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Re: Disease of Rams



In a message dated 2/10/2001 11:53:47 AM Central Standard Time,
apistowise@bewellnet.com writes:


This does not sound like a "natural death" to me!
Pop eye is not a disease, just a symptom of the
final stages of some internal infection that ends
in the death of the fish. Labored breathing
usually indicates gill parasites or water problems
(high nitrites or other toxins). I don't know what
the cause is in your case. With Rams, the best
prevention is a month or 2 in quarantine at temps
in the mid 80s F (low 30s C), lots of clean water,
quality food - and hope for the best.


I have had several generations of rams in my discus tank, where they spawn
profusely.  (The frys are rescued and raised separately.)  At 82F, these fish
typically last 15 - 18 months.  I've only seen the "popeye" condition in
elderly fish, which never recover.  Labored breathing is also typical.  The
coloration on these fish also become very intense, much more so than in
spawning form.  In the last 2 - 3 days, the fish almost "sparkle" with
intense coloration.  

The condition does not appear to be contagious.  All the other rams in the
tank are not affected.  These are always discus tanks, so water condition is
pristine.  Clearly a "popeye" condition in the aquarium may occur due to
infection.  However, in rams, I have only observed this condition in very old
fish.

Respectfully, Willie