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You are here: Home / Intermediate Education / Uncommon Saltwater Diseases and Infections

Uncommon Saltwater Diseases and Infections

by greg.chernoff

Fungal infections, bacteria, and disease can all affect your marine life!All saltwater aquarists will deal with common diseases at the beginning of their tank keeping journey. These include the infamous Ich, or “white spot disease,” skin and gill flukes, HLLE, Lymphocystis, velvet, and possibly even Brookynella, or “Clownfish Disease.” These each come with their own remedy, but the cures are well documented and easily available at any local fish store. Sometimes, we get a new fish who develops symptoms that don’t match these widely known ailments, and we are left to frantically research and hope to find someone else who has had the same issue and was able to cure it. This article is aimed at helping you identify these uncommon diseases and how to, hopefully, save your fish.

[generalhelp]

Uronema Marinum

Identifying this uncommon disease is fairly simple. It almost exclusively infects Chromis, although it may appear in other damsels and clownfish as well. Outside of these, it is incredibly rare to see Uronema on other species. It presents itself as a red lesion or sore on the fish’s body. It is a free-swimming parasite and requires no host, so the fish can never be returned to the infected tank, and all of the Chromis should be removed due to the risk of infection. To treat the fish, remove him immediately as the disease spends incredibly fast. In a quarantine tank, treat his food with a binder and Metronidazole. Now, treat the quarantine tank with Metronidazole, acriflavine, chloroquine phosphate, or copper. If one does not seem to be working, switch to a different medication after using carbon to remove the old treatment. It can be tricky to cure once there is external damage.

Black Ich

This appears the same as normal ich, but with black spots instead of white. Black Ich is actually a parasitic worm. Tangs in general seem to be the most susceptible to it. To treat, use a dewormer such as praziquantel, or formalin if the worms are stubborn. Black Ich does not seem to be as life-threatening as actual ich (Cryptocaryon irritans).

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Diseases and Bacteria are all over the marine hobby.

Within the broad category of bacterial infection, there are two categories of bacteria involved. Gram-positive bacteria are typically slower acting, and may not appear on the fish until it has been infected for a period of time. These are most common in established individuals that may have been in your tank for months, maybe even years. They can appear as a number of ailments, such as cloudy eyes, lack of appetite, ripped fins, or lethargy. A lot of times, the immune system is able to fight the infection off on its own. If you suspect that your fish has a gram-positive infection, and does not seem to be great distress, encouraging a healthy immune system is a good treatment route. To do this, feed a heavy, varied diet and soak foods in vitamin supplements (not just garlic). Using a UV sterilizer, good water parameters, and low-stress levels will also all help. If, for whatever reason, you believe your fish cannot fight it off naturally, treat him in a quarantine tank with kanamycin, Erythromycin, or another broad-spectrum antibiotic. If the fish stops eating for more than a day or is laying on the sand bed, it is time to treat with medication.

Gram-Negative Bacteria

This is the more dangerous type of bacterial infection. These are typically fast-acting and may kill fish with 24 to 48 hours if left untreated. As opposed to gram-positive bacteria infecting established fish, gram-negative is typically seen in newly acquired specimens. Red sores, bloody scales, white or dark patches, and red streaks on fish are all phenotypic of these infections. These require immediate treatment with Minocycline, Kanamycin, Metronidazole, and/or Nitrofurazone. The last three may be combined at the same time for the best results.

Internal Worms

In my experience, wrasses are the most susceptible to internal infection from worms. Many arrive at the fish store already infected, so it is a good idea to treat these fish preventatively before adding to your display tank. Symptoms include loss of appetite, color changes, irregular swimming patterns, white feces, and the inability to gain or maintain weight. Treat the fish with medicated food for the best results. I have had good luck using a binding polymer such as Seachem Focus along with Metronidazole and praziquantel.

Tang Fingerprint Disease

This is an uncommon disease that we know little to nothing about, but is worth mentioning. Confined to tangs only, this presents itself as a round or oval like areas of discoloration on both sides of the fish. It almost
always clears overnight and the fish appears as if nothing ever happened. It is thought to be viral in nature, but this has yet to be confirmed. Nothing is typically required to cure this, although vitamin-enriched foods and perfect water quality are always encouraged, especially when things like this pop-up.

