Fish & Shrimp Diseases

Ich / White Spot Disease

Symptoms

• White dots on fins and body
• Flashing against surfaces
• Rapid breathing
• Lethargy

Quarantine

• Quarantine the entire tank because Ich spreads rapidly.
• Remove sensitive species if medication is dangerous for them.

Treatment

• Increase temperature gradually
• Use Ich medication
• Add aquarium salt in hospital tank (2 tablespoons per gallon of water)
• Improve water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

• Frayed fins
• Black or white fin edges
• Fins melting away

Quarantine

• Quarantine affected individuals if only one fish is sick.
• Whole tank treatment may be needed if multiple fish show symptoms.

Treatment

• Improve water quality
• Antibacterial medication
• Reduce stress and aggression

Iridovirus

Species Affected

• Dwarf Gouramis
• Shrimp
• Other tropical fish

Symptoms

• Milky coloration
• Lethargy
• Sudden deaths
• Loss of appetite

Quarantine

• Quarantine the entire tank immediately.
• Do NOT move equipment between tanks.
• Disinfect nets, siphons, and tools.

Treatment

• No known cure
• Supportive care only, this includes feeding:
  
• Prevent spread to other aquariums

Velvet Disease

Symptoms

• Gold or rust-colored dust appearance
• Rapid breathing
• Clamped fins
• Loss of appetite
• Scratching against objects

Quarantine

• Quarantine the entire tank because Velvet spreads rapidly.
• Remove invertebrates if using copper medication.

Treatment

• Darken the aquarium completely.
• Use copper-based medication.
• Increase temperature gradually.
• Increase aeration.

Swim Bladder Disease

Symptoms

• Floating upside down
• Sinking to bottom
• Difficulty balancing
• Bloated abdomen

Quarantine

• Quarantine individual fish if symptoms are isolated.
• Whole tank quarantine usually unnecessary.

Treatment

• Feed some freshly minced garlic and then fast for a couple days
• Feed cooked peas
• Improve water quality
• Swimbladder Treatment products
• Put it in a shallow hospital tank with clean dechlorinated water with aquarium salt (2 tablespoons per gallon of water); replace 100% of the hospital tank water every 12 hours making sure to re-add the salt and dechlorinator

Dropsy

Symptoms

• Pinecone scales
• Swollen belly
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected fish immediately.
• Whole tank treatment recommended if multiple fish affected.

Treatment

• Epsom salt baths
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Improve water quality
• Reduce stress

Popeye

Symptoms

• Bulging eyes
• Cloudy eyes
• Redness around eyes
• Vision issues

Quarantine

• Quarantine affected fish if bacterial.
• Whole tank quarantine if several fish affected.

Treatment

• Antibiotics
• Aquarium salt
• Pristine water quality

Columnaris

Symptoms

• Cotton-like mouth growths
• White patches
• Rapid breathing
• Fin erosion
• Sudden deaths

Quarantine

• Quarantine the entire tank immediately.
• Highly contagious.

Treatment

• Antibiotics
• Lower water temperature slightly
• Heavy aeration
• Frequent water changes

Gill Flukes

Symptoms

• Rapid breathing
• Flashing against surfaces
• Clamped fins
• Red or inflamed gills

Quarantine

• Treat the entire aquarium.
• Parasites spread easily between fish.

Treatment

• Praziquantel medications
• Improve water quality
• Increase oxygenation

Anchor Worms

Symptoms

• Visible thread-like worms
• Red inflamed wounds
• Scratching behavior
• Lethargy

Quarantine

• Quarantine whole tank.
• Parasites reproduce rapidly.

Treatment

• Manual removal
• Antiparasitic medication
• Clean substrate thoroughly

Hole in the Head Disease (HLLE)

Symptoms

• Pits around face
• Eroded lateral line
• Weight loss
• Pale coloration

Quarantine

• Usually isolate affected fish.
• Whole tank quarantine unnecessary unless widespread.

