Ornamental fish

This chapter addresses some of the issues related to the health and well-being of ornamental fish. The general husbandry and maintenance of the aquatic facility and ecosystems have a direct relationship to the overall health of the fishes. Maintaining clean areas behind the exhibits and nonpublic areas is essential to good health practices. Accumulation of feces, excess food, and detritus are predisposing factors to poor water quality and can serve as substrates for facultative pathogens. Cleaning and disinfecting seines, nets, buckets, and tanks are imperative to maintain a high-quality health program at a facility. Providing appropriate nutrition and good quality water are important aspects of maintaining a successful aquarium. Because there are hundreds of different fish species in the aquarium hobby, ornamental fish nutrition must be approached systematically and holistically. A preventive health maintenance program should be in place when an aquatic facility opens or when the home hobbyist acquires numerous aquaria. Health issues should be addressed on a daily basis, not just when a problem arises. When problems are encountered, a treatment regime should be implemented that identifies a short-term resolution to the problem with a long-range plan in mind.