Maintain good Saltwater Aquarium health.Final Notes

Due to the large array of uncommon diseases we see in this hobby, and how much time and money we invest into our tanks, we should all quarantine new animals before adding them into our display tank. Even experienced hobbyists sometimes overlook this fact and add a fish directly into their tank, only to face the repercussions days later. Some of these diseases can be incredibly difficult to identify, and it is not worth risking infecting a whole tank that has been established for years just to save a couple of weeks of quarantine. Even after quarantining new fish, I highly recommend you keep certain medications and extra 10 or 20-gallon setup on hand in case something pops up down the road, as some diseases can stay dormant for quite some time. I always keep Erythromycin, Kanamycin, Metronidazole, and Praziquantel medications on hand and they have saved me once or twice.

[generalhelp]

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wesley Paulson says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    Amazing stuff

    Reply
    • mcc says

      May 28, 2019 at 8:58 pm

      Thirty-one years ago, I had a saltwater tank with everything I wanted, except one fish that I could not find. I cautiously added fish and invertibrates … used a quarantine tank … etc. After a year I gave up hope on finding that one fish, so I dismantled my quarntine tank. All the previous fish had been healthy and it seemed the quarantine tank was a waste of time. Then I found this missing fish, bought it and introduced it directly to my tank. Within two weeks, ever fish in my tank died. If you value you existing tank buddies, quarantine new fish.

      Reply
  2. Ken Ishiki says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:32 pm

    I’ve had a major die off of chromis due to uronema. it’s so hard to catch those fish

    Reply
  3. Julia Burr says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:47 pm

    Thank you for the valuable information

    Reply
  4. Erica N Montano says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    This gives me something to watch out for!

    Reply
  5. Victoria Brewer says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:58 pm

    Great info I had never heard of a few of them.

    Reply
  6. conner stumpf says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    I unfortunately got marine velvet in on some snails I bought… wiped out all but my clown in days. Dont overlook any water or surface can transfer disease

    Reply
  7. don price says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:26 pm

    Good things to be on the look for

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:44 pm

    Awesome info, I have to bookmark this

    Reply
  9. Jenni0211 says

    May 13, 2019 at 7:33 pm

    Wow learned a lot reading this! Thanks ?

    Reply
  10. Michael Wahl says

    May 13, 2019 at 9:30 pm

    Love your merchandise!

    Reply
    • Marcos Arguelles says

      June 3, 2019 at 9:59 am

      thank you.

      Reply
  11. Elmer says

    May 14, 2019 at 5:44 am

    Thanks for the info

    Reply
  12. Kenta Asazu says

    May 14, 2019 at 6:31 am

    Sweet

    Reply
  13. Douglas Campbell says

    May 14, 2019 at 6:44 am

    Starting to feel like a scientist with all this information

    Reply
  14. silvercityreefer says

    May 14, 2019 at 7:17 am

    The best thing I ever did was start a quarantine tank when I setup my first saltwater reef tank. This gives me time to observe new fish, ensure they are eating properly, along with treat any diseases that may arise prior to introducing them, and any diseases, to my main display.

    Reply
  15. Rhonda Swetnam says

    May 14, 2019 at 10:31 am

    Excellent information! Thanks again Algae Barn!

    Reply
  16. Christopher Burns says

    May 14, 2019 at 10:58 am

    always a good read

    Reply
  17. Jack says

    May 14, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    I want those fish

    Reply
  18. Leslie Pustilnik says

    May 14, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    I hope I don’t have to deal with any of these problems

    Reply
  19. Adrien says

    May 14, 2019 at 2:39 pm

    Thanks for the great advice!

    Reply
  20. James says

    May 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    This may happen in the future thanks for the info

    Reply
  21. Debra Scoggins says

    May 15, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    What is your recommended quarantine?

    Reply
  22. Joseph Post says

    May 16, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    Never heard of some of these

    Reply
  23. John L Fenstermaker says

    May 16, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    Luckily I haven’t seen any of these

    Reply
  24. JJ8033 says

    May 18, 2019 at 3:41 pm

    Luckily I have not had any problems with this.

