out with sera mycopur. Si-
jured the fungi cannot harm the fish since it multaneous application of sera ectopur sup-
provides reliable protection against intruding ports the effect, accelerates healing and re-
fungus spores (their multiplication stages). duces the risk of secondary infections by
However, if the mucous membrane is dam- protozoans and bacteria. sera costapur also
aged, e.g. due to injuries or a parasite infec- shows very good effects especially in case of
tion, spores can adhere within the skin and spawn being infected by fungi.
germinate. Once the fish are infested, the fun-
gus can also overgrow healthy skin areas and
inner organs, and it may even kill the fish. Too
low water temperatures support fungal infec-
tions.
6.4 Treating flagellate infections

Ichthyobodo necator Intestinal flagellates
(formerly: Costia necatrix) (Hexamita sp., Spironu-
cleus sp. as well as
Diagnosis: page 11
other parasites such as
Protoopalina sp., Tricho-
Ichthyobodo or Costia is a
monas sp., Cryptobia sp.)
single celled secondary
and/or hole-in-the-head
parasite that only multi-
Ichthyobodo disease Spironucleus sp.
plies without restraint if
necator
the fish are stressed and Diagnosis: page 12
already weakened. Being
an obligate parasite, the organism exclusively A flagellate infestation of the intestines plus
feeds on the mucous membrane and dies in the frequently occurring subsequent severe
open water after a short time. Strong infesta- bacterial infection lead to insufficient uptake of
tion leads to destruction of large skin areas, vitamins and minerals. This deficiency be-
causing the death of the fish. Treat safely and comes visible by the so-called hole-in-the-
successfully with sera costapur. Afterwards, head disease, among others. However, the ap-
the care product sera ectopur allows for an pearance of hole-in-the-head disease is often
aftertreatment that supports recovery. also caused by malnutrition and too soft water
containing insufficient minerals alone.
The widespread single celled intestinal flagel-

lates are harmless in low density but can mul-
tiply very strongly within the intestines in case
of stress and unsuitable or poor quality fish
nutrition. They will then harm the infected fish
30
6.4 Treating flagellate infections
very badly and may even be fatal. The same
Piscinoodinium,
applies for severe intestinal infestation with
Velvet disease
certain bacteria. The pathogens withdraw im-
portant nutrients, minerals and vitamins from Diagnosis: page 12
the food pulp, affect digestion and damage
the intestinal mucous membrane. The fish or- Piscinoodinium pillulare is a
ganism tries to compensate the subsequent single celled ectoparasite in
deficiency of minerals, among others, by de- freshwater that is often mis-
composing and reutilizing cartilaginous tissue taken for Ichthyophthirius Piscinoodinium
pillulare in a skin
at the head. This causes the typical holes. (white spot disease) due swab
to its appearance. How-
Recovery of the fishes’ digestive tract is a long ever, the spots caused by
lasting process and needs to be supported by Piscinoodinium are considerably smaller in
an anti-bacterial treatment in many cases if comparison. Longer salt baths with sera
there is a strong contribution of pathogenic ectopur achieve good success (the concentra-
bacteria. This treatment is very effectively car- tion must be adjusted to the fish species in
ried out with sera baktopur direct. question).
A varied diet close to nature plus regular addi-

tion of sera mineral salt and sera fishtamin
prevent hole-in-the-head disease and support
the healing process. On the other hand, feed-
ing beef heart or other warm blooded animal
meat, to which no orna-
mental fish is physiologi-
cally adapted, supports
the multiplication of harm-
ful intestinal flagellates and
bacteria. All sera foods –
e.g. sera discus granulat
– optimally match the re-
quirements of the fish, as
exclusively aquatic organ-
isms are used as protein
and fat sources. They
therefore ensure healthy
development and vitality.
The high quality sera
foods are entirely digested, thus avoiding un-
necessary water pollution. Food with a high
Spirulina percentage, e.g. sera Spirulina Tabs
and sera flora, as well as food very rich in min-
erals and ballast substances, such as sera
GVG-mix and the sera FD range, is particularly
well suited for regenerating the intestinal flora.
31
6.5 Treating ciliate infections
maintained for a couple of days after the treat-
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis ment before it is slowly lowered again. Further-
(white spot disease), more, the water should be aerated well during
Cryptocaryon irritans the treatment, and the lighting should remain
(saltwater ich) switched off at least on the according treat-
Diagnosis: page 13 ment days. The white spots on the fish skin re-
main visible for a few days also after a suc-
The treatment should by cessful double treatment (on the first and third
Ichthyophthirius
all means begin as soon multifiliis days) but become increasingly transparent
as possible. The disease (spots with live parasites appear straight white)
can literally spread at an and finally disappear entirely. Only in case you
explosive rate via swarmer stages of this para- observe the formation of new spots for certain
site in the rather densely inhabited limited en- you should surmise pathogens have survived
vironment an aquarium provides. Treat effec- or were introduced again, making a further
tively and safely with sera costapur (in treatment (on the fifth and seventh days) nec-
freshwater and saltwater tanks). Please note essary.
that some invertebrates are sensitive towards
a treatment – possibly treat in a quarantine White spot disease can be diagnosed rather
tank. Cartilaginous fish (sharks and unmistakably. However, in some cases infec-
rays/skates) do not tolerate the active agent tions by Lymphocystis (viruses, page 7) or with
malachite green and similar compounds. A re- some sporozoan species (other single celled
covery supporting aftertreatment can be car- parasites) lead to a surprisingly similar appear-
ried out with the care product sera ectopur. ance. Some reports about suspected resist-
As far as possible, it is advisable to raise the ance, sometimes after having treated properly
temperature slightly for a couple of days as to against “Ich” for several times, might be due
support the treatment (by all means consider to such understandable false diagnoses.
the tolerance level of the fish!). The parasites
generally do not tolerate the higher tempera-
tures too well, furthermore the immune system
of the fish works more effectively this way. A
temperature of about 31°C (88°F) would be
ideal. The elevated temperature should be
1 The adult parasites leave the

