Fluctuation of the Robe of Feathers, Barrier of Life. Prescription for "Tail Rot Disease" to Heal Fins.
The beautiful fins of goldfish spread like flowers blooming in the water.In Jun * Juane's works, that transparency and supple lines are one of the indispensable expressions. However, if the tips of those delicate fins become cloudy white or start chipping falling apart... that might be a serious message from the environment called "Tail Rot Disease". Hello, I'm Juane *.
Today, I would like to talk about the balance between bacteria and the environment that we want to know in order to protect the brilliance of fins.
"Bad Bacteria" Are Always by Your Side
The bacterium called "Columnaris bacteria" which causes tail rot disease is actually not a terrible assassin coming from somewhere far away.It is one of the indigenous bacteria that exists quite naturally in the aquarium usually.Then, why do they suddenly bare their fangs one day ?
It is because the barrier named "mucus" that goldfish wear to protect their bodies has weakened due to deterioration of water quality or sudden temperature changes.Disease does not occur because "bacteria are strong", but starts "when the power to protect wavers".This might be a truth that also applies to our physical and mental health.
Not Depriving, But Arranging
When you see the figure of fins getting hurt, you might want to wipe out bacteria with strong medicine.However, the most important thing is to reconstruct the "harmony of the environment" where the goldfish can regain its own barrier.First, carefully remove the dirt from the water and prevent physical exhaustion with a 0.5 % salt bath.
Columnaris bacteria also have the property of being weak to salt, but more than that, it is the shortest way to recovery for the goldfish to relax by salt bath and become able to stretch its proud "mucus barrier" thick again.
Even Scars as Proof of Living Together
If appropriate care is given, fins that have become tattered will regenerate little by little.They may heal perfectly as before, or slightly streaks may remain.However, the time watching over that regeneration process firmly strengthens the "trust" between the goldfish and us.
Not denying defects or wounds, but supporting the current state as it is and overcoming it.The fins trailing in the water again after going through that process should make us feel the strength of life much more than before.
Believing in a Transparent Future
Tail rot disease is a sign that the goldfish is teaching us "The water is dirty, I am tired too".Listen carefully to that voice and arrange the environment one by one.That accumulation builds healthy swimming that continues for many years ahead.
Characteristics of Columnaris bacteria(Flavobacterium columnare) : It is a bacterium that has strong proteolytic enzymes and dissolves fish tissues.It is aerobic(prefers oxygen) and multiplies explosively under stress such as deterioration of water quality(increase in organic matter), decrease in dissolved oxygen, and high water temperature, infecting the body surface of fish.
Importance of Mucus Barrier : The body surface of fish is covered with mucus mainly composed of mucin, which serves as a physical and chemical defensive wall.Since osmotic stress(water quality change) inhibits the secretion of this mucus, assistance of osmotic pressure adjustment by salt bath leads to regeneration of mucus and direct treatment.
Salt Concentration and Sterilization Effect : It is known that the growth of Columnaris bacteria is suppressed at a salt concentration of 0.5 % or more.This is a method that can expect a double effect of direct damage to the bacteria themselves and reduction of physiological burden on the fish side.