    Reply
  25. Perry Eason says

    May 20, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    Great source of information. Hope I don’t have to deal with any of these.

    Reply
  26. Mike says

    May 20, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    This is the stuff of nightmares! I’m anxious enough worrying about ich and brook…

    Reply
  27. Savoury Kem says

    May 20, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    Interesting

    Reply
  28. Mike!! says

    May 20, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    Thanks for the valuable information.

    Reply
  29. Diana Aliprandi says

    May 20, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    Interesting read. I haven’t dealt with fish disease due to quarantine for eight weeks

    Reply
  30. Compy Ginorio says

    May 20, 2019 at 7:10 pm

    I knock on wood, I been very lucky. But this information is very helpful.

    Reply
  31. Carol Mauch says

    May 20, 2019 at 11:11 pm

    Glad you brought these conditions up, I hadn’t seen anything about a couple of them before now! Fortunately haven’t had any of these.

    Found a word error here above in the
    section Uronema marinum, fifth line
    To treat the fish, remove him immediately as the disease SPENDS should be /spreads
    incredibly fast.

    Reply
  32. eddie roggero says

    May 21, 2019 at 6:22 am

    Great advice. Can you get those medications over the counter and what kind of shelf life do they have? Also do you quarantine inverts as well?

    Reply
  33. Jose Ponciano says

    May 21, 2019 at 8:50 am

    Did I win … my reef tank is kicking but and looking great because of you guys.

    Reply
  34. Jose Ponciano says

    May 21, 2019 at 8:52 am

    Did I win lol.. thanks for making my reef tank look amazing

    Reply
  35. Jonathon Berry says

    May 21, 2019 at 9:14 am

    Great info thx

    Reply
  36. Dwayne Newell says

    May 21, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    Refugium information is outstanding. Wonderful ways to keep the Chaeto alive and thriving which in turn keeps my tank healthy.

    Reply
  37. Krish says

    May 21, 2019 at 10:12 pm

    Informative read. Had some issues in the past. Wish I saw this.

    Reply
  38. Wizzard_Dilla says

    May 22, 2019 at 9:57 am

    thanks

    Reply
  39. Jose Ponciano says

    May 27, 2019 at 11:26 am

    Did I win lol!!! Have the quarantine tank ready and info
    In mind ready to go

    Reply
  40. Robert Vice says

    May 27, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    i wish i had a quarantine tank

    Reply
  41. Jorge says

    May 29, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    I plan on starting a QT soon so the information on the medications was very useful. Thanks!

    Reply
  42. Nelly Acevedo says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:32 am

    Very interesting info thanks

    Reply
  43. Alyssa says

    June 3, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    A lot of great information! Worth the read I definitely learned a couple of things.

    Reply
  44. Chas Johnson says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    I just want the free fish

    Reply
  45. Andrew B says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    My old old tank was wiped out by diseases 🙁
    Article helped for future references!

    Reply
  46. Kathryn Ertl says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    Thanks for the good info!

    Reply
  47. chris head says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    Parasites stink!

    Reply
  48. Tricia B says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    Great page!

    Reply
  49. Kris Kasarda says

    June 3, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Great post!

    Reply
  50. Chad Sosby says

    June 3, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    AB is #1

    Reply
  51. cgault99 says

    June 3, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    Love the information that is posted on the blog.

    Reply
  52. Brandy berry says

    June 3, 2019 at 5:31 pm

    Great info thanks

    Reply
  53. Andrew says

    June 3, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    This is why I never go without a quarantine tank

    Reply
  54. Nick says

    June 3, 2019 at 6:31 pm

    Thanks for the info now I know more about these diseases and how to address them

    Reply
  55. Carrie Harvey says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:20 pm

    Thanks for the info

    Reply
  56. Tanman says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    Love apocyclops

    Reply
  57. Kenneth Showman says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    I learned my lesson about quarantining years ago with fresh water. Since then I quarantine everything (fish, coral, inverts). I don’t always keep my fish quarantine tank up and running, but I always keep some marine pure bio cubes, and some live rock in my sump incase I need to setup my quarantine tank on short notice. As always I love that you guys don’t just sell high quality products on your site, but also try and help educate us on the hobby.

    Reply

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