Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Get It Today
Freshwater Ich is a protozoan disease that is often called 'white spot disease' and is the most common disease to infect freshwater fish.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to use aquarium salt in freshwater aquariums to promote healthy gill functions, reduce stress, and treat infections in fish.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn more about why you might see erratic swimming in aquarium fish. Find out how you can treat them to maintain a healthy and happy aquatic environment.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Do you have questions about how to prevent fin rot? Visit Petco to get answers about the health of your aquarium.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to test your aquarium water. Poor water quality stresses fish, which leaves them susceptible to disease and possibly death.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Pimafix is an acceptable "natural" antifungal treatment. Melafix is for bacterial infections. Kanamycin, erythromycin or metronidazole are good broad spectrum antibiotics. Fungus Cure (by API) is an excellent antifungal. You can find these medications in the aquarium section of most pet stores or even online. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. The cornerstone of any treatment is to first maintain pristine water quality and stable chemistry.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Consider a broad spectrum treatment such as General Cure by API or Parasite Clear by Jungle Labs. Follow label directions. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used concurrently to aid in healing and to treat minor infection and fin rot. Dissolve up to one tablespoon per gallon of water into a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Test water chemistry using a home test kit or submitting a water sample. Most pet or fish stores will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances using aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Use a conditioner such as StressCoat as well. Confirm adequate filtration to maintain water quality.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Without an image, it is difficult to make detailed recommendations. In general, maintain pristine water quality and chemistry. Monitor for elevated ammonia or nitrite levels and perform partial water changes as needed. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Consider adding in a second antibiotic, such as Kanamycin, to treat gram negative bacterial infection. When treating the tank, be sure to remove the carbon filter insert during treatment.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
This could be bacterial or parasitic infection. It is difficult to determine definitively since the image provided is not clear. Fish can be difficult to photograph. Basic care includes checking water quality and chemistry. This can be done using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. There should be an absence of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20-60 ppm. pH should be as close to 7 as possible, avoiding large swings. Koi can tolerate a wide range in temperature, but generally do best between 65 F and 75 F. Again, avoid large swings in temperature to prevent stress or shock. If necessary, a partial water change can be done to stabilize chemistry and/or improve water quality. If you have other koi, consider placing this one in a hospital tank to make treatment easier and to prevent spread if the condition is infectious. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used to reduce stress, impro
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It certainly sounds like something is irritating this fish. Most often it is caused by parasites, usually ich. With ich you sometimes see salt like spots on the fins, you also may see a dusting in the dark if you shine a light. Other things that could cause itching would be irritants such as high ammonia levels. Personally I do not like adding chemicals to the water, especially not with other species such as snails and shrimp. To treat ich you can simply increase the water temperature and you can bathe the individual in salty water.
Updated on September 24th, 2025