Velvet Disease

What causes Velvet?

Also known as Rust or Gold Dust disease, Velvet is caused by tiny parasite known as Oodinium that gives the fish a dusty, slimy look. Velvet is one of the common goldfish diseases cause by un-quarantined new goldfish.

Its life cycle is very similar to that of Ich. You must treat the whole tank as a single parasite can produce a new generation.

This disease is highly contagious and can prove fatal. It's usually spread by contaminated tanks, fish or tools like testing supplies or nets.

What are the symptoms?

If untreated, a 'dusting' of particles(parasites) will be seen all over the infected fish, ranging in color from bronze to gold to green. To gain relief, you goldfish will start scratching, damage its gills and can die of Hypoxia due to necrosis of the gills tissue.

Symptoms include:

• fine rusty colored film on skin
• in advanced stages, skin peals off
• clamped fins
• rapid, elaborated breathing
• loss of appetite
• scratching against hard objects
• lethargic fish

How to cure Velvet?

Velvet is similar parasite to Ich, therefore you can apply the same treatment. You can use either the salt or medication like Malachite Green, Formalin, Chopper Sulfate. Keep in mind that you need to treat you tank for 3 more days after the parasite was last seen. Raising water temperature will also help.

How to prevent Velvet?

Maintain a high quality water and stable temperatures are two of the major benefits. You also need to quarantine new fish for at least 2 weeks and maintain a healthy balanced diet.

Recommended Medicine

Here you can find the medicine listed above. Click the image to find how you can purchase the desired medicine.

Love to you,
Flo

Useful Articles

Goldfish Diseases | How To Diagnose, Cure And Prevent
Goldfish Diseases | Ich
Essential Goldfish Care Guidelines
Salth Baths For Goldfish | Tips and Benefits