Aquarium fish disease: Constipation

Constipated Ornamental Fish: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention

Constipation in ornamental fish is a common problem that can affect their health and well-being. Early recognition and treatment of constipation are crucial (just like with other diseases in aquarium fish) to prevent more serious health issues. This article will guide you through how to recognize the symptoms of constipation in fish, effective treatment methods, and how to prevent constipation in aquarium fish.

Recognizing Constipation in Fish

Constipation in aquarium fish can manifest in various ways. When aquarium fish are healthy, their waste is easily expelled and immediately sinks to the bottom of the tank. However, if the fish are constipated, waste may hang from the fish in the form of strands. Other signs of constipation may include lethargy, loss of appetite, deteriorating condition, and swimming difficulties. These symptoms worsen the longer the constipation lasts. Recognizing the symptoms early allows you to act quickly.

Here are some signs of constipation to watch for:

1. Long Dark or White Waste: If you notice long dark waste or a milky transparent “tubular” waste hanging from the fish's anus, it could be a sign of constipation. The presence of long white waste may also indicate that the fish is shedding its mucous intestinal lining, which can be mistakenly diagnosed as constipation but might also be a reaction to poor water quality.
2. Bloating and Distension: Constipated aquarium fish often show bloating, especially in the abdominal area. However, if the entire body of the fish is swollen and the scales are protruding like a pine cone, it may be a sign of dropsy, which is a more serious condition requiring different treatment.
3. Refusal to Eat: A constipated aquarium fish may refuse food and often appears full despite having no appetite.
4. Balance Issues: Aquarium fish suffering from constipation may have difficulty maintaining balance, swimming upside down, or struggling to stay in the correct position.

Common Causes of Constipation

Several factors can contribute to constipation in ornamental and aquarium fish:

1. Poor Water Quality: Aquarium fish in poor conditions with high levels of ammonia or nitrites often refuse to eat, leading to digestive issues. They may shed their mucous intestinal lining, which can be mistakenly taken for constipation. Improving water quality often resolves these issues.
2. Temperature Changes: Fish metabolism is controlled by temperature. Sudden drops in temperature can slow down their digestion, leading to bloating and blockages. This is especially common in fish in cooler areas during seasonal changes.
3. Inappropriate Diet: Feeding fish an unsuitable diet is a common cause of constipation. Carnivorous fish fed a plant-based diet or herbivorous fish fed a protein-rich diet may suffer from digestive issues, as their digestive systems are not adapted to such a diet. Adjusting the diet according to the needs of the specific species of aquarium fish will help prevent constipation.
4. Physical Blockages: Aquarium fish like goldfish that tend to "dig" in the substrate may accidentally ingest gravel or other materials, causing blockages. These cases usually require a veterinarian's intervention.
5. Surface Feeding: Some fish tend to swallow air when feeding at the surface, leading to digestive and balance issues. Pre-soaking flake food or using sinking pellets can help prevent this problem.
6. Old or Spoiled Dry Food: Feeding aquarium fish old or spoiled dry food can lead to poor digestion and constipation. The nutritional value of dry food decreases over time, so it is recommended to replace food every six months to ensure it retains its nutritional value.
7. Lack of Fiber: Although not a common cause, a lack of fiber in the diet can contribute to constipation, especially when combined with an inappropriate diet or old food. Offering fiber-rich foods like live or frozen daphnia can help maintain digestive health.

Treating Constipation in Aquarium Fish

If you suspect your fish is constipated, try the following steps. Immediate action in response to constipation in aquarium fish should include:

• Improving Water Quality: The first step is ensuring that the water quality in the tank is optimal. Regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring ammonia and nitrite levels are recommended. Improving water quality often leads to a quick recovery of appetite and proper digestive function. You can also increase the water temperature by one to two degrees.
• Fasting and Peas: A common remedy for constipation is to fast the fish for one or two days, then feed softened (nearly cooked), peeled, and quartered peas, or pre-soaked frozen or fresh daphnia. Peas are low in protein and help clear the digestive tract. Additionally, they sink, so the fish won’t swallow air with them.
• Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate): If the fish refuses food, treat the water with pharmaceutical-grade, organic Epsom salt. The dosage should be about one teaspoon of Epsom salt per 23 liters of water.*
• You can also combine both treatments (points 2 and 3) if the fish’s condition seems to be deteriorating too quickly to wait for results.
• Veterinary Intervention: In cases of physical blockages or suspected tumors, consult a veterinarian. Attempts to remove blockages without professional help can harm the fish.

Preventing Constipation in Aquarium Fish

Preventing constipation is much better than treating it. Here are some tips to keep your aquarium fish healthy:

• Regular Water Quality Maintenance: Keep the tank clean, regularly test water parameters, and perform water changes as needed to ensure optimal conditions.
• Appropriate Diet: As with all living creatures, the condition of an aquarium fish’s diet directly affects its health and condition. Ensure your pets receive a diet appropriate for their species. For example, herbivorous fish should be given a plant-based diet, while carnivorous fish should be fed protein-rich food. Include fresh foods like peeled peas, which are low in protein, high in vitamins, and help prevent air swallowing in fish that feed at the surface.
• Monitoring Temperature: Maintain a stable and appropriate water temperature according to the species of aquarium fish you keep. Be cautious of sudden temperature changes and adjust feeding routines as needed. Avoid overfeeding during temperature fluctuations, especially during short warm periods in the spring.
• Proper Feeding Techniques: Avoid surface feeding with flakes if your fish tend to swallow air. Instead, use sinking pellets or pre-soak flake food.
• Proper Food Storage: Store dry food correctly, mark the date of opening, and replace it every six months to ensure it retains its nutritional value.

*"So what exactly is Epsom salt? It is a mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulfate, which has been proven beneficial for the health of both humans and animals.

When used in aquariums, it can help reduce stress in fish, promote healing of injuries and infections, and even prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, Epsom salt can support plant growth and reduce the likelihood of algae buildup. Due to its versatility and affordability, it is a popular choice among aquarists looking to improve the health and overall well-being of their aquatic pets.

If you're looking for a simple yet highly effective way to care for your aquarium and its inhabitants, consider adding Epsom salt."

How to Add Epsom Salt to Aquarium: A Complete Guide for Healthy Fish, By Jeff V. Berg, November 28, 2023 (https://aquariumslab.com/how-to-add-epsom-salt-to-aquarium/)

Image: Noga EJ. 2000. Fish Disease. Diagnosis and Treatment. Iowa State Univ. Press (Ames, Iowa).