fish and, swimming freely,
look for well-protected places
with little water flow.
2 The parasite forms a firm capsule (cyst)
and divides several times. Several hundred
swarmers develop within the cyst.
3 The swarmers penetrate the capsule, swim
around and divide again.
4 The swarmers infest the same fish again,
or other fish, penetrating into their skin.
Life cycle of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
32
6.5 Treating ciliate infections
Apiosoma (formerly: Trichodina, Tetrahymena,
Glossatella) or Epistylis Chilodonella,
(formerly: Heteropolaria) Brooklynella
(in saltwater)
Diagnosis: page 14
Diagnosis: page 15
Apiosoma sp. and Epistylis
colisarum are very similar These ciliates are mainly
Apiosoma sp. Trichodina
protozoans that settle on so-called secondary para-
existing wounds on the fish sites. Mass multiplication
skin and thus avoid their healing (they are not usually only occurs if the fish has been previ-
parasites in the original sense). In the further ously harmed by another disease, or if the wa-
course, adjacent healthy skin areas can also be ter conditions are poor. The skin and gill dam-
infected, and further pathogens – e.g. fungi ages caused by the protozoan may be fatal.
and bacteria – may settle. Using sera aquatan Quick action is therefore required. Be sure in
and sera blackwater aquatan prevents small- particular to maintain good water quality and
er wounds being infected. In case of slight in- treat with sera costapur (freshwater and salt-
festations, using sera ectopur is usually suffi- water fish). Aftertreatment with sera ectopur is
cient. Treatment with sera costapur provides advisable also in this case.
help in case of a stronger infestation by these
ciliates.
33
6.6 Treating flatworm infections
Animals of different phylogeny are classified in
the worm group. Their worm shaped body is Gill flukes /
Dactylogyridea
all they have in common. The parasitic worms
occurring in fish need to be treated differently Diagnosis: page 16
and with different active agents, depending on
their group of related species. Gill flukes (Dactylogyridea)
Flatworms include many important parasites. live as parasites mainly on
Planaria are independently living members of the gills of fish. The gill fil-
Gill filaments with
this group. They belong to the Turbellaria. ament irritations and in- Dactylogyrus
They can quickly become annoying in case of juries caused by their infestation
mass multiplication. (If required, they can be clasping apparatus induce
removed with the sera snail collect trap, or by increased mucus forma-
adding macropodes as predators.) Flukes tion that inhibits gas exchange more and more,
(Monogenea) including skin and gill flukes are finally making it possible that the fish suffocate.
real parasites. Among the Trematodes, aquar-
ists may know about scale worms. The fourth Dactylogyrus can be distinguished from Gyro-
flatworm group, tapeworms (Cestoda) can al- dactylus, among others, by the presence of
so be found in ornamental fish. pigment eyes at the front end. The differences
sera omnipur or sera mycopur are effective to the livebearing skin flukes is relevant for the
against parasitic flatworms in aquariums. The treatment: As the gill flukes lay eggs whose
care product sera ectopur has proven well shell is impermeable for the active agent, a
many times as a preventive measure, in case of second treatment must be carried out as to kill
slight infestations, for accompanying a treatment the larvae that have hatched in the meantime
or for supporting recovery after a treatment. as well. sera omnipur or sera mycopur are
used, just as is the case with skin flukes. A
second treatment should be carried out after a
Skin flukes / few days. Development of the worm larvae de-
Gyrodactylidea
pends on the temperature: it is complete after
Diagnosis: page 16 3 days at a water temperature of 28°C (82°F),
while it can take up to 7 days at water temper-
Flukes of the order Gyro- atures about 25°C (77°F). However, you should
dactylidea are more likely not wait too long before conducting the sec-
to be found on the skin ond treatment, as the fish might be re-infected
than on the gills of the Gyrodactylus sp. by worm larvae and the worms possibly even
with three larvae,
fish. They can also be one inside the other lay new eggs again. In case of uncertain diag-
distinguished from gill nostic differentiation to a skin fluke infection it
flukes (Dactylogyrus) by is better to surmise a gill fluke infection and
their lack of pigment eyes at the front end. The conduct a repeated treatment for safety rea-
worms attach to the skin of the fish with the sons.
clasping apparatus at their back end. Their
mucous membrane becomes thicker as a de-
fensive reaction. The occurring skin injuries of-
ten lead to secondary infections. While an in-
festation with only a few flukes often runs
symptom free, a mass infestation may quickly
cause the death of many fish.
Therefore treat with sera omnipur or sera my-
copur according to the information for use in
time – in a quarantine tank, if required. Since
Gyrodactylus is livebearing, it is usually possi-
ble to reliably remove the parasites with one
treatment cycle.
34
6.6 Treating flatworm infections
with sera omnipur or sera mycopur. The
Transversotrema sp.
dead larvae (underneath the scales) are reject-
Diagnosis: page 17 ed by the tissue after a while.
Larvae of other flukes (so-called Metacerca-
The larvae of this worm penetrate the skin of a riae) wandering through the body of the host
fish where they live under its scales until they fish may cause damages that lead to some
are mature. (The adult animals are about characteristic disease symptoms, such as
3 – 5 mm long and creep around on the skin. worm cataract (the eye becomes cloudy) and
They are transparent and hardly visible.) The black spot disease.
infection leads to inflammations and – in case
of severe infestations – even to large area de-
struction of the fish skin and consequently
death of the fish. Transversotrema require
snails as intermediate hosts. Multiplication and
spreading of the parasites therefore can be re-
duced by removing snails (you can, for in-
stance, use the sera snail collect trap for this
purpose). The worms themselves are removed
6.7 Treating fish leech infections

changes, collecting the worms and carefully
Fish leech / Piscicola sp.
cleaning the decoration and the plants re-
Diagnosis: page 18 duces and finally entirely removes the leech
population. Larger cichlids like to eat leeches
Fish leeches belong to the and should be used for combating them, pro-
jointed worms (Annelida) vided the remaining fish stock allows this.
phylum which also in- In case it is necessary to remove leeches from
cludes many well known Fish leech
the fish itself, e.g. in case of a mass infesta-
non-parasitic species such tion, you should remove the worms very care-
as earthworms or Tubifex. fully with an edgeless pair of tweezers close to
Fish leeches use their oral suction cup to at- the front suction cup. Avoid squeezing the
tach to fishes and suck their blood. While do- stomach of the worm (in the middle), as the
ing so they inject hirudine into the wound, a leech in this case regurgitates its stomach
substance that inhibits blood coagulation. The contents into the wound, thus increasing the
full worm lets go of the fish at the latest after 2 risk of transmitting a disease. The same ap-
days. While sucking blood it injures the skin of plies for other measures that might irritate the
the fish (less frequently gills or fins). The loss of worm (e.g. by sprinkling salt directly on the
blood itself – including secondary bleedings – worm). It is safer to remove the worm from the
always causes weakening, in case of smaller tank only after it left the fish by itself. Applying
fish sometimes even immediate death. Danger- sera ectopur supports wound healing of the
ous secondary infections often occur at the suction spots and prevents infections. sera
spot where the leech sucked blood. Further- baktopur provides help in case of already ex-
more, the leeches my transmit parasite stages isting infections.
while sucking blood that they took up the pre-
vious time they sucked blood from another
fish.
Fish leeches or cocoons with their offspring
can be introduced with newly purchased fish,
live food or aquatic plants. Frequent water
35
6.8 Treating crustacean infections
The large group of crustaceans (Crustacea) al-
Fish louse / e.g. Argulus
so includes some species that live parasitically
on freshwater and saltwater fish. In spite of Diagnosis: page 18
their sometimes misleading names (e.g. fish Treatment: see above
louse and anchor worm) and their often un-
usual appearance, all parasites mentioned in Besides usually domestic
the following are crustaceans. fish louse species that af-
fect pond fish, there are
Argulus
Bloodsucking crustaceans are a threat for fish also tropic fish lice that
not only because of the loss of blood and the occur in freshwater and
possible infection of the wounds, but also saltwater aquariums. They are good swimmers
transmit different pathogens from one fish to that look for a fish as a host in free water and
the next one. There is an additional group of attach to its skin using their two suction cups.
crustaceans that do not live parasitically them- They suck blood (sometimes for weeks) and
selves but serve as intermediate hosts for oth- often change the spots they attach to while do-
er parasites. Fish can therefore become infecting so. Some species additionally inject a toxin
ed with parasite stages if they eat these or an allergen, which may cause infection or in-
crustaceans (e.g. copepods may be interme- toxication symptoms up to death. Furthermore,
diate hosts for tapeworm larvae). they may transmit pathogens from one fish to
another while sucking. The affected fish are al-
You can prevent introduction of these crus- ways weakened due to blood loss. There are
taceans by not using potentially dangerous frequent secondary infections.
frozen and live food (all sera foods are guaran-
teed to be parasite free) and being careful
Anchor worm / Lernaea
when purchasing new animals and plants (e.g.
by quarantine measures). In case parasitic Diagnosis: page 19
crustaceans should nevertheless occur once Treatment: see above
in a while, you can use, for example, sera
baktopur for treating subsequent bacterial The crustacean Lernaea is usually called “an-
diseases. Strict hygienic measures such as re- chor worm” by aquarists, as it is deeply bur-
peated water changes and the careful cleaning rowed in the fish skin with a branched attach-
of decoration, bottom gravel and plants re- ing organ on its front end, and has an
duce the population of the parasitic crus- elongated body shape without any visible
taceans until they finally disappear entirely. limbs. There are two sacs at the back end of
females in which the eggs develop. The fish
In case of severe problems with parasitic crus- are weakened very much by the constant loss
taceans, please also refer to the information of blood and severe infections at the deep at-
about sera med Professional Argulol, begin- tachment spots.
ning on page 57.
36
6.8 Treating crustacean infections
ness of breath due to the constant gill irritation
Parasitic copepod /
and the increased formation of mucus. Partially
Ergasilus
irreparable damages and dangerous bleedings
Diagnosis: page 19 occur at the gills. There are frequent secondary
Treatment: page 36 infections.
The crustacean Ergasilus

Parasitic isopods
has pointed clasping
Gill infecting
hooks that it uses to cling copepod, Photo: Diagnosis: page 20
to the gills of the host fish Dr. Sandra Lechleiter Treatment: page 36
for its entire life. Only the
females live as parasites Isopods also belong to the crustaceans. Some
on the fish where they feed on skin cells. The species parasitize on fish and suck blood
males swim freely in the water. The females de- there. The loss of blood and the sting injuries
velop two large egg sacs at the back end. In- weaken the fish.
fected fish suffer from constant severe short-
6.9 Treating multiple infections