Treatment

• Improve diet
• Add vitamins
• Improve water quality
• Reduce activated carbon use

Hemorrhagic Septicemia

Symptoms

• Red bleeding patches
• Internal bleeding
• Ulcers
• Sudden deaths
• Bulging eyes

Quarantine

• Quarantine the entire aquarium immediately.
• Disinfect equipment after use.

Treatment

• Strong antibiotics
• Massive water quality improvement
• Hospital tank if possible

Saddleback Disease

What Is It?

Saddleback Disease is usually a form of advanced Columnaris bacterial infection. It creates a pale or gray “saddle” patch across the fish’s back, often near the dorsal fin.

Symptoms

• White, gray, or pale patch across the back
• Cotton-like lesions
• Rapid breathing
• Fin deterioration
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Quarantine

• Quarantine the infected fish immediately.
• If multiple fish show symptoms, treat the entire aquarium.
• Disinfect nets and equipment after contact.

Treatment

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Lower temperature slightly (Columnaris worsens in heat)
• Increase oxygenation
• Daily water changes
• Remove decaying organic waste

Prevention

• Maintain stable water parameters
• Avoid overcrowding
• Reduce stress during transport/acclimation
• Quarantine new fish before introduction

Fish Tuberculosis (Mycobacteriosis)

Symptoms

• Wasting Away: The fish looks thin or has a sunken belly despite eating.
• Spinal Deformities: Sudden bending or "humpback" appearance (Scoliosis).
• Skin Ulcers: Open sores or loss of scales that do not heal with standard treatments.
• Lethargy: Fish stays at the bottom or hides constantly.
• Popeye: One or both eyes bulging out.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Immediate Isolation: Remove the fish at the first sign of wasting.
• Sterilization: Do NOT share nets, siphons, or tools between a suspected TB tank and other tanks.
• Do Not Feed Cull Fish: Never feed dead fish to other tank mates.

Treatment

• No Reliable Cure: Most medications only mask symptoms. The bacteria (Mycobacterium) are incredibly resistant.
• Euthanasia: Generally considered the most humane option to prevent the slow suffering of the fish and the spread of the colony.
• UV Sterilizers: Can help reduce the number of free-floating bacteria in the water column.

Gill Rot

What Is It?

Gill Rot (Branchiomycosis) is a severe fungal disease that attacks the gills and rapidly damages breathing tissue.

Symptoms

• Rapid breathing
• Pale or brown gills
• Gasps at surface
• Lethargy
• Sudden death

Quarantine

• Quarantine the entire aquarium immediately.
• Increase aeration heavily.

Treatment

• Improve water quality immediately
• Strong antifungal medication
• Lower organic waste
• Massive oxygenation

Cotton Wool Disease

What Is It?

Cotton Wool Disease usually refers to fuzzy white fungal-like growths caused by Saprolegnia. However, some cases may actually be bacterial Columnaris.

Symptoms

• White fluffy patches
• Cotton-like growths
• Fin damage
• Skin irritation
• Lethargy

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected fish immediately.
• If several fish are infected, treat the whole tank.

Treatment

• Antifungal medication
• Aquarium salt
• Improve water quality
• Hospital tank recommended with UV lamp

Egg Fungus

What Is It?

Egg Fungus commonly infects infertile or damaged eggs and may spread to healthy eggs if untreated.

Symptoms

• White fuzzy egg growth
• Opaque eggs
• Egg death
• Spreading cotton-like fungus

Quarantine

• Remove infected eggs immediately.
• Separate breeding tanks if possible.

Treatment

• Methylene blue
• Improve water circulation
• Remove dead eggs quickly
• Maintain clean breeding conditions

Fish Saprolegnia

What Is It?

Saprolegnia is a common water mold infection often called "cotton mold" or "water fungus". It mainly attacks injured or weakened fish.

Symptoms

• Fuzzy white or gray patches
• Cotton-like growths
• Skin damage
• Gill infections
• Lethargy

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected fish when possible.
• Treat whole tank if outbreak spreads.

