Analysis of Key Technical Points for Disease Prevention and Treatment in Flowerhorn Cichlids

Flowerhorn cichlids have a large bump on their head, an unusual body shape and captivating body colors, which makes them loved by many people. When a flowerhorn cichlid shows abnormal conditions, you should carefully observe its symptoms, accurately determine the disease it has, and then carry out targeted treatment. Never delay treatment, so as to avoid causing more serious consequences. Below, let us take a look at the common disease prevention and treatment techniques for flowerhorn cichlids!

Anorexia

[Cause] Anorexia is usually caused by stress in the flowerhorn from adapting to a new environment or from environmental changes, or by feed not suiting its taste or by illness, all of which can make flowerhorn cichlids show symptoms of anorexia.

[Prevention and treatment method] When changing to a new environment or when the environment changes, your beloved flowerhorn will be uneasy at first. You may avoid feeding it for one or two days. Flowerhorns need a period of adaptation when switching feed, so you can first fast it for a few days and then feed the new feed, or mix the new feed together with the old feed for feeding.

White spot disease

[Cause] White spot disease is a common disease that troubles fish. Poor water quality, drastic changes in the aquarium environment, and the weakened resistance of flowerhorn cichlids when they first arrive in a new environment can very easily lead to infestation by white spot parasites.

[Prevention and treatment method] Use an electric heating tube to raise the water temperature to 30°C to kill the pathogens. Add methylene blue solution to the water for medicated bath treatment. You can also add an appropriate amount of salt to the water for salt bath treatment.

Head hole disease

[Cause] Head hole disease is mainly caused by nutritional deficiency and by harm from parasites such as head tapeworms, capillary worms and hexamita.

[Prevention and treatment method] You can improve the nutrition in the food and strengthen the supply of nutrients such as vitamins. If the flowerhorn cichlid is severely ill, protozoan medication can be used for deworming treatment. Of course, the dosage of the medication should be determined according to the doctor's instructions.

Ascites disease

[Cause] Ascites disease is caused by eating stale feed or by food with spines piercing the intestines and internal organs.

[Prevention and treatment method] Oral antibiotics can be used for treatment, and then the water temperature environment should be adjusted to 30-32°C. You can also apply a disinfectant to the wound or drip an appropriate amount of methylene blue medicinal solution into the water for treatment.

Dehydration disease

[Cause] Dehydration disease is mainly caused by poor water quality and mixed invasion and infection by bacteria or protozoa. The diseased fish has a swollen abdomen, protruding eyeballs, or may show scales standing upright like a pinecone.

[Prevention and treatment method] Immediately improve the water quality, and supplement treatment with antibiotics or antibacterial agents.