Obtaining a complete and reliable differentiat-
Multiple infection
ed diagnosis is usually possible only for ex-
(a differentiated diagnosis
perts with appropriate equipment. This often
is usually possible only
means unreasonable effort or is not even lo-
by a specialist)
gistically possible. The sera product range in-
Diagnosis: page 20 cludes the reliable broad range treatment sera
omnipur for such cases in a freshwater aquar-
Fish can be infected by ium. This treatment covers almost the entire
Skin swab showing
several pathogen species pathogen range and prevents secondary in-
a multiple infection:
at the same time. In such Ichthyophthirius, fections. You can again use sera ectopur as a
cases, mucous membrane Chilodonella, support also in case of a multiple infection.
swelling can often be ob- Trichodina, Costia
served as an unspecific and Piscinoodinium The cumulative occurrence of several patho-
symptom. There often is gens at once indicates problematic keeping
also a gray to whitish color conditions. Therefore please check the water
change. With a microscope, it is often possible parameters and other conditions. Immediately
to detect both skin flukes and different proto- carry out necessary changes (e.g. reducing the
zoans such as Ichthyobodo (Costia), number of fish, filter maintenance, water
Chilodonella, Trichodina and Tetrahymena in a change etc.) and support the disease resist-
skin swab. Bacteria and fungi can also often ance of your fish by adding vitamin prepara-
be found. The fish often scrub themselves on tions (sera fishtamin).
the ground or on objects in early stages, later
on they stand in the water flow of the filter out-
let apathetically, swaying and with clamped
fins. In advanced stages, mucous membrane
shreds come off, and other unspecific symp-
toms occur. Depending on which pathogens
are involved, the life of single fish or of the en-
tire fish stock may be in danger sooner or lat-
er.
37
7 Preventing and treating deficiencies and malnutrition
Mineral and vitamin deficiency caused by Poor quality, monotonous food leading to
too soft water and unsuitable food low in liver fattening, among others
vitamins
Cause: page 21
Cause: page 21
Prevention/Recommendation: Monotonous
Prevention/Recommendation: Fish withdraw and wrong nutrition with low quality food man-
minerals and trace elements from the water via ufactured from poor quality, unsuitable ingre-
their skin and the gills. The balanced mineral dients leads to deficiencies and physiological
level of sera mineral salt as well as the iodine problems. Such food can only be digested to
and magnesium in sera aquatan along with an insufficient extent, causing unnecessary
important vitamins from sera fishtamin (e.g. water pollution. Furthermore, there is the prob-
vitamin D3 for skeleton buildup) compensate lem that your fish are on the one hand exces-
deficiencies – e.g. in case of deionized (R/O) sively battened by cheap fattening food and
water. The fish are thus effectively protected on the other hand receive insufficient essential
against not genetically caused deformations nutrients such as vitamins, essential amino
(often on the gills or the fins). Sufficient supply acids and omega fatty acids. Food sold loose-
with minerals and food rich in vitamins (e.g. ly or in transparent plastic bags is exposed to
sera micron) is crucial especially in early de- light and atmospheric oxygen. The fats quickly
velopment stages. However, deficiencies may become rancid, and the vitamins decompose.
also lead to pathogenic physical changes also Some low quality foods even contains ex-
in adult fish (hole-in-the-head disease due to tremely toxic mold. Disease patterns such as
deficiencies in discus fish, among others). a fattened liver, intestinal inflammations and
Lacking iodine leads to an enlargement of the related subsequent diseases. Many tradition-
thyroid gland to a prominent ulcer. Besides us- ally fed live foods or raw materials (e.g. beef
ing sera aquatan, it is in such cases advisable heart) are a serious threat to the health of your
to feed food types with a high natural iodine fish. The first ones often transmit dangerous
level, such as sera marin granulat and sera pathogens, whereas the latter ones are entirely
GVG-mix. They contain plenty of marine algae unsuitable for the digestive tract of most fish
and crustaceans. The enlarged thyroid gland due to their composition.
tissue will regress within the course of several
weeks by itself if you feed food rich in iodine The high quality sera foods ensure that you
every day. supply your fish close to nature, well balanced
and extensively.
38
! Special
Nutrition – Beef heart etc. versus profes- Beef heart or other warm-blooded animal
sional dried food meat (including poultry) can therefore in no
Many dedicated breeders and hobby aquar- way ensure the permanent supply of the fish
ists undergo considerable efforts to provide with all required nutrients. Additionally, even
their pets with an – according to their opinion feeding beef heart only occasionally bears
– optimal supply with best food. Unfortunate- certain risks, as the meat is unsuitable for the
ly, not all of these efforts are equally reason- fish body and supports the growth of bacteria
able. For example, there are still legends that that do not belong to the natural intestinal flo-
discus fish will only thrive if they receive ra of the fish. They can increasingly outcom-
scraped beef heart as food. It is now un- pete the healthy intestinal flora, thus making
known where this misapprehension had its the intestines susceptible for pathogens (e.g.
origin, but the facts are definitely against this flagellates).
widespread assumption. The discus fish of
course like to eat fresh meat and quickly put Besides these direct negative consequences
on weight with this nutrition that contains for the fish and the danger of an infestation
plenty of fat and proteins, but at what price … with pathogens that must not be underesti-
mated, the enormous water pollution by feed-
Nature has arranged things in a way that the ing raw meat and some frozen food types
organism of an animal and the nutrition usu- must be considered. The large amount of
ally available for it suit each other. The metab- protein that cannot be utilized by the fish gets
olisms of the specific fish species also have into the water undigested, where it extremely
adapted to certain nutrient sources during increases the organic pollution.
their evolution, and only these can be digest-
ed optimally. No matter how hungry a discus The food blends for discus fish and other fish
in nature is, it will hardly have the opportunity self-produced by aquarists, often improvised
to kill a cow and eat its heart. But let us be and following word of mouth without well
serious: The meat of warm-blooded terrestric funded specific knowledge, cannot replace
animals is completely unsuitable for the nutri- sera food with the decades of nutritional re-
tion of fish. Fish require a high percentage of search that goes into it. The sera food range
unsaturated fatty acids in their diet, as they provides suitable nutrition for all ornamental
almost exclusively occur in aquatic organ- fish, for every development stage and for
isms (e.g. marine fish, as in the sera fish each nutritional type. Protein, fats and carbo-
meal). Furthermore, the protein composition hydrates are balanced to corresponding fish
of warm-blooded animal meat is unsuitable groups, are entirely digested by the fish and
for fish. They do not contain sufficient do not unnecessarily pollute the water. The
amounts of certain amino acids. Necessary fats in sera food contain a large percentage
minerals and trace elements for the balanced of unsaturated fatty acids and have a very
nutrition of fish are also missing. Furthermore, low melting point (easier to utilize by cold-
it has been proven that the lack of digestion blooded animals). The most modern manu-
supporting ballast substances may cause an facturing processes (e.g. low temperature ex-
ileus in discus fish. trusion and gentle freeze drying – so-called
39
FD process) that sera uses ensure optimal You can provide your fish safe and healthy va-
consistency, taste and preservation of the im- riety with our poplar sera FD food and live
portant nutrients in our foods. The water will brine shrimp nauplii (sera Artemia-mix).
remain clear and unpolluted.
The advantages of our professionally manu-
Consistently considering research results factured food types over most blends mixed
made it possible to develop high quality food “on good advice” are obvious:
even for the fastidious discus, e.g. sera
GVG-mix and sera discus granulat, that en- • Balanced nutrition due to the usage of over
sure appropriate growth, brilliant pigmenta- forty natural ingredients that are selected to
tion and increased fertility. The fish are well meet the requirements of the fish.
fed without being battened. The growth is • The high percentage of valuable unsaturat-
even and allows building up a firm skeleton. ed fatty acids (especially omega fatty acids)
The healthy intestinal flora is supported, and and the ideal protein composition.
the immune system is strengthened by se- • Optimal preservation of the valuable vita-
lected natural ingredients (e.g. garlic, beta mins and other ingredients due to careful
glucanes and astaxanthene). processing.
• Guaranteed to be free of parasites – no
danger of introducing pathogens!
40
8 Preventing and remedying maintenance mistakes
and intoxications
sure to provide a sufficient number of hide-
Feeling unwell, caused by unsuitable or
aways, appropriate fish stock density and a
polluted water, or by not keeping the fish
suitable combination of fish species as to
according to their requirements (e.g. no
avoid dangerous fights among the fish. A dou-
hideaways, keeping unsuitable species
ble dose of sera aquatan or sera blackwater
together etc.)
aquatan provides help in case the fish ever
Cause: page 22 get injured nevertheless. Use sera ectopur
additionally in case of deeper injuries, and
Prevention/Recommendation: Obtain de- treat with sera mycopur if required.
tailed information about the special require-
ments of the fish you keep, use sera quality
Air bubble disease (oversaturation of the
food and check all important water parame-
water with gas)
ters. Regular partial water changes and using
sera aquatan (alternatively: sera blackwater Cause: page 23
aquatan), as well as sera bio nitrivec or sera
marin bio reefclear (in saltwater) for breaking Prevention/Recommendation: Gas oversat-
down organic pollution, ensure constantly uration may for instance occur after a larger
good water quality. water change with colder water. Cold, well
aerated water (e.g. directly from the faucet)
dissolves more gas than possibly warm aquar-
ium water that has stood for quite some time.
Gas oversaturation then occurs when the
added water quickly warms up in the warmer
aquarium, since the warmer water cannot
keep as much gas in solution. The gas over-
saturation, which becomes visible by small air
bubbles within the mucous membrane of the
fish as well as on other surfaces, may cause
an embolism within the veins. In case of gas
oversaturation, you should uncover the tank
and agitate the water surface well (e.g. by in-
creased activity of the pump), as to allow for
intense exchange with the air and, according-
ly, removal of excess gases.
Injuries, e.g. by catching with a coarse
However, you should generally ensure careful-
net, transport injuries, injuries by trying
ly to not alter the temperature by more than a
hectically to escape (bouncing into sharp
few degrees during water changes or when
edged decoration objects) or by territorial
transferring fish. Strongly varying tempera-
fights
tures – e.g. also due to improperly working
Cause: page 22 heaters – weaken the disease resistance of the
fish.
Prevention/Recommendation: Avoid injuries
of any kind as far as possible, as the wounds
often become infected and may lead to severe
diseases. Always carry out necessary mainte-
nance measures in the tank very carefully and
calmly as to avoid unnecessary stress and
panic escape reactions that might injure the
fish. You should always use the fine mesh,
rounded sera fish nets for catching them. Be
41
and intoxications
ideally be below the detection
Acidosis
level. In case of 0.5 mg/l ammo-
Cause: page 23 nium or more you should imme-
diately react with a partial water
Prevention/Recommenda- change and by adding sera
tion: Measure the pH value toxivec, especially if the pH val-
with the sera pH-Test. Too ue is above 7. Ammonia is fatal
low or strongly varying values even in very low concentrations.
are often related to too low
carbonate hardness (KH).
You should therefore also
check the KH level (sera kH-
Test). Please be aware that
the pH value may vary during
the day and may become
considerably lower especially
at night. If required, you can Osmotic shock
raise the pH value with sera Cause: page 25
KH/pH-plus and at the same
time ensure sufficient buffer- Prevention/Recommendation: You should
ing (due to the increased KH). by all means avoid strong conductivity varia-
Additionally, using sera tions, as they may occur when transferring fish
aquatan or sera blackwater or when carrying out a large water change.
aquatan helps alleviate the The sudden change to a considerably higher
damages and makes them or lower salinity than the usual one cannot be
heal quicker. compensated by the fish.
If fish are transferred from water with a high