Treatment

• Antifungal medication
• Aquarium salt
• Improve water quality
• Hospital tank preferred

Epistylis

What Is It?

Epistylis is a protozoan infection commonly mistaken for Ich. Unlike Ich, the white spots are usually raised and may appear fuzzy. It often appears secondary to poor water quality or bacterial infections.

Symptoms

• Raised white lesions
• Fuzzy white patches
• Red irritated skin
• Rapid breathing
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected fish immediately.
• If several fish show symptoms, treat the whole aquarium.
• Improve water quality urgently.

Treatment

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Improve water quality
• Increase aeration
• Reduce organic waste
• Hospital tank recommended

Important Note

Unlike Ich, increasing temperature can worsen Epistylis. Correct identification is extremely important. Check the Useful Links for a comparison of Epistylis vs Ich.

Tail & Fin Biting

What Is It?

Tail and fin biting may occur due to aggressive tankmates, stress, boredom, poor water quality, or fish attacking their own fins. Common in Bettas and stressed community fish.

Symptoms

• Torn fins
• Missing tail sections
• Uneven fin edges
• Stress behavior
• Hiding
• Possible secondary infections

Quarantine

• Separate aggressive fish immediately.
• Quarantine injured fish if infection develops.
• Monitor entire tank for bullying.

Treatment

• Remove aggressive tankmates
• Improve enrichment and hiding spots
• Maintain pristine water quality
• Use antibacterial medication if infection appears

Fish Lice (Argulus)

What Is It?

Fish Lice are parasitic crustaceans that attach to fish skin, feeding on blood and tissue while creating wounds that can lead to bacterial infections.

Symptoms

• Visible disk-like parasites
• Flashing or rubbing
• Red sores
• Fin damage
• Stress and lethargy
• Rapid breathing

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected fish immediately.
• Treat the entire tank because parasites reproduce in the aquarium.
• Disinfect equipment after use.

Treatment

• Manual parasite removal
• Anti-parasitic medication
• Vacuum substrate thoroughly
• Repeat treatment for newly hatched parasites

Cloudy Eye

What Is It?

Cloudy Eye is a symptom rather than a single disease. It may be caused by injury, bacterial infection, parasites, poor water quality, or nutritional deficiencies.

Symptoms

• Cloudy or milky eyes
• Swollen eye tissue
• Vision problems
• Lethargy
• Possible redness or inflammation

Quarantine

• Quarantine if bacterial infection is suspected.
• If caused by poor water quality, improve conditions for the whole tank.

Treatment

• Improve water quality
• Antibacterial medication if infection exists
• Aquarium salt
• Vitamin-rich foods
• Remove sharp decorations causing injury

Neon Tetra Disease

What Is It?

Neon Tetra Disease (NTD) is a highly contagious and usually fatal parasitic disease primarily affecting characins, but can also infect other fish species. It's caused by the microsporidian parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. There is no known cure, and it's best to act quickly to prevent spread.

Symptoms

• Pale/Discolored Patches: Loss of color, especially in the neon stripe.
• Wasting Away: Fish becomes emaciated despite eating (often mistaken for Fish TB).
• Lumps or Cysts: May appear on the body.
• Spinal Deformities: Curved spine as the disease progresses.
• Erratic Swimming: Jerky movements or difficulty swimming.
• Secondary Infections: Fungus or bacterial infections may develop on weakened fish.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Immediate Euthanasia: Unfortunately, the best course of action for an infected fish is humane euthanasia to prevent spread.
• Remove Carcasses: The parasite spreads when healthy fish eat infected dead fish or their waste.
• Disinfect: Do NOT share equipment (nets, siphons) between tanks. Sterilize everything that has come into contact with the infected tank.
• Quarantine New Fish: Always quarantine new fish for 4-6 weeks to prevent introducing the disease.

