Live Bearers

Information on Live Bearer Diseases & Treatments

Live bearers are pretty hardy fish and tend not to get sick too much. Although some are more susceptible to diseases, like certain hybrid mollies. Live bearing fish do get sick and when that happens, it is always a good idea to know a little about different live bearer diseases and what treaments to use for them. Diseases come from bacteria and parasites in the tank and are usually picked up by fish that are weakened from stress. Stress can be caused by poor water conditions, poor diet, overcrowding, aggressive tankmates and other situations. So the best treatment for live bearer diseases is to reduce stress and prevent the fish from getting sick.

When live bearing fish to get sick it then becomes crucial to the survival chances of the fish that medication is available and the fish can be treated as soon as possible. Keep treatments for the most common diseases on hand and get to know the symptoms of the most common diseases. A good time to observe the fish is when they are feeding. Watch and make sure that they are all actively seeking the food and that none are hiding or just lying around on the bottom of the tank as that could be sign of a bacterial infection. Most parasites attack the skin and outside of the fish so that the fish will be irritated and try to rub the parasite off by scratching against decorations and other surfaces in the tank.

Below are some of the most common live bearer diseases with their symptoms. Most of these diseases can be cured with treatments that can be found in local pet stores.

White Spot or Ich: It appears as tiny white spots covering the body of the fish. The infected fish will dart around the tank and scratch against surfaces inside the aquarium. The fish may start scratching before any white spots are visible.

Mouth or Body Fungus: Cotton like growths appear on the mouth, outer edges of the fins or body of the infected fish. Fins may become frayed.

Bacterial Fin Rot: Frayed, torn or damaged fins that usually have a white colored lining along the edges.

Gill and Skin Flukes: Worm like parasites that attack the gills and skin of the infected fish. The fish may show signs of trouble breathing while hanging out at the surface of the water. They will also scratch against objects inside the aquarium.