Frequently Asked Questions about Angelfish Health

My angel fish have developed a large, bubble-like growth on their lips. They are having difficulty eating. What is this?

What you're seeing is probably a lip fibroma. There is a study that suggests this is caused by a virus, that only activates when the angelfish is under stress. There is some evidence that it usually affects female angelfish, or at least that they are more susceptible. There is no cure, just as the cure for most viruses have not been found. I would not try to use such an angelfish as a breeder, because no one knows if there is a genetic factor influencing the angel fish's susceptibility to this virus. Euthanasia is generally recommended to prevent a slow death by starvation. However, some have reported being able to carefully cut the growth off and not have it re-grow.

Some of my small angel fish are developing a bloated abdomen. They usually die not too long after this. What is causing it?

Most likely, the kidneys have failed and the fish is absorbing water without being able to eliminate it. Therefore, they bloat. Obviously, failing organs are not a good sign and the angel fish will usually die no matter what you do. Occasionally, some recover, but may have a damaged swimbladder and become "bellysliders" or they may become severely stunted. Prevention is the key to avoiding this condition. The organs are probably being destroyed by a bacterial infection. These infections are usually the result of feeding too much or feeding food that is starting to go bad. Artemia that is not newly hatched (within a few hours) is a prime source of such bacteria. This problem is similar to what causes the floating angelfish in the previous question.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Angels Plus

Frequently Asked Questions about angelfish