Treatment

• No Cure: There is no effective treatment for Neon Tetra Disease once established.
• Supportive Care: Keeping water quality pristine and reducing stress can sometimes prolong life but will not cure the disease.
• Euthanasia is the most humane option for infected individuals.

Black Spot Disease / Black Ich

What Is It?

Black Spot Disease (also known as Black Ich or Black Grub) is caused by the larval stage (metacercariae) of parasitic trematodes (flukes) of the genus Posthodiplostomum or Apophallus. The black spots are actually the fish's melanistic (dark pigment) reaction to wall off the parasite under the skin. It typically enters the aquarium through live food or wild-caught fish.
It can sometimes get confused with necrotic or healed injuries.

Symptoms

• Small Black Dots: Visible tiny black dots (like pepper flakes) scattered on the body, fins, and sometimes eyes.
• Flashing/Scratching: Fish will rub against objects to try and dislodge the parasites.
• Lethargy: May appear stressed or less active in severe infestations.
• Reduced Appetite: In rare, heavy infestations.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Quarantine New Fish: Always quarantine new fish for at least 4 weeks.
• Avoid Wild-Caught Food: Do not feed live foods collected from the wild that could carry parasites.
• Snail Control: The parasite's life cycle often involves snails as an intermediate host. Removing snails can break the cycle.

Treatment

• Praziquantel: Medications containing praziquantel (e.g., API General Cure) are effective.
• Salt Baths: Short-term salt baths can help dislodge some parasites and alleviate irritation.
• Copper-Based Medications: Can be effective, but use with caution and avoid with invertebrates.
• Improve Water Quality: Maintaining pristine water conditions helps fish recover and reduces stress.

Duck Lips Disease

What Is It?

"Duck Lips Disease" is a common term for a fungal infection, often caused by Saprolegnia or similar water molds, that specifically affects the mouth region of fish. It can also be a secondary bacterial infection. It is characterized by swollen, often white or fuzzy, lesions around the mouth, making it difficult for the fish to eat or breathe properly.
It can be confused with other mouth deformities like Lip Fibromas or other injuries, so proper diagnosis is important.

Symptoms

• Swollen Lips/Mouth: The mouth area appears enlarged, puffy, or protrudes.
• White or Fuzzy Growths: Cotton-like patches around the mouth and jaw.
• Difficulty Eating: Fish may refuse food or struggle to pick it up.
• Labored Breathing: Rapid gill movements if the infection spreads.
• Lethargy: Reduced activity and hiding.
• Erosion: In advanced stages, mouth tissue may erode.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Isolate Infected Fish: Move the affected fish to a hospital tank immediately.
• Improve Water Quality: Poor water conditions are a primary trigger. Perform water changes in the main tank.
• Reduce Stress: Ensure stable parameters, appropriate tankmates, and proper diet.
• Avoid Injury: Ensure no sharp decorations or aggressive tankmates cause mouth injuries.

Treatment

• Antifungal Medication: Use a broad-spectrum antifungal specifically designed for aquarium fish.
• Antibacterial Medication: If secondary bacterial infection is suspected, combine with an appropriate antibiotic.
• Aquarium Salt: Add 1-2 tablespoons per 5 gallons in the hospital tank to aid healing and reduce fungal growth.
• Clean Water: Maintain immaculate water quality in the hospital tank with daily small water changes.
• Medicated Food: If the fish is still eating, medicated food can be highly effective.

Chilodonella

What Is It?

Chilodonella is a highly pathogenic, ciliated protozoan parasite that infects the skin and gills of freshwater fish. It causes severe irritation and can quickly lead to suffocation if the gills are heavily infested. It thrives in poor water quality and cooler temperatures.

Symptoms

• Cloudy or Milky Skin: A bluish-grey film or slime coat on the body.
• Flashing/Rubbing: Fish constantly scrape themselves against decorations or substrate.
• Clamped Fins: Fins held close to the body.
• Rapid Breathing/Gasping: If gills are affected, fish may gasp at the surface.
• Lethargy: Fish become listless and may hide or stay at the bottom.
• Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Treat Entire Tank: Chilodonella is highly contagious and spreads rapidly, requiring whole-tank treatment.
• Improve Water Quality: Maintain pristine water parameters and good oxygenation.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Reduces stress and spread of parasites.
• Quarantine New Fish: Isolate new fish for at least 4 weeks.

