Hole in the Head Ulcers in Tropical Fish

When dealing with tropical fish illness and disease, it's always a good idea to have a good guidebook at your side. We recommend this book as a handy desktop reference.

This is another of those tropical fish diseases that are largely species specific. In this case, the "hole in the head", or ulcers, chiefly affect Discus and all varieties of cichlids. The primary cause is the presence of a parasite called Hexamita, in their bodies. It's often introduced to the tank via the feeding of live fish or tubifex worms, which can drop to the bottom and breed in the gravel. The parasite when eaten, takes up residence in the fish's intestines where it multiplies, resulting in fish that look lean in the abdomen, and who develop pitted areas on their heads. If the pitted areas are examined with a magnifying glass, you may see tiny, thread-like worms in the "holes".

Fish affected with the hexamita parasite will begin to lose weight as well as developing the typical head markings. While the condition is primarily blamed on the parasite, poor diet, including a lack of calcium plus vitamin D, and water conditions can contribute to the decline of the fish's health.

Some hobbyists prefer to up their cleaning regimens, replacing water on a more frequent basis and scrubbing filters more often, citing that the condition will eventually cure itself with the right conditions.

The alternatives, in addition to scrupulous maintenance of the tank, is to feed medicated foods, and to remove severely affected fish to a hospital tank where you can administer antibiotics without affecting the natural balance of the home aquarium.

Recommended! A-Z of Tropical Fish Diseases and Health Problems: The aim of this book is to help aquarists recognize signs of illness so they can identify and resolve problems. Divided into three sections, the first focuses on health and husbandry, describing the signs of a healthy fish, anatomy and general care; the second provides signs of diseases and health problems and is cross-referenced to section three, which covers the treatment of diseases and health problems. Illustrated throughout with top-quality color photos, the book is an invaluable reference for novice to experienced fishkeepers. Click here for your copy.

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