Arowana Health Management
As the saying goes, "Prevention is always better than cure". This
phrase is true in every sense of the words. Maintaining good water quality
for the fishes, feed them well and conduct regular checks on pH,
temperature, ammonia, nitrite levels are what every committed hobbyist
must do. Daily observation of the fish is also important. Look out for
abnormal growth, erratic behavior or simply stops eating and becomes
inactive.
Living in a "closed" environment, the fishes are
literally at your mercy to take good care of them. Stress is a vital
factor in fish health. They may come in any form, such as, an aggressive
tank mate, sudden changes in pH, temperature and overcrowding. Even a tank
placed in a location where human traffic is heavy can be stressful to a
newly acquired fish.
Fish do have an immune system that protects
their bodies against diseases and infections. They even have outer barrier
in the form of scales and a coat of mucus, some may say. But if a fish is
constantly under stress, then it's immune system will be adversely
affected for sure.
For instance, in low temperature, the immune
system often slows down and the fish will be more susceptible to
infection. That also explains why as to fish tend to swim towards the
heater when it's get sick. This is a behavioral symptom and natural for
all sick fishes.
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