Alkalosis or ammonia intoxication conductivity (high salinity) into water with a
Cause: page 24 lower conductivity without an adaptation
phase they will suffer from an osmotic shock
Prevention/Recommendation: Whitish skin (also the other way round). The mucous mem-
slime occurs at pH values above 9, the fins brane comes off, and the organism of the fish
may become frayed and the gills can get is extremely stressed and weakened. Second-
burned. Check the pH value using the sera ary diseases occur frequently. In case of large
pH-Test and lower it with sera pH-minus if re- conductivity differences, the fine cartilaginous
quired, or with sera super peat in the long joints in the fin rays can burst due to the high
term. Ammonia intoxications cause symptoms osmotic pressure. The fins
similar to those of too high pH values. There- then fall off in large chunks.
fore you should also check the ammonium lev-
el using the sera NH4/NH3-Test. Avoid osmotic shocks by
checking the pH value and
At high pH levels, the ammonium is more and the conductivity of the trans-
more converted into its extremely ichthyotoxic port water and the aquarium
ammonia form. The measured value should water before transferring the
42
and intoxications
fish. If in doubt, and if you do not have a con-
Acute nitrite intoxication
ductivity meter at hand, please ask your retailer
whether the fish were kept under salt addition Cause: page 25
when purchasing new fish. You must of course
also be careful when re-transferring fish from a Prevention/Recommendation: Check the ni-
salt bath. The fish are generally less sensitive trite level with the sera NO2-Test. In case of
to conductivity increases, i.e. when adding salt. dangerously elevated levels (above 0.5 mg/l)
Rather quick addition of salt improves the ther- you should immediately react with a large par-
apeutic benefits of a salt bath. However, you tial water change and by adding sera toxivec.
should nevertheless adjust the conductivity In the long term you can effectively prevent the
stepwise if you want to maintain a high final accumulation of toxic nitrite by using a filter
concentration. Adaptation can be achieved by with a – considering the water amount – suffi-
adding sera mineral salt or sera ectopur. Dif- cient settling area for bacteria that break down
ferences between 100 and 200 μS/cm are neg- pollutants (especially well suited: the bioactive
ligible (for example, a single preventive dosage filter system consisting of sera siporax with
of sera ectopur with 0.1 g/l or 5 g per each 50 l sera filter biostart). Even long lasting low lev-
(13.2 US gal.) increases the conductivity by on- el nitrite pollution may cause permanent dam-
ly 200 μS/cm). The water conditions can be ad- ages. Use sera bio nitrivec (freshwater aquar-
justed to the according desired levels in small iums) or sera marin bio reefclear (saltwater
steps with adaptation phases of several hours aquariums) regularly for maintaining good wa-
each. ter quality.
Biological water purification

Filter media
activation
NH4/NH3
Ammonium/ sera filter
Filter medium with ammonia biostart
largest possible
filter performance
NO2
sera siporax Nitrite
Biological water
purification
NO3
Nitrate sera bio nitrivec
Clean, crystal clear aquarium water
43
and intoxications
Simply pour sera filter biostart onto sera Uncontrolled carbon dioxide addition, espe-
siporax. The filter will immediately become bi- cially at night, may become dangerous for the
ologically active. Add sera bio nitrivec to the fish. An intoxication may lead up to apnea.
aquarium water. The pollutant breakdown in Supply your plants safely and reliably with car-
the aquarium water will immediately begin or bon dioxide by using the seramic pH Con-
improve. troller.
Lacking oxygen is likely if the fish suddenly

Further intoxication causes dwell underneath the surface and gasp for air.
This can be fatal in extreme cases. Even slight
Intoxications may be acute or gradual. Some- oxygen undersupply may cause deformations
times the only symptom is that the fish startle in young fish. Check the oxygen level with the
more easily. A precise diagnosis according to sera O2-Test. sera O2 plus provides quick
the behavior and the appearance of the fish is help in case of acute oxygen deficiencies. Use
thus often not possible. Therefore proceed very a sera air plus air pump if required. Check the
carefully when researching the causes if you hygienic conditions in the aquarium as to pre-
observe the fish being unwell and cannot ex- vent oxygen deficiencies in the long term. A
plain it by the usual pathogens. Also consider large amount of organic material compiles es-
unusual causes such as spraying insecticides pecially in overstocked, abundantly fed tanks.
in the room where the aquarium is located or Its breakdown consumes oxygen. Make sure
having used self-built decoration elements (e.g. you siphon off the sludge regularly. Also make
with unsuitable glue) in the tank. sure the filter is well maintained and works ef-
44
and intoxications
fectively (bioactive filter system: sera siporax elements (such as some kinds of coated grav-
and sera filter biostart). Plants enrich the wa- el). Lead and mercury are particularly toxic. In
ter with oxygen during daytime. particular, invertebrates react extremely sensi-
tive to copper – please always consider this
Rot processes occur if anaerobic zones form, when using copper containing treatments such
i.e. regions that are not supplied with oxygen. as sera mycopur. Zinc and even iron (in con-
This may, for instance, happen in the filter if the centrations above 0.5 mg/l) are also harmful. If
pump fails, or in case of firm, non-aerated in doubt, check the water values, e.g. by
bottom ground. Organic material is broken means of the sera Cu-Test. sera aquatan and
down anaerobically (without oxygen con- sera toxivec bind and neutralize heavy metals.
sumption) there. This leads to the formation of Furthermore, they remove corrosive chlorine.
hydrogen sulfide which stinks like rotten
eggs, and nitrite – both of them are highly In case of acute intoxications – also with toxic
ichthyotoxic substances. Therefore, be sure to substances not mentioned here – it is always
check the function of your filter regularly and advisable to carry out a large water change
loosen the bottom ground while siphoning off and to remove the remaining toxic substances
the sludge. with sera super carbon.
Heavy metals may also lead to severe chronic

or acute intoxications. They are introduced by,
for example, old copper pipes, lead containing
wire on aquatic plants or unsuitable decoration
45
Professional
9 sera med Professional treatments
Highly effective and well tolerated