Treatment

• Increase Temperature: Gradually raise the water temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C) to speed up the parasite's life cycle, making it more vulnerable to medication.
• Aquarium Salt: 2-3 tablespoons per 5 gallons can be effective, especially in a hospital tank.
• Formalin-based medications: Highly effective against Chilodonella. Follow product instructions carefully.
• Malachite Green: Also very effective, often found in combination with formalin.
• Frequent Water Changes: Essential for removing free-swimming parasites.

alkalosis (High pH Stress)

What Is It?

alkalosis is a condition in fish caused by exposure to excessively high pH levels in the aquarium water. While some fish prefer alkaline water, extreme or sudden spikes in pH can burn gills, damage the slime coat, and interfere with vital bodily functions, leading to severe stress, disease, and potentially death.

Symptoms

• Rapid Gilling: Fish breathing heavily, often gasping at the surface.
• Clamped Fins: Fins held close to the body, indicating severe stress.
• Slime Coat Issues: Cloudy eyes, excess slime production, or visible damage to the slime coat.
• Faded Colors: Fish lose their vibrant coloration.
• Lethargy/Erratic Swimming: Listlessness, hiding, or swimming erratically.
• Fin/Skin Erosion: In severe cases, fins and skin may show signs of chemical burns.
• Death: Sudden, unexplained deaths.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Test pH Regularly: Use a reliable pH test kit. Know the ideal pH range for your specific fish species.
• Buffer Water Appropriately: Use appropriate buffers or substrates (like crushed coral for high pH, Indian almond leaves for low pH) to maintain stable pH.
• Avoid Sudden Changes: Never make drastic pH adjustments. Any changes should be slow and gradual over hours or days.
• Check Tap Water: Test your tap water's pH before adding it to the tank during water changes.

Treatment

• Gradual Water Changes: Perform small, frequent water changes (10-15% daily) with properly conditioned water that matches the tank's *target* pH, not necessarily the current high pH. The goal is to slowly bring the pH down.
• Increase Aeration: High pH can make ammonia more toxic; increased oxygenation helps reduce stress.
• Indian Almond Leaves/Alder Cones: These release tannins that can naturally and gently lower pH over time, and provide soothing properties.
• pH Lowering Products: Use commercial pH lowering products ONLY if you understand how to use them safely and gradually, as sudden drops can be more harmful than high pH.
• Monitor Fish Closely: Observe for signs of recovery or worsening condition.

Cladogonium

Symptoms

• Green fuzzy growth
• Failed molts
• Egg infections

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected shrimp immediately. It can be a small container.
• If multiple shrimp are infected, quarantine the whole colony.

Treatment

• 1. Prepare a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or a 20% aquarium salt solution in a separate container.
• 2. Gently dip the infected shrimp into the solution for 30-60 seconds.
• 3. Remove the shrimp and rinse it in clean tank water before returning it to the quarantine tank.
• 4. Repeat the dip every day until the infection is cleared (normally within a week).

Important Note

Cladogonium is a stubborn algae that can be difficult to eradicate. It often requires multiple treatments and strict quarantine measures. Always remove molts immediately, as the algae can cling to the old shell and reinfect the shrimp.
An airator can help keep the shrimp healthy during treatment by improving oxygen levels in the quarantine tank.
If not available, using a cup to take the water and letting it fall from a height oxygenates it.

When it's green, it's in the initial stages and more treatable. It will then turn pale green, yellowish and finally white or orange. The shrimp is recovered once it's fallen off and the new shell after a molt is clear of algae.

Scutariella Japonica

Symptoms

• Small white "finger-like" parasites on the head (rostrum) or gills.
• Visible white dots in the gill chamber (these are eggs).
• Shrimp may pick at their face or act irritated.

