Much has been written on the topic of stress & disease, below is summary to help guide you throughout Fin Rot prevention and identification. Please feel free to send any comments or suggestions to Ask An Expert.

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Name: FIN ROT Symptoms: Fins turn whitish and die back Jagged Fins Fin look like they were ripped off Fish is not eating Symptoms of Stress & Disease Fin Rot General Description Not to hard to cure. Fish usually will live after treatments. Most common in the fancy varieties of goldfish, finrot can occur as a result of an injury, as a secondary infection once the fish has been weakened by another disease, or in some cases, as a primary infection (bacterial). Finrot can be the result of a bacterial infection (which causes a more ragged rotting), or as a fungal infection (which rots the tail more evenly and is more likely to produce a white 'edge'). Sometimes, both types of infection are seen together. Infection is commonly brought on by bad water conditions, injury, poor diet, or outwintering fancy goldfish (who should live in warmer temperatures). Finrot starts at the edge of the fins, and destroys more and more tissue until it reaches the fin base. If it does reach the fin base, the fish will never be able to regenerate the lost tissue. At this point, the disease may attack the fish's body directly. Fin Rot Treatments Fungus: For fish large enough to handle, catch the fish, and dab malachite green directly on the fungus with a Q-tip. This is extremely effective. Repeat treatments may be necessary. Bacterial: Antibiotic treatment in a quarantine tank. This is stressful for the fish, and doesn't always work, so be sure of what you are doing before you attempt it. If the fish is still eating, the best bet is an antibiotic food. Tetra makes one that works well -- just buy the one for bacterial diseases and follow the directions on the can. Fin Rot Prevention With very few exceptions, virtually all cases are precipitated by stress, fear or poor environmental conditions. Image Gallery of Fin Rot No Pictures have been Submitted, please send one, Ask An Expert Fin Rot Frequently Asked Questions Have a Question, please post one here, Ask An Expert