Re: Disease of Rams

[HSIAOTSU@aol.com]

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