In addition to our koi pool maintenance and water quality testing services, we are also able to diagnose and treat most infectious fish diseases. These include external parasites, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. Some infectious fish diseases can be diagnosed with the naked eye, such as the larger parasitic crustaceans, eg Fish Lice (Argulus). However the smaller protozoan parasites, such as Trichodina, require the use of a microscope for identification.

By carefully removing a small amount of mucous from the external surface of the fish and viewing this under a microscope, any parasites present can then be visually identified. Examples of parasites which may be present on ornamental pond fish, include; White Spot (Ichthyophthirius), Trichodina, Costia / Ichthyobodo, Chilodonella, Skin Flukes (Gyrodactylus) and Fish Lice (Argulus).

In some cases more than one type of parasite may be present or even a combination of both parasites and secondary fungal / bacterial infections. The treatment of external fish parasites usually involves dosing the entire pond with an anti-parasite treatment, such as formalin. Depending on the lifecycle of the parasite being treated, it may be necessary to dose the pond more than once, at specific time intervals, in order to completely eradicate the infection.

To make an enquiry about our koi healthcare services, please complete our contact form.