bait fish dying

Question
QUESTION: We own a samll tackle shop & carry 3 sizes of minnows & shiners. Our fathead minnows are dying a day after we get them from our dealer. They look like they have hair on them, possibly the scales, & then end up dying . We have living stream tank & a water/cooler unit to keep water at constant 53 degrees. We have well water. The medium & larger shiners haven't been affected. We have a screen between the 3 sizes. Any idea what might be going on? Any further info you need????

ANSWER: Hey Dee

I think your fish have slime disease.

These parasites spend the whole of their life cycle on the fish, although infective young parasites may be released into the water to spread to new hosts. The parasites live on the skin and gill surface, eating gill and skin tissue debris. If their numbers increase rapidly, they may irritate the skin and gills, causing excessive mucus production and usually killing the fish by smothering the gills and hence suffocation.

Slime Disease Treatment

The correct treatment (such as Interpet's Anti Slime and Velvet No.7) quickly and effectively eradicates gill and skin parasites and removes the mucus build up, therefore aiding the fish's respiration.


As suffocation is involved, they die quickly which is why they are dying on arrival.

Tell your dealer you will not have any fish until they are treated and healthy.

Good Luck and hope this helps.    Jack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back so soon. Another question. Our bait dealer told us the minnows were breeding which caused them to die, however, he said he is not having the problem w/ them. I do not know where he receives his from. Why has it not affected the medium & larger shiners? We clean our tanks about twice a year. Could that cause any problems?

         Dee

Answer
Hey again Dee

The fish could be inbreeding which could be the cause.

Yes you should be doing 25% weekly water changea  and using a gravel cleaner. Without water changes,fish will die so this is  a good reason why they are dying.

As you have lots of fish to sell, make your filter can cope, if not add another one to help.

Good Luck     Jack