Quarantine

• Isolate infected shrimp for treatment.
• Critical: Remove molts from the tank immediately for 3 weeks, as the eggs stay in the old shell to hatch.

Treatment

• Salt Dips: Extremely effective. Use 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt in 1 cup of tank water; dip the shrimp for 30-60 seconds. The worms usually fall off instantly.
• Praziquantel (API General Cure): Effective for whole-tank treatment if many shrimp are affected.

Planaria (Flatworms)

Symptoms

• Flat, gliding worms on the glass or substrate.
• Identification: Look for a distinct arrow-shaped head and two eyespots.
• Shrimp deaths with no visible external disease (Planaria hunt by paralyzing shrimp).

Quarantine

• Planaria live in the substrate; if you see one, the entire tank is likely infested.
• Reduce feeding immediately; Planaria thrive on leftover organic waste.

Treatment

• Planaria Traps: Good for reducing numbers without chemicals.
• Genchem "No Planaria" (Betel Nut Extract): Shrimp safe, but will kill most snails.
• Panacur-C (Fenbendazole): Very effective at small doses (0.1g per 10 gallons), but kills Nerite and Mystery snails.
• Note: Never crush a Planaria; they can regenerate a full body from a single tiny piece.

Ellobiopsidae

Symptoms

• Visible yellowish or greenish external parasite growth
• Attached “fungus-like” structures on body or appendages
• Reduced growth rate
• Lethargy and weakened movement
• Loss of appetite

Quarantine

• Isolate infected shrimp immediately from the main colony.
• Avoid sharing water, plants, or equipment between tanks.
• Disinfect nets, tools, and hands after handling.
• Monitor all tank mates for early signs of infection.

Treatment

• No reliably proven cure exists.
• Manually remove heavily infected individuals if possible.
• Improve water quality and reduce stress factors.
• Maintain stable temperature and low organic waste.
• Remove affected shrimp to prevent spread.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

Symptoms

• Small white spots (0.5 to 2.0 mm) inside the surface of the shell.
• Pinkish to reddish-brown body discoloration.
• Shrimp gathering at the surface or edges of the tank.
• Sudden, massive colony collapse.

Treatment

• No Known Cure: This is a viral pathogen.
• Immediate Action: Euthanize the affected tank to prevent spread. Do not pour water into the drain without bleaching it first.

Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND)

Symptoms

• Pale Hepatopancreas: The organs in the "head" area turn white, pale, or transparent.
• Empty Gut: The dark line (vein) in the tail is completely empty/clear.
• Shrimp become lethargic and sink to the bottom.
• The shell may become very soft.

Treatment

• Prevention: Usually introduced via contaminated live food.
• Probiotics: Adding beneficial bacteria to the water can sometimes outcompete the toxins produced by the bacteria.

Muscular Necrosis

What Is It?

Muscular Necrosis is the degeneration of muscle fibers. The tissue dies and turns opaque, starting at the tail and moving toward the head. It is often caused by extreme stress, such as sudden temperature swings, low oxygen levels, or very poor water quality, but it can also be a secondary symptom of a bacterial infection.

Symptoms

• Milky White Tail: The tail muscle becomes opaque and white (looking like a cooked shrimp).
• Progressive Whitening: The white area grows larger over several days.
• Lethargy: Shrimp stops swimming and remains stationary.
• Loss of Appetite: The shrimp stops scavenging.

Quarantine & Prevention

• Isolate Immediately: While not always contagious, other shrimp will eat a dying necrotic shrimp and potentially contract the bacteria that caused the stress.
• Check Parameters: Immediately test for Ammonia/Nitrite and check your heater/thermometer for malfunctions.
• Increase Aeration: Ensure there is plenty of surface agitation; low oxygen is a leading cause of necrosis.

