Gill Disease

[dismantle me]

I think my platy may have gill disease. He swims kind of weird, breaths rapidly, tries to eat but cant, and he swims at the surface of the water as if he is trying to take a breath of air. I am treating with Tetracycline Tablets. Other fish seem to be getting similar symptoms. I am running out of medication (have 4 tablets left) should I get more? What causes gill disease?Please help!

 

[Cearbhaill]

Possibly gill flukes, which are parasites, so not responsive to antibiotics. They are responsive to formalin, malachite green, or a combination of the two like Quick Cure. Many fish are sensitive to these medications, so do your homework before dosing. Further research to confirm flukes would be a very good idea.

Please do not fall into the trap of medicating with whatever is handy regardless of whether or not you know what you are treating. This would be an easy #1 on my list of "Common Mistakes Easily Avoided".
Antibiotics are used for treating bacterial infections, and some work against one bacteria and not on others. Random antibiotic use is not only ineffective and hard on the fish, but you also create antibiotic resistant forms of bacteria which are a hazard in many respects to our world at large.

 

[Bigguppy]

If you fish has the following symptoms it may be Gill Flukes. Please post a picture to help diagnosis if possible. You want to make sure you have Flukes before treating for it.

1. Fish gasps for air at the water's surface
2. Gills open and close rapidly
3. Gills are covered in mucus
4. Part of gills may be eaten away
5. Scraping & Flashing

Skin / Gill Flukes General Description
Like many parasitic diseases, the fish is not likely to be affected unless it is stressed or sick. They are tiny worm-like parasites that are rarely seen by the naked eye. They attach to the fish with hooks-like structures and whilst attached can actually move around! They affect mainly young fish, older fish seem to be less affected. The parasite spreads quickly in an aquarium, so quick treatment is preferable.

The parasite can kill fish in large numbers, and secondary infections are also a common cause of death.

Skin / Gill Flukes Treatments
Flukes are hard to treat and complete eradication is virtually impossible. For individuals affected with flukes, consecutive salt baths over 2-3 days can be useful.

Skin / Gill Flukes Prevention
Make sure the water is of a high quality, check pH and ammonia levels.

 

[dismantle me]

two platies are dead
yes they gasp for air at the waters surface
yes Gills open and close rapidly
no Gills arent covered in mucus
no the gills arent eaten away
no they arent Scraping & Flashing