In close cooperation with the working group of designed for professional use and works in a
the well known parasitologist, Prof. Dr. Heinz safe, effective and directed way even in ex-
Mehlhorn (Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düssel- tremely persistent cases.
dorf/Germany), sera succeeded in marketing a
range of unique, highly effective over-the- In some fields the Professional treatments add
counter treatments, for some of which a patent to the well proven, reliable sera treatments of
is already applied. The products mainly appeal the standard range. In some other areas the
to versed, experienced users who look for preparations of this range are unrivaled – also
quick and specific support from highly effective concerning competitors – and we keep on re-
treatments after having diagnosed a specific searching…
disease. Such high performance treatments re-
quire a certain amount of care while using
them. Therefore, be sure to treat according to
the corresponding information for use as to en-
sure safe and unproblematic application.
Currently, the sera med Professional range

comprises sera med Professional Protazol,
! Tip
sera med Professional Tremazol, sera med Please also read the detailed descriptions
Professional Nematol, sera med Professio- about the specific diseases on pages 27 to
nal Argulol and sera med Professional Fla- 37 as well as the general application rec-
gellol. Each of these treatments is optimally ommendations on page 60.
46
Professional
9.1 sera med Professional Flagellol
This treatment effectively rids ornamental fish of intestinal flagellates and

other single celled intestinal parasites. The preparation additionally contains
vitamins K and C that support quick recovery – especially in case of hole-
in-the-head disease. Furthermore, the treatment is effective against the
cause of velvet disease (Piscinoodonium pillulare).
Use the water conditioner sera bio nitrivec after a treatment with Flagellol
as to ensure quick and reliable regeneration of possibly affected filter bac-
teria.
Observation
Decomposing fins, slimy, whitish fish waste,
holes in and around the head, possibly emacia-
tion and darkening.
Diagnosis: Intestinal flagellates (Hexamita
sp., Spironucleus sp. as well as other para-
sites such as Protoopalina sp., Trichomonas
sp., Cryptobia sp.)
see also page 30
The treatment duration can be extended from

Discus infected by intestinal flagellates three days to seven days in single cases, i.e. in
case of particularly persistent flagellate strains.
Should cloudiness occur during this time, you
can carry out a large partial water change
(about 80%) and then re-dose the treatment.
The treatment is concluded with another water
change (at least 80%) after (maximum) seven
days in total.
Hole-in-the-head disease
47
Professional
9.1 sera med Professional Flagellol
Observation
The fish scrub themselves on decoration and
swim hectically in early stages, later on fine
whitish yellow dots (< 0.3 mm) on skin and fins;
frequently infestation of the gills; fish looks –
especially in backlight – as if dusted with flour;
velvet-like coating.
Diagnosis: Piscinoodinium pillulare,
Velvet disease
see also page 31
Piscinoodinium on the back A treatment with sera med Professional Fla-

gellol achieves good success against Pisci-
noodinium pillulare (freshwater Oodinium). Ap-
ply the treatment in the same way as described
in the information for use against intestinal flag-
ellates.
Gourami with Piscinoodinium infection
9.2 sera med Professional Protazol
Infections by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (causes white spot disease) and

many other single celled parasites (e.g. Ichthyobodo, Apiosoma, Trichodina,
Chilodonella) as well as fungal infections are reliably, quickly and effectively
removed by sera med Professional Protazol. The treatment is colorless in
the water and very well tolerated by plants and invertebrates (e.g. snails and
shrimps). Cartilaginous fish (sharks and rays/skates) do not tolerate the ac-
tive agent the product contains. A recovery supporting aftertreatment can
be carried out with the care product sera ectopur.
48
Professional
Observation
White, cotton-like outgrowths on the skin with
long filaments standing away (often after a pre-
vious injury).
Diagnosis: Fungal infection (Mycosis)
see also page 30
Cichlid with fungal infection on the side
Fungus infected Discus with injury

Firemouth Cichlid infected by fungi
Observation
Color changes to gray or milky in some areas
of the skin (reddish in case of stronger infesta-
tion); long finned fish have frayed fins; clamped
fins.
Diagnosis: Ichthyobodo necator
(formerly: Costia necatrix)
see also page 30
Fin clamping Platy
Platy with Ichthyobodo infection
49
Professional
Observation
Clearly visible white spots (0.4 – 1.5 mm) on
skin and fins, clamped fins and scrubbing on
decoration.
Diagnosis: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
(white spot disease)
see also page 32
Apply the colorless treatment according to the

information for use. All parasite stages on the
Black Neon Tetra with white spot infection fish and in the water – including cysts – are re-
liably killed with just one treatment. A repeated
treatment is therefore required only in excep-
tional cases (in case of a very persistent
Ichthyophthirius strain or the parasites being
introduced again), if the formation of new spots
was clearly observed after having finished the
treatment. The treatment is stable against light.
The aquarium lighting can therefore remain
switched on. However, strongly affected ani-
mals feel better when they are given more
calmness for recovering by longer dark phases.
Black Molly with “Ich”
Observation
Furry coating after mucous membrane injuries;
many elongated protozoans on a short stalk
(no long threads as in case of fungal infections)
are visible with a strong magnifier.
Diagnosis: Apiosoma (formerly: Glossatella)
or Epistylis (formerly: Heteropolaria)
see also page 33
Infected Dwarf Gourami
Firemouth Cichlid with Apiosoma infestation at

the caudal fin
50
Professional
Observation
Isolated, whitish thickened areas on the mu-
cous membrane (partially stringy); small pale
areas on the skin; apathy and loss of appetite.
The fish scrub themselves and occasionally
wince with their fins.
Diagnosis: Trichodina, Tetrahymena,
Chilodonella
see also page 33
Firemouth Cichlid with Trichodina infection
Dark colored Discus with Infection by Tetrahymena

Chilodonella infection
9.3 sera med Professional Tremazol
sera med Professional Tremazol contains the reliably and directedly effec-
tive Praziquantel, which has been successfully used against flatworm infec-
tions in human and veterinarian medicine for a long time. The patented,
highly effective agent dissolving complex ensures even distribution of the
otherwise poorly soluble substance in water, making the active agent get to
the pathogen very quickly.
The effect spectrum of the treatment ranges from gill and skin flukes to tape-
worms and digenetic trematodes (symptoms include worm cataract). Be-
sides its excellent efficacy it is also very well tolerated.
Treat your freshwater and saltwater fish according to the information leaflet
and provide good aeration. Prophylactic application in a short-term bath is
possible in case of newly purchased animals or plants that might introduce
pathogens. Treatment support or a recovery supporting aftertreatment are
possible with sera ectopur.
51
Professional
Observation
The fish scrub themselves and become apa-
thetic. Cloudy skin and small, motile worms on
the skin (partially visible with the naked eye,
otherwise detectable with a magnifier; mostly
smaller than 1 mm).
Diagnosis: Skin flukes / Gyrodactylidea
see also page 34
Corydoras with skin flukes
Observation
Breathing becomes stronger every day until the
fish stay under the surface panting; sometimes
one-sided breathing; one or both gill lids
closed or spread open; small flukes usually
sized less than 1 mm sit on the gills (possibly
visible on a sedated fish with a magnifier); fish
scrub themselves at the gill lid.
Diagnosis: Gill flukes / Dactylogyridea
see also page 34
Discus with shortness of breath caused by Please note that a second treatment must be
gill fluke infestation carried out against these egg-laying flukes,
and that it should take place at different times,
depending on the tank temperature, since the
development of the larvae within the eggs de-
pends on the temperature. With a water tem-
perature of 28°C (82°F), the second treatment
should best be carried out 72 hours after the
beginning of the first treatment. In case of low-
er water temperatures you need to wait corre-
spondingly longer. For example, it takes 7 days
at 25°C (77°F), as is common in many commu-
nity tanks. However, if you wait too long before
conducting the second treatment, the fish
might be reinfected, and the worms possibly
even lay new eggs again. In case of a second
treatment carried out too soon, not all larvae
have hatched yet.
52
Professional
Observation
Fish scrub themselves; inflammations under-
neath the scales; emaciation.
Diagnosis: Transversotrema sp.
see also page 35
Swordtail with Transversotrema infection
The inside of the hermaphroditic, flattened

