VIIII. Annabelle’s Diary: From Tapeworms to Camallanus Worms

Annabelle’s Diary: From Tapeworms to Camallanus worms
Oct. 29, 2008
My fahaka puffer came in the mail. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to put her in her new tank. This is the puffer I waited so long for. I did all my research, my tank was ready, her food was purchased and I had IP medications on hand. I put her in her new tank. She ate the very first day. She had a great appetite. No problem getting her to eat.
Continue reading VIIII. Annabelle’s Diary: From Tapeworms to Camallanus Worms

VIII. Euthanasia Options

Euthanasia Options

*Author’s Note*
Some of these choices outlined in this article will contain methods which may offend some readers. They may seem excessively violent or gruesome, something you would never consider using on your fish… but imagine coming home one day and finding one of your beloved pets was sucked into a motor after a guard fell off, or attacked by a tank mate, and left mangled and helpless, with no hope of survival… yet still alive and suffering. In a situation such as this you may not have time to run to the drug store for some clove oil, or mail order some MS-222, and even if you do have the time, your fish will be suffering and probably dying while it waits. For some people, that is enough incentive to utilize one of the more “harsh” methods outlined below, for others, it is not. This decision is one that each fishkeeper will have to make on their own, no one can make it for them or tell them what choice is best. I highly encourage all readers to have some MS-222 or Clove Oil on hand in case such a situation should occur, and thus be able to avoid making that difficult decision. And of course, lets hope none of us has a need to use this article anytime soon. Continue reading VIII. Euthanasia Options

II. Treating Saltwater Ich

All too often fish, invertebrates, live rock and other organisms are not properly quarantined before being added to their new home, potentially introducing all kinds of opportunistic pathogens directly into the display tank. One particularly common disease is Cryptocaryon irritans, more commonly known as Marine or Saltwater Ich. If left untreated, this parasitic infestation can lead to other secondary opportunistic infections such as bacterial infections like fin rot, red patches, ulcerations, and ultimately death. Continue reading II. Treating Saltwater Ich

III. Internal Parasites: Prevention and Treatment

Internal parasites are something we usually don’t think much about, but thinking about them can save your fish, increase their growth rate and improve their overall health.

Generally, most fish carry a small load of parasites. However, when the fish is ill or under stress, the parasites can and will reproduce to levels that actually harm their host, causing the fish to lose weight, become more susceptible to illness and eventually stop eating and die. Continue reading III. Internal Parasites: Prevention and Treatment

V. Help! My Puffer is Air-filled!

What to do if a puffer inflates with air?

Almost anyone who has heard of a puffer can tell you what makes them different from every other fish. It is their amazing ability to double or triple their size when needed for their protection. This amazing ability is made possible by unique adaptations. First, they do not have ribs. This allows their stomach to expand without having bone interference. Second, they have specialized muscles around their stomach and within their mouth to funnel water into the stomach. Finally, puffers have a thick rubbery skin that can expand easily. Both the stomach and skin are also pleated and folded, providing more room for expansion. Nearly all puffers also have spines that become very visible and erect when the puffer is in its expanded form. Continue reading V. Help! My Puffer is Air-filled!