Velvet Disease

Oodinium

Velvet is a bacterial skin infection which can wipe out entire communities if left untreated.

It can be difficult to notice which often allows it to reach an advanced stage.

The oodinium bacteria can be seen as a fine sheen which reflects light as the fish swims. This makes it especially difficult to see on light coloured fish and easier to spot on darker fish.

Velvet symptoms usually show as scale scratching on the gravel and other surfaces. When advanced the fish will swim weakly with reduced movement.

Treatment is simple if detected before the fish's constitution has suffered significantly.

Velvet disease pharmaceuticals are available but salt is sufficient. Administer 10 grams per liter and examine the fish for improvement after three days.

If the velvet is not completely cured add a further 10 grams per liter and wait a further three days. Feeding with live food can help to strengthen the sick fish during treatment.

Disease Prevention | Sanitising An Aquarium | Medication Use In Aquariums | Medicated Fish Baths | White Spot Disease | Dropsy | Chemical Poisoning | Fish Health