tapeworms mainly consists of sexual organs.
Large amounts of eggs are released with the
feces of infected fish. Some tapeworm species
expel proglottids, i.e. worm body segments in-
cluding fertilized, mature eggs, instead of sin-
gle eggs. The hatching larvae are able to swim
and require an intermediate host before they
can infect a fish again. Among others, Cyclops
(a copepod) is suitable for them. The infected
Tapeworm on a Discus small crustaceans can then be eaten by a fish
and thus transmit the tapeworm.
Observation
Emaciation, loss of appetite, gelatinous fish There are therefore two possibilities – either to
waste; sometimes so-called proglottides combat the worms directly, and/or to remove
(whitish, tape-shaped worm segments) can be the intermediate hosts, thus interrupting the
found constricted in the fish waste, or the worm cycle. Being crustaceans, the intermediate
end hangs out of the anus of the infected fish. hosts are successfully and reliably removed by
sera med Professional Argulol. Be careful
Diagnosis: Tapeworms / Cestoda
when keeping “desired” crustaceans (e.g.
Tapeworms (Cestoda) live in the intestines of shrimps and crayfish). They may also be
their hosts where they withdraw important nu- harmed when using this treatment!
trients from the pre-digested nutrition pulp. The
infected fish become emaciated and suffer Combating the tapeworms themselves is
from deficiency symptoms. The worms attach achieved with sera med Professional Trema-
to the intestinal wall with their front end, which zol according to the information for use. The
often leads to irritations and secondary infec- dead, excreted tapeworms should be siphoned
tions. Small fish may suffer from ileus. off the bottom ground daily as to keep water
pollution low. One treatment is usually suffi-
These parasites are introduced with infected cient. A repeated treatment after a few days
wild caught fish or by intermediate hosts (e.g. can be advisable in severe cases. Suspected
copepods or Tubifex) from open waters. You newly added fish can be treated prophylacti-
should therefore generally abstain from feeding cally in a short-term bath. The preventively
live food from doubtful sources. (All sera foods treated fish should be quarantined another two
are guaranteed to be free of parasites!) to three days in the changed water before in-
53
Professional
troducing them into the main tank. This is to this so far), in case you wish to conduct a ther-
ensure that all tapeworm eggs have been ex- apy with both sera med Professional Trema-
creted with the fish waste. zol and sera med Professional Argulol. The
treatments should be carried out one after the
Please note that the combined addition of dif- other for safety reasons, while considering the
ferent treatments may lead to unpredictable scheduled water changes and monitoring the
side effects (although our tests do not indicate most important water parameters.
9.4 sera med Professional Nematol
This treatment reliably allows to remove parasitic threadworms in freshwater

and saltwater fish. The threadworms or nematodes are characterized by a
round cross section and a usually slender body. They can become a severe
problem that is often not detected for a long time, especially in freshwater
aquariums. Tropical nematode species with a direct development do not re-
quire an intermediate host and can multiply at an explosive rate. Cichlids are
particularly frequently affected.
Adult nematodes live in the intestines of the fish while their larvae wander
through different tissues. It is not possible to help the fish anymore if essen-
tial organs have been irreversibly damaged. Preventive treatment with sera
med Professional Nematol is possible – and also advisable due to the of-
ten uncertain diagnose – in case you suspect nematodes in newly pur-
chased fish.
The active agent in sera med Professional Nematol paralyzes the nema-
todes. The immobile worms are then excreted from the intestines of the fish
and finally die at the aquarium bottom. They should be siphoned off as to
reduce the further spreading of eggs and freshly hatched larvae, and as to
avoid water pollution. You can conduct a second full dose treatment for two
days after the scheduled 80% water change if some worms remain in or on
the fish in case of very severe infections. However, this does not replace the
treatment repetition after 3 weeks, as it is scheduled for egg-laying nema-
todes such as hairworms!
Please follow the application advice by all means, since the treatment is not
tolerated by desired invertebrates (e.g. shrimps and crayfish). Treat all fish
in a quarantine tank in that case, i.e. if you keep invertebrates worth protect-
ing in the tank.
It is advisable to leave the cured fish in the quarantine tank for a while, since
the nematode stages that have possibly remained in the main tank (larvae
and possibly eggs) only die by and by without fish hosts. By doing so, you
will considerably reduce the risk of the fish being infected anew by possibly
still living nematode stages in the main tank.
54
Professional
If you have the opportunity to keep your fish in a separate tank for a longer
while (at least four weeks in case of egg-laying nematodes) after having
treated them with sera med Professional Nematol, the main tank without
the fish will be entirely free of the parasites after this period, so no reinfection
can occur.
In case this method is not applicable for you it is possible to treat the fish in
quarantine a second time and, if required, even further times in intervals of
three weeks each, which will finally remove possible reinfections entirely.
However, leave the fish for at least two days in fresh, non-treated water in
the quarantine tank after the corresponding treatment is finished. This will
avoid possible active agent remainders from getting into the main tank
where the sensitive invertebrates are.
Observation
Loss of appetite, apathy, weakness, dead adult
worms [up to 1 cm (0.4 in.)] in the fish waste.
Diagnosis: Discus pinworm / Oxyuris sp.
Discus pinworms occur in the intestines of dis-
cus fish, where they withdraw important nutri-
ents from the predigested food pulp. The af-
fected fish become emaciated and suffer from
deficiencies. The worms form tight tufts within
the intestines of the fish, which may cause an
ileus. The animals weakened by the infection
Discus pinworm often suffer from subsequent diseases that
sometimes are fatal. The distribution of the
worms throughout the fish stock takes place
by the worm eggs being taken up while the fish
eat from the bottom of the aquarium. sera
med Professional Nematol according to the
instructions is used for treating the oxyurids. A
second treatment is carried out after about 3
weeks as to kill the larvae that have hatched in
the meantime as well.
55
Professional
pathogens by the clasping. Due to their blood

meals, the worms have a brownish red color.
The end of the adult females hangs out of the
anus of the infected fish by a few millimeters.
In case of being disturbed it quickly retreats in-
to the intestines. The larvae are released from
the worm end sticking out, fall to the ground,
are swallowed by fish that consider them food
organisms, and infect them this way. This al-
lows the parasite to spread quickly in the
aquarium once it has been introduced.
Camallanus cotti The treatment is carried out with sera med

Professional Nematol according to the in-
Observation structions for use. Single application is suffi-
Reddish worm ends hang out of the anus; cient in case of the livebearing Asian species
whitish fish waste, emaciation due to loss of Camallanus cotti (no intermediate host), which
blood, apathy. is most frequently found in freshwater aquari-
ums, as in this case larvae (no eggs) are re-
Diagnosis: Camallanus sp. leased, which are directly killed as well.
Camallanus worms parasitize in the rectum of
fish. There they attach to the intestinal wall with
their front end that resembles a milling head,
and suck blood. The intestinal wall may get
perforated and increasingly permeable for
Observation
Frightened behavior, loss of appetite, emacia-
tion, slimy fish waste.
Diagnosis: Capillaria sp.
A slight infection of the intestines with this very
thin, long worm often remains unnoticed for a
long time. It can thus spread gradually over the
entire fish stock. In particular, juvenile fish are
permanently harmed by growth problems. A
follow-up treatment with sera med Profes-
sional Nematol after about three weeks is re-
Pearl Gourami with Capillaria infestation quired in case of these egg-laying worms.
in the intestines
56
Professional
9.5 sera med Professional Argulol
A safe and reliable treatment against parasitic crustaceans – and crus-

