Freshwater Velvet by Dr. Barb Velvet (Oodinium or Piscinoodinium) is caused by a parasite that attaches to the outside of your fish, on its’ skin and gills. Piscinoodinium limneticum is the the type of Velvet infecting aquarium fish in North America, while Piscinoodinium pillulare infects those in Europe and Malaysia. The most susceptible fish to Velvet infections are the anabantids (e.g. bettas and gouramis) and cyprinids (e.g. barbs, danios and rasboras). Fry and tadpoles are particularly susceptible to it. Many cases of unexplained fish death can be attributed to Velvet heavily infesting the gills, that you usually cannot see easily with the naked eye.
A flashlight and magnifying glass can assist you in seeing the Oodinium parasite. Shine the light on the fish's body and if it looks like it is covered with a fine gold or rusty mist or with a yellow-grayish powdery coating, then this is likely Velvet. By the time that a fish shows the characteristic gold or rust-colored coating, it is heavily infested.
A fish with Velvet will eventually act sick, have clamped fins, scratch against rocks, gravel or tank walls (flashing), have a loss of appetite and may lay motionless. The entire tank needs to be treated when treating for Velvet. A “white spot” remedy such as RidIch+ should be used. Maracide may be used for small fry and is usually effective with bettas. When using RidIch+, always precede each daily dosage with a 25% water change, be sure that your water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels) are normal and follow all pertinent instructions included with the medication that you have chosen. Continue the treatment for three days after the coating has completely disappeared and typically treatment should last for as long as 10-14 days. Reducing light in the tank helps to kill Velvet. Do not share equipment such as nets, between your tanks, to avoid spreading this parasite. Please post for help in the Flippers 'n' Fins' Emergency Room if needed.
Author: Dr. Barb
|
