Pathology

Fish diseases and parasites are extremely complex and interesting. Most of what we see is simply the result of the presence of an abnormality, and rarely can we identify this abnormality down to species level. Thus, fish pathology without complex microscopy is mostly about general categorization.

Black Spot Disease

This disease is fairly common, and is caused by flatworms utilizing the fish as an intermediate host. The flatworm activity leaves black cysts on the fish. These cysts and the disease are a general categorization, as a variety of flatworms such as those in the genus Neascus or Uvulifer can cause the same symptoms, and have remarkably similar life histories. In general, these cysts alone are not particularly harmful to the fish. They can however, open the way for other diseases and parasites during the healing process.

Exophthalmia

Exophthalmia is a symptom, rather than a disease. It describes the popping out of one or both eyes, and has a variety of causes. Most common is blunt force trauma, but a variety of disease and growth abnormalities can result in a similarly disturbed shape.

Spinal Deformities

Fish can often be born with, or develop spinal deformities. If a spinal deformity develops, it usually indicates that the fish is nearing the end of it's life, whether it be due to natural causes or an abnormality. However, fish can also be born with these deformities and survive their entire lives with them, whether it be due to inbreeding or just pure chance.

Fish Leeches

Leeches are somewhat common on wild fish, and can be found almost anywhere on the outside of the body, in groups or alone. The identification of these fish leeches isn't well documented, and they usually all just get identified as Myzobdella reducta, when there are likely multiple species at play.

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