My fish has what looks like blood spots on the one side of it's body. What could this be and how is treated?

Answer 1

You never mentioned what kind of fish it is, so it's hard to say. If it's a goldfish, it may just be changing colors/ patterns and maturing.

But the blood spots may be a cut or bite from another fish/ animal. If there's blood streaks in the fins or body, there may be a case of septicemia. But this is a rare bacterial infection that is usual fatal.

I would do small water changes weekly to help with water quality, then use a natural treatment like Melafix and Pimafix.

Answer 2

this is a typical symptom of a fish disease. It is important to get the water quality tested as soon as you can and get it corrected if it is not right. Disease is a secondary problem to stress and bad water quality is the most common cause for stressed fish. The next thing to do is to send a sick fish to a disease diagnostic lab, usually vet schools could help with this and even some veterinarians, maybe a local fish farm has someone with knowledge and a microscope and could help you figure out what the disease is. Once you know what the disease is you can treat for it. There are some general types of antibiotics that you can find in the pet store and it may just be simplest thing to talk to the store and try some various antibiotics. But make sure to fix any water quality problems first or the antibiotic could kill more fish than it saves. Good luck!

Answer 3

I agree, it sounds like hemorrhagic septicemia. I have had this problem only once, after we returned from a 2 week vacation. While we were gone, a friendly and well-meaning neighbor fed our fish. We suspected she overfed them and when I had a black neon tetra develop these red eruptions on its sides, sure enough, it was a reaction to ammonia in the water caused by excessive food which had rotted. Before that, I had a completely cycled, well-established aquarium.

You should change about 20-25% of your tank's water right away, then do another change of the same amount in another 1-2 days. In the meantime, take a sample of your water to a nearby petshop and ask them to test it for you. Large chain stores will do it for free. Ask for the fish/aquatics manager's advice as to how to improve your water quality, depending on what the test shows,

I hope you can save this fish and prevent the others from developing problems. Good luck!

Answer 4

Red streaks are symptoms of Septicemia. Septicemia can be from rough handling or poor water quality. But, septicemia is not rare and is not fatal if treated at the first signs. In fact, it’s easily treatable IF you correct the initiating source. If you don’t it will just keep happening and worse diseases will begin to occur. Think about how you handle them during tank cleanings. You don’t actually need to remove them from the tank during cleaning, so if you are, you should stop this practice. But, regardless of whether there is any rough handling going on, you still need to test your water. Poor water quality is the reason for 95% of all fish diseases. Go to the fish store and get liquid drop test kits for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and get your water tested and do 20-30% water changes as needed, perhaps every day if you have high readings, and get your water quality back in healthy parameters. With gentler handling and the introduction of healthy water, the septicemia should naturally disappear, but if it doesn't after 7-10 days, I would suggest adding some salt (aquarium, rock or kosher, not table or any iodized salt) at 1tsp per 5 gallons of water. Be advised that salt (and medications) may kill all of the beneficial bacteria, so you will need to monitor your water during treatment and recycle the water after treatment is over. There is a saying among aquarists: ”take care of the tank and the fish will take care of themselves.”

Answer 5

This usually indicates bad water conditions. The spots are secondary infections to ammonia burns caused by dirty water. First, fix the water, antibacterial agents will also kill the beneficial bacteria that you need to consume ammonia.Get the ammonia and Nitrites under control,and the other things should clear up slowly. Be gentle,the fish also probably have burns on their gills,and need lots of aeration to keep the oxygen levels up.

Answer 6

its down to little parasites that you cannot see, they peck at the scales cause bloodstreaks you will need treatment im not sure what one but go to your nearest good fish store and ask.

Answer 7

My goldfish would always get new little blood spots. People don't "treat" fish. They just get new ones when their old ones die.

Answer 8

my fish had similar issues...its because they keep surfacing to the air, and this causes its skin to act as a denial of oxygen, and bleeds...its nothing to worry about, just the fish's immune system protecting him!!

Answer 9

OMG people do treat fish. they are living pets! DONT LET IT DIE PLEASE.. ill try to find info out for you... just hold on ok

Answer 10

well if its just a fish then get a new one