taceans that serve as intermediate hosts – is now possible with the unique
treatment sera med Professional Argulol (for freshwater and saltwater
fish). This treatment is also excellently suited for a preventive treatment of
animals and plants that possibly might carry such parasites. The crus-
taceans (everywhere in the water and on the fish) will be gone after just one
day. The treatment is broken down biologically, thus no remainders will re-
main in the water. Water changes or filtering through active carbon are there-
fore usually not necessary. However, a partial water change is recommended
in small aquariums, as to maintain constantly unobjectionable water quality.
Repeating the treatment after about three weeks is advisable as to kill the
crustacean larvae that have hatched from eggs in the meantime as well.
Please follow the application advice by all means, since the treatment is also
not tolerated by some desired invertebrates (e.g. shrimps and crayfish). A
quarantine treatment is therefore often favorable. The fish treated in the
quarantine tank should first be transferred into non-treated water as to wash
off the treatment remainders before they are put back into the main tank.
This in particular applies for saltwater tanks with very sensitive invertebrate
inhabitants. According to our observations, sera med Professional Argulol
is tolerated by amphibians and plants without any problems.
In case the treatment cannot take place in the main tank due to sensitive in-
vertebrates, there is a certain risk that parasitic crustacean stages remain
there and may infect the fish again when they are put back. This especially
applies if the fish can be kept in the separate tank only briefly and the crus-
taceans in the main tank that require a fish host have not yet died. Consis-
tent hygienic measures, such as repeated water changes and carefully
cleaning the decoration items, the plants and the bottom ground by intense
siphoning, reduces the population of parasitic crustaceans until the finally
disappear entirely. If required, strongly infected fish must be caught again
and treated in a short-term bath.
It may be necessary in some cases to conduct an aftertreatment for the

wounds the crustacean parasites caused on the fish, as to avoid subsequent
infections. Use sera ectopur in slight cases, sera med Professional Pro-
tazol is recommended in case of more severe infections.
57
Professional
Observation
Fish jump and swim hectically; flat (louse-like),
almost transparent crustaceans sized 4 – 14 mm
with two black eyes visible on the skin of the fish;
red sting marks on the fish skin.
Diagnosis: Fish louse / e.g. Argulus
see also page 36
Argulus on a Koi
Observation
White, bar shaped crustaceans with two small
sacs at the end, they stick deeply and firmly in
the skin; anemia and emaciation of the fish.
Diagnosis: Anchor worm / Lernaea
see also page 36
Platy with Lernaea Lernaea on a caudal fin
58
Professional
Observation
White to grayish blue crustaceans sized 0.5 –
3 mm on the gill filaments.
Diagnosis: Parasitic copepod / Ergasilus
see also page 37
Ergasilus on the gills (gill lid removed)

Photo: Dr. Dirk Kleingeld
Observation
Clearly segmented, oval, opaque, yellowish to
brownish arthropods [1 – 5 cm (0.4 – 2 in.)] are
attached to the fish; bloody, dot-shaped sting
marks.
Diagnosis: Parasitic isopods
see also page 37
Parasitic isopod on a Butterfly Cichlid
Parasitic isopod
59
10 General recommendations for application
About risks and side effects… such special conditions. Using water condi-
tioners, especially ones with finely ground rock
Some factors may affect an effective and safe powder immediately before (within 1 – 2 days)
treatment in the aquarium or even lead to un- or during a treatment may also lead to slightly
desirable side effects. You should generally diminished efficacy due to binding the agents.
read the information for use carefully before us- Therefore it is best not to use water condition-
ing any kind of treatment. Make sure in partic- ers during this limited period. Their use, howev-
ular that the treatment is suitable for the in- er, is even more reasonable after the treatment
tended application (for instance, not all (see page 62, “Concluding the treatment”).
treatments are suitable for saltwater), and that
the information for use, the label and the outer UV-C lamps for water disinfection should in
package do not contain any warning notes any case be switched off during the treatment.
concerning the animals and plants you keep. The high energy light destroys many active
agents. The normal aquarium lighting can usu-
Furthermore, you should only treat tanks with ally remain switched on, but it may in some
unobjectionable water chemistry. The applica- case (e.g. when treating “ich”) be supportive to
tion of some treatments may make the water darken the tank. This will both protect light
conditions “turn over” and subsequently sensitive agents and calm down the ill fish.
cause, for example, a bacterial bloom that in
return may cause oxygen deficiency if there is In case you fertilize with carbon dioxide you
strong organic pollution (check ammonium/ should stop the addition during the treatment
ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, for instance). and a couple of days after the treatment. Using
It may even be necessary to stop the treatment some of the treatments may lead to a subse-
by carrying out a water change if cloudiness quent oxygen deficiency. High CO2 levels in
should occur during the treatment or if the fish the water additionally make the respiration of
signalize lacking oxygen (e.g. by gasping for air the fish more difficult.
at the surface). Therefore make sure you pro-
vide very good water quality and sufficient aer-
ation before, during and after a treatment. At Filtration during the treatment
the same time you are considerably increasing
the chances that your fish recover successfully Information for use leaflets often recommend
and quickly by doing so. removing biological filters from the aquarium
circuit during the treatment. This is a precau-
tionary measure, as some treatments may also
Do not use during a treatment harm filter bacteria and – as stated above –
very active filters might reduce the efficacy of
Furthermore, active carbon must not be used the treatment. However, disconnecting the filter
during a treatment as it binds medicinal agents is usually laborious and inconvenient. You
and thus reduces or even inhibits the efficacy would need to spread the filter material, e.g. in
of the treatment. Some of the active treatment a tub with aquarium water, or ideally operate
agents can also be broken down or bound by the filter connected to a separate tank espe-
a particularly large and active biofilter. It may cially in case of long lasting treatments. Rot
therefore be advisable in single cases to slight- processes might occur if water does not flow
ly (e.g. to 1.5 times as much) increase the treat- through the filter material for too long (it can
ment dosage as to maintain full efficacy under get critical after half an hour), which possibly
60
leads to anaerobic condi- Supporting measures –
tions and rot processes. sera ectopur
This leads to the formation
of, among others, highly Preferably do not use any
toxic hydrogen sulfide that other water conditioners
may poison the aquarium or even other treatments,
inhabitants if the filter is put except is expressly rec-
back into operation again ommended. There might
without being cleaned. be unpredictable cross re-
Pathogens may also be actions. There are some
present within the filter it- important exceptions in-
self which might cause a cluding the care product
new infection after the filter sera ectopur. It can rea-
has been connected again, sonably complement dif-
which is another disadvantage. A stable, bio- ferent treatments. sera
logically well established filter with suitable fil- ectopur releases disin-
ter materials (e.g. sera siporax) usually gets fecting oxygen, which
through a treatment without any problems. It makes breathing easier for the ill fish, and it in-
can therefore remain switched on. However, by creases salinity, which stimulates mucous
all means be sure to keep the filter appropriate- membrane growth. Healing is supported. In
ly clean before and after the treatment. It must some cases (slight infection or prevention) ap-
not contain any rotting sludge. Cleaning is plication of sera ectopur can even replace us-
done by gentle squeezing or rinsing with ing a treatment. Generally, normal table salt
aquarium water in a bowl (do not rinse under (NaCl) without additives (e.g. anti-caking
running or even hot water). agents) can also be used for stimulating mu-
cous membrane regrowth. You should never-
theless consider that – even if you find suffi-
Feeding during a treatment ciently pure salt – there is no disinfecting and
breath alleviating oxygen release as with sera
It is best to not feed at all, or – if you keep ju- ectopur. You can therefore only achieve a par-
venile fish or the treatment duration exceeds tial effect.
three days – only extremely sparingly during a
treatment. As already described, many treat- The recommended normal dosage of sera ec-
ments harm the filter bacteria or affect the bio- topur is about 0.01 to 0.02%. This concentra-
logical equilibrium in another way, therefore ex- tion is unproblematic even for fish such as cat-
cess organic pollution may quickly make the fish or other scaleless fish that otherwise might
water “turn over”. react sensitively to elevated salt levels. Higher
salt concentrations (about 0.03% to 0.3%, i.e.
0.3 to 3 g/l) should only be used in case of
acute stress situations or a disease and be
lowered stepwise by normal water changes af-
ter these problems have vanished. Make sure
you know exactly about the salt tolerance of
the fish in question before applying high salt
concentrations (e.g. in a short-term bath).
61
Vitamins Concluding the treatment
Using vitamin preparations is another excep- Partial water changes and
tion. It is also safe and recommendable in removing treatment re-
combination with treatments. Just as in hu- mainders through active
mans, vitamins fulfill many vital functions within carbon (sera super car-
the fish organism. They are, among others, re- bon) are in most cases re-
quired for a strong, active immune system. The quired. Please observe
own disease resistance – provided it is opti- these measures exactly
mally functioning – is the best possible protec- as well. A considerably
tion against diseases an organism can have. If longer treatment applica-
you feed your fish high quality sera food, you tion time caused by not
already ensure, good basic supply with vita- carrying out these meas-
mins and all other important nutrients. Please ures does not improve ef-
be aware that the included vitamins may in- ficacy but – on the con-
creasingly be broken down by the effects of at- trary – may lead to undesirable side effects.
mospheric oxygen, light and moisture. It is Some treatment agents can have harmful ef-
therefore ideal to choose food cans that you fects if applied for a longer time. Other treat-
can consume within several weeks to a few ments contain solvents that are broken down
months. by bacteria as nutrients, which increases the
risk of a bacterial bloom. In case of large water
You should additionally support the immune changes being required (e.g. at least 80% for
system with an extra vitamin supply in stress the sera med Professional products) it is pos-
situations (e.g. fish transfers, courtship, brood sible to proceed stepwise: e.g. several 30%
care, temperature changes) or if pathogens got water changes within one or two days. This re-
into the aquarium. Use sera fishtamin in such duces the stress for you and your fish, espe-
situations. You can add the preparation directly cially in case of large fish, using reverse osmo-
to the water according to the information for sis (R/O) water, etc. The water should by all
use or soak the food with it just before feeding. means be conditioned with sera aquatan or
The sera FD foods are partic- sera blackwater aquatan when conducting a
ularly well suited for this pur- water change – among others, this will bind re-
pose. Regular addition (once maining treatment remainders. You can quickly
or twice weekly) or using the
vitamin drops as a treatment
(once daily) for several weeks
are both possible. Such treat-
ments are advisable in the
mentioned stress situations
and during a disease. Contin-
ue the treatment for at least a
week after the disease symp-
toms have vanished as to sup-
port recovery and minimize the
risk of a relapse.
62
top up an affected filter bacteria flora by using
sera bio nitrivec (freshwater aquariums) or
sera marin bio reefclear (saltwater aquari-
ums).
You must of course also be careful with

