In the water environment, there always exist unseen disease pathogens that fish keepers cannot foresee. Similar to humans, if fish encounter health issues, they can easily suffer from stress-related illnesses, affecting their activities and growth rate. So what are the signs of stress in fish? How can it be effectively treated? We will address these questions in the following article:
Signs of stress in fish
– Fish often hide in corners of the tank, appearing less active and sociable than usual, and may isolate themselves from the group.
– Fish become picky eaters and may refuse to eat.
– Fish swim weakly.
– Fish tails droop.
Causes of stress in fish
There are many reasons for stress-related diseases in fish that you may encounter, such as:
Fish are not accustomed to their new tank environment.
This is one of the most common reasons for stress in ornamental fish.
Excessive or insufficient lighting.
Whether you are keeping fish outdoors or indoors, lighting is a crucial factor to consider. Excessive or insufficient light can cause stress in fish.
Water quality issues.
If you are keeping ornamental fish, especially small ones, water quality should be a top priority. Fish can become stressed if the water environment is polluted, the pH level is too high, or there is a lack of oxygen. Early detection and timely adjustments can help fish recover easily.
Newly born fish are stressed.
The period after birth is the weakest and most sensitive time for female fish. Fish are prone to stress, loss of appetite, and death during this period. The reason for stress in female fish after giving birth is often due to overcrowded tanks.
Especially if fish are not fed properly after birth according to the correct regimen, it can also cause stress in fish. Therefore, you need to ensure that the fish are “fed properly” as we have shared.
Too much disparity in the ratio of male and female fish in the tank.
This issue is often overlooked by fish hobbyists. A significant disparity in the male-to-female ratio can lead to severe stress in fish.
How to treat stress in fish
To treat stress-related illnesses in ornamental fish effectively, you need to understand the underlying causes of stress and then treat the fish according to specific methods:
For fish stressed from being introduced to a new tank
For newly purchased fish or fish that need to be transferred to a new tank, the keeper should introduce the fish slowly to allow them time to acclimate to the water environment. Adjusting to a new temperature is very difficult for fish, especially if there is a temperature difference between two tanks.
When bringing fish home, you should leave the fish bag in the tank to gradually equalize the temperature between the two sides, and then slowly open the bag to release the fish into the new tank. It is advisable to keep the filter at a low level and add some branches, decorations, or hiding spots for the fish.
Refer to additional steps on introducing newly purchased fish into the tank for healthy fish.
For fish stressed by the influence of artificial lighting
For indoor fish tanks using LED lights, the recommended lighting time should be 12-15 hours per day. If the tank is placed where it receives natural light, the lighting time can be reduced. Both fish and aquatic plants in the tank need light for feeding and activity. If there is no light for a long time, fish may become stressed, leading to loss of appetite, and the ecosystem in the tank may also suffer.
For outdoor fish tanks, they should be placed in shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight on the tank. Excessive light, especially sunlight containing UV rays, can raise the temperature of the tank, make it difficult for oxygen to dissolve, and cause stress to fish, as they have nowhere to hide. It is recommended to arrange a small shade on the tank wall and release floating plants to create hiding places for fish when the light is intense.
Note: If you are playing with a planted tank, please refer to how much light does a planted fish tank need each day.
Treating stress in fish due to tank environment issues
It is advisable to run an air pump or a microbial filter 1-2 days before releasing the fish. During the breeding process, you should regularly change the water to clean the tank and remove waste to maintain a beneficial microbial environment. Fish tanks should be equipped with filter media, release floating plants, or some small aquatic plants to create the most natural environment possible for fish.
If fish in the tank are stressed, replace a portion of the water in the tank, about 20-25%.
Treating stress in newly born fish
It is recommended to provide adequate nutrition for female fish during pregnancy. When fish are about to give birth, separate them into a separate tank to give them a comfortable space for reproduction. There should always be food in the tank to prevent female fish from eating their offspring.
Treating stress in fish due to gender imbalance
When buying ornamental fish, it is advisable to buy both male and female fish. Balancing this ecosystem will make the fish more active and reduce stress. The appropriate male-to-female ratio can be 50/50 or 60/40 (depending on whether the keeper prefers more male fish for display or wants more fish to reproduce).
In addition, the fish’s diet should be carefully considered when the weather suddenly changes. You should provide a variety of vitamins, digestive enzymes, and minerals to boost the fish’s immunity. Choose disease-free fish breeds when introducing them to the tank.
Conclusion:
Overall, stress in fish during the early stages may not be dangerous, but over time, it can become a precursor to other diseases in fish. Fish keepers should equip themselves with knowledge to prevent diseases. Wishing you always have a healthy school of fish.