Every home aquarium owner will deal with sick fish at some point. Even the most careful hobbyists know that their fish could contract bacteria or diseases. The big question that people ask is whether it is worth taking their sick fish to the vet. The short answer is that this depends on the situation and the type of fish. It may not even be an option if the vet doesn’t have the knowledge or experience to work with marine life. Let’s look at everything you need to know.
Consider Quarantining Sick Fish First
The first thing to do before taking most fish to the vet is to quarantine your fish. It’s an unfortunate reality, but generally, there’s very little that a vet can do for fish. Often it’s better to remove them from the main tank and put them in a backup. This will give the sick fish time to recover. It will also reduce the risk of them spreading bacteria or diseases to their tankmates. The likes of marine velvet (a common aquatic disease) can be devastating and wipe out an aquarium’s population in under 24 hours.
It’s also crucial to quarantine new fish before introducing them to the primary tank. This drastically reduces the risk of them contaminating their home and infecting the existing fish. Prevention is always more effective than treatment when it comes to caring for marine life. Always maintain the correct water parameters, too, so that the fish enjoy healthy and safe lives. Going to the vet should be a last resort.
Veterinary Costs May Influence Your Decision
Another point to consider is how much the fish are worth. This may seem very cold, but the reality is that it’s often not financially viable to take them to the vet. Some owners may pay between $50 to $150 for a consultation before they even get a medication prescription. Meanwhile, an ocellaris clownfish has an online value of about $15.
Again, we don’t want to seem harsh, but there’s no guarantee that the treatment will even work. It may make more sense to visit the vet if you have expensive fish like koi carp. An experienced marine life vet can quickly diagnose the problem and prescribe specialized medication, so it may be worthwhile.
Unclear Diagnoses Could Warrant Vet Care
It may also make sense to take the fish to the vet if you’re unable to diagnose the problem yourself. Some conditions like marine velvet or saltwater ich have obvious symptoms. It’s easy to identify these diseases, and there’s plenty of information about what to do. However, if you can’t identify the cause, you may take the fish to the vet. This isn’t only for your fish’s benefit but for their tankmates. The clarity may save their lives if there’s a problem in your tank. We recommend transferring all the fish to another backup tank in this situation.
Is Transporting Your Fish Worth the Risk?
Another issue with taking fish to the vet is that it can cause severe stress. This is very dangerous because it can trigger further health problems. Marine velvet often arises because fish suffer stress during transportation. Changes in temperature and water quality can also impact their condition. Then it will be necessary to take the fish home again after the vet inspects them. The owner may have great intentions but unfortunately, the risk often isn’t worth the reward.
Fish often have immune responses that increase their vulnerability to diseases. It may be better to book an outcall appointment with your vet instead of taking them to the hospital. However, this is much more expensive, so it may not be an option for everybody.
Does the Vet Have the Expertise?
This is a crucial aspect to consider before bringing fish to the vet. Always check if your local practitioner has the necessary experience to treat marine life properly. The reality is that many regular vets don’t have this specialized knowledge. You may need to find an exotic vet with a background in marine life. These experts charge higher fees because there’s more demand for their services. However, they’ll also offer the best healthcare for your pet.
We recommend doing your research before bringing home marine life or exotic pets. Knowing where to take your fish is better than reacting when there’s a problem. Some rural communities may not have access to these specialists. Consider this before buying expensive fish because it may not be a wise investment.
Getting an Aquarium? Get These Hardy Fish
If you don’t have access to a marine life vet, it’s better to get hardier species. Even so, don’t forget to quarantine these fish before introducing them to a tank. Always clean your tank regularly and maintain the correct water parameters to ensure your pets have a good quality of life.
That said, some resilient fish for beginners include:
- Clownfish. One of the most popular pet fish, these beautiful creatures are robust and docile. They have distinct appearances and enjoy a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
- Goldfish. Many people think that common goldfish don’t live long lives. However, that’s because many aquarists don’t care for them properly. Goldfish are relatively low-maintenance fish. A goldfish can live for up to 15 years in a proper tank with the correct filtration system. They are also relatively healthy and hardy.
- Swordtails. Swordtails are an excellent option for new aquarium owners. They can survive sudden temperature changes, so there’s more room to make mistakes. These fish are one of the healthiest species and may live comfortably in a small 10-gallon tank, too.