dosages considerably higher than stated in the
information for use. Calculate the dosage ac-
cording to the actual amount of water, not for
the entire volume of the aquarium (roughly es-
timate and deduct bottom ground and decora-
tion elements). Slight, accidentally adminis-
tered overdosages are covered by the safety
margin. In case of more than double dosage
you should generally carry out a partial water
change for safety reasons.
! Important
All sera treatments have been carefully ognize possible problems or desires at any
checked considering their efficacy against the time and immediately react in an appropriate
corresponding pathogens and their safety for way. Our cooperation with scientists from dif-
users, the kept animals and the environment ferent universities, plus of course the quality
before they were ready for marketing. As a control and research activities of the highly
pharmaceutical manufacturer, sera is subject qualified sera laboratory team ensures highest
to regular observation by the authorities in safety standards and new developments ac-
charge. The close cooperation with successful cording to the current state in science and
breeders and retailers as well as the valuable technology.
feedback from our customers allows us to rec-
63
11 Checklist
Some problems are not easy to sort out. Be- finding out about causes. When carefully com-
ginners – but also experienced aquarists – pleted, this list will give yourself or an expert
should not hesitate to seek advice from their you consult a quick overview about possible
specialized retailer, breeder or veterinarian. The problem sources.
sera Team ([email protected]) will of course be Please read our recommendations about
pleased to provide support at any time if you aquarium setup and care as well as special
have special questions about our products. questions such as lighting, algae growth etc. in
The list below covers the most important con- our broad guide booklet range, or inform your-
ditions in your aquarium and will support you in self on our internet site (www.sera.de).
1 How large is your aquarium?
Dimensions in cm: Remember to roughly estimate the volumes of the

bottom gravel and the decoration elements and to
Width x depth x height deduct them from the water volume.
Result: cm3
divided by 1000 = liters (volume)
2 When did you set up the tank?
3 Which filter do you use?
Model:
Filter materials:
4 Which fish species do you keep? How many of each species?
64
11 Checklist
5 Do you also keep animals other than fish in the tank?
6 How many plants are there in the aquarium, and which species?
7 When did you last add new fish or plants?
8 Which additional devices (e.g. membrane pump, UV-C clarifier) and

decoration elements (e.g. bottom gravel) do you have in the tank?
9 Which water conditioners (e.g. sera aquatan) or treatments

are used or were recently used?
65
11 Checklist
10 How often do you carry out water changes?
How much water do you change while doing so?
11 When and how do you clean the filter?
12 Feeding
a) Which food types? c) Which food additives (e.g. vitamin preparations) do
you use?
b) How often do you feed? Are there remainders?
13 Which water parameters do you measure?

Measuring date
pH NO2
Temperature NO3
GH PO4
KH Cu
NH4/NH3 Fe
Further advisable measuring parameters: Conductiv- Do also check the parameters of the tap water you
ity, chlorine, oxygen, carbon dioxide, plus calcium use for comparison. Sometimes the tap water con-
and magnesium in saltwater. Please fill in as far as tains undesirable substances or provides unsuitable
available. water parameters.
66
11 Checklist
14 When was the disease first noticed?
15 Which symptoms did you observe?
16 Which fish are affected (old ones, young ones, a specific species)?
17 How severe is the disease?

(Do the fish eat? Have some already died? etc.)
18 Did you notice anything else that is unusual?

E.g. on the plants or other water inhabitants, or did ium (e.g. did you paint the walls or spray an insecti-
you carry out unusual activities in or near the aquar- cide)?
67
40/03US
GmbH • D 52518 Heinsberg • Germany
For natural aquariums

www.sera.de • [email protected]

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Healthy aquarium fish

n Recognize fish diseases, find out causes

6 Treating fish diseases ................................... 27

6.9 Treating multiple infections .......................... 37

9 sera med Professional treatments ............... 46

How does stress develop in an aquarium? –

• Fish transfers and transports

Avoiding stress = preventing diseases

filter mat (floss)

sera UV-C System 5 W for adding to

Attentive aquarists therefore can quickly no-

Pearl Gourami with Lymphocystis cysts in its skin

2.2 Diseases caused by bacteria

White lips caused White spots

Columnaris disease, also affecting

Bacterial gill rot (gill lid removed)

… and at the caudal peduncle

Silver Molly with multiple bacterial infection:

Cichlid with fungal infection on the side

Fungus infected Discus with injury infected

Fin clamping Platy

Platy with Ichthyobodo infection

Discus infected by intestinal ﬂagellates

Gourami with Piscinoodinium infection

Piscinoodinium on the back

Black Neon Tetra with white spot infection

Black Molly with “Ich” Angelﬁsh with infection

Infected Dwarf Gourami

Firemouth Cichlid with Apiosoma infestation at the caudal ﬁn

Infected Firemouth Cichlid

Dark colored Discus with Chilodonella infection Infection by Tetrahymena

Corydoras with skin ﬂukes

Discus with breath shortage caused by gill ﬂuke infestation

Swordtail with Transversotrema infection

Large Metacercaria in a Kissing Gourami from an Metacercaria in the ﬁns

Fish leech on a Discus

2.8 Diseases caused by crustaceans

Platy with Lernaea Lernaea on a caudal ﬁn

Ergasilus on the gills (gill lid removed)

Parasitic isopod on a Butterﬂy Cichlid

2.9 Multiple infections

Siamese Shark with multiple infection

Gill lid deformation

Discus with ﬁn deformation caused by mineral deﬁciency

Fatty liver degeneration

Uniform darkening of the entire ﬁsh

Large-area injury on a Discus

Air bubble disease

Cornea swelling caused by a pH lower than 3

Damaged gills after an ammonia intoxication

For comparison: Healthy gills

Discus with ﬁn parts missing after an osmotic shock

The preparations sera omnipur, sera bakto- Treatment should begin

Aeromonas or Pseudomonas bacteria

Long lasting stress situations, e.g. strongly or-

6.4 Treating flagellate infections

The widespread single celled intestinal ﬂagel-

A varied diet close to nature plus regular addi-

1 The adult parasites leave the

Life cycle of Ichthyophthirius multiﬁliis

6.7 Treating fish leech infections

The crustacean Ergasilus