Treatment

• No Direct Cure: Once muscle tissue is necrotic (dead), it cannot be "healed."
• Fix the Environment: If the necrosis is caught very early (a tiny white tip on the tail), a large water change and reducing stress can sometimes stop the progression.
• Tannins: Add Indian Almond Leaves or Alder Cones to help fight potential bacterial causes.
• Euthanasia: If the white area covers more than half the body, the shrimp will likely die; euthanasia is recommended to prevent them from being eaten by tank mates.

White Ring of Death (Failed Molt)

What Is It?

The "White Ring of Death" occurs when a shrimp's exoskeleton splits in preparation for molting, but the shrimp is unable to pull its body out of the old shell. The white band you see is actually the gap where the old shell has separated, exposing the soft new shell underneath.

Symptoms

• The White Ring: A clear, thick white band appearing around the "neck" area (the junction between the carapace and the abdomen).
• Lethargy: The shrimp stops moving or scavenging.
• Attempted "Flicking": The shrimp may sporadically jump or flick its tail violently trying to escape the shell.

Common Causes

• Improper Hardness: General Hardness (GH) or Carbonate Hardness (KH) being too high (shell is too hard to break) or too low (shell is too soft to provide leverage).
• Osmotic Shock: Doing a large water change with water that has a vastly different TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) can trigger a "premature molt" before the shrimp is ready.
• Dietary Deficiency: Lack of essential minerals like Calcium and Magnesium.
• Overfeeding: High-protein diets can cause the shrimp's body to grow faster than its shell can keep up with.

Prevention & Treatment

• Stability is Key: Use a TDS meter and ensure your water changes are done slowly (drip method is best).
• Check Parameters: Aim for GH 6-8 and KH 2-5 for Neocaridina; GH 4-6 and KH 0-1 for Caridina.
• Mineral Supplements: Provide mineral stones or specialized shrimp foods containing calcium.
• Note on Treatment: Do NOT attempt to manually peel the shell off. Shrimp are incredibly delicate; attempting to "help" them will almost always result in crushing them or causing fatal stress. Stable water is the only chance they have to finish the molt on their own.

Vorticella

Symptoms

• White fuzz around head
• Molting issues
• Weakness

Quarantine

• Quarantine infected shrimp.
• Whole tank treatment may be required if widespread.

Treatment

• Salt dips
• Improve water quality
• Indian almond leaves

Rust Disease (Bacterial Shell Disease)

What Is It?

Caused by "chitinolytic" bacteria that produce an enzyme to break down the shrimp’s exoskeleton. It usually starts at injury sites or during periods of poor water quality. It is often called Rust Disease because the shrimp's immune response creates a brown, "rusty" pigment at the site of the infection.

Symptoms

• Rusty-brown, orange, or black pitted spots on the shell.
• Visible erosion or "holes" in the carapace or tail.
• Loss of appendages or antennae.
• Failed molts (the new shell becomes fused to the old one at the infection site).

Quarantine & Prevention

• Isolate Infected Shrimp: While not as fast-spreading as a virus, it is contagious.
• Remove Molts: Pull any molts from the tank immediately, as they harbor the bacteria.
• Improve Water Quality: High organic waste (nitrates) significantly speeds up the bacteria's growth.

Treatment

• Salt Dips: 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt in 1 cup of tank water for 60 seconds once a day.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2): 1.5ml of 3% H2O2 per gallon of tank water for 3-5 days.
• Indian Almond Leaves: The natural tannins have antibacterial properties that help the shrimp fight the infection.

Zoothamnium

Symptoms

• Visible white or gray "fuzz" on the rostrum, head, or gills.
• Shrimp gasping at the surface (hypoxia).
• Fouling of the exoskeleton, making it look "dirty."

Quarantine

• Usually indicates poor water quality; treat the whole tank if widespread.
• Isolate heavily affected shrimp for targeted dips.

Treatment

• Improve Water Quality: Perform 20-30% water changes and increase aeration.
• Salt Dips: Effective at killing the ciliate colonies quickly.
• Indian Almond Leaves: Tannins help prevent further attachment.