Gas Bubble Disease in Fish 
© lapis2380 / stock.adobe.com
Gas bubble disease in fish is caused by an oversaturation of gas in the water.
The care provided plays a significant role in the health of fish. If the water properties are not optimal, it can lead to illnesses in these delicate creatures. Likewise, incorrect pressure settings in the water can cause gas bubble disease in fish.
Table of contents
- Is Gas Bubble Disease Dangerous for Fish?
- Symptoms: What Are the Signs of Gas Bubble Disease in Fish?
- Diagnosis: How is Gas Bubble Disease in Fish Diagnosed?
- Treatment: How Are Afflicted Fish Treated?
- Causes: What Triggers Gas Bubble Disease?
- Prognosis: What Are the Chances of Recovery?
- Prevention: How to Protect Your Fish from Gas Bubble Disease
Is Gas Bubble Disease Dangerous for Fish?
If recognised too late or left untreated, gas bubble disease (GBD) can be highly dangerous for fish. Depending on the form it takes, infected fish may die at varying rates. Moreover, fish that have already suffered damage are at a higher risk of contracting infections.
Which Fish Are Frequently Affected by Gas Bubble Disease?
Along with amphibians and invertebrate aquatic creatures, all fish species can fall victim to gas bubble disease. However, susceptibility does vary depending on the species and age of the fish. Young, swimming-up fish are particularly vulnerable.
Symptoms: What Are the Signs of Gas Bubble Disease in Fish?
The symptoms of gas bubble disease are divided into sudden (acute) and long-term (chronic) forms. Generally, the risk of death increases with higher total gas pressure (TGP) and the presence of bacterial or viral infections.
Acute Form
The following symptoms characterise the acute form:
- Gas forms under the skin (subcutaneous emphysema), presenting as small crackling bubbles (0.5 to 2 millimetres).
- The eyes protrude one-sidedly or on both sides from the eye sockets (exophthalmia).
- Your fish appears disoriented and swims near the water’s surface.
As a result, the affected fish usually die quickly.
Chronic Form
This form is differentiated from the acute version by the absence of clinical symptoms. Affected fish, especially young ones, die very slowly and unexpectedly.
When Should I Consult a Vet?
If one or all of your fish show physical changes or exhibit abnormal behaviour, you should seek advice from your vet. It’s crucial to do this early on to prevent a worse situation.
Prior to this, check the water hardness and pump settings so you can provide this information to your vet. This will aid in the diagnosis and the creation of a treatment plan.
Diagnosis: How is Gas Bubble Disease in Fish Diagnosed?
Due to the typical small bubbles under the skin, gas bubble disease in fish is quickly identifiable. In comparison to the similarly presenting lump disease, the bubbles caused by gas bubble disease are much smaller.
Therefore, an extensive diagnosis is usually not necessary.
Treatment: How Are Afflicted Fish Treated?
There are no drugs that can treat fish for gas bubble disease. It is far more essential to eliminate the causative factors. Place the affected fish in a different tank that matches their appropriate care conditions.
Since stress affects health, it’s also essential to give your sick fish some peace. Consult with your vet on supportive remedies, such as vitamins that may also be beneficial.
Causes: What Triggers Gas Bubble Disease?
Gas Bubble Disease (GBD) arises due to oversaturated gas pressure in the water. For the acute form, this oversaturation is usually over 110 to 115 percent of total gas pressure (TGP). For chronic forms, this figure sits around 103 percent.
The condition can be attributed to various non-infectious and environmental factors, such as:
- Too high water temperature in the aquarium
- Mixing cold with warm water
- Excessive pumping of water
- Importing gas-filled tap water
As a result: Gas accumulates increasingly in the aquarium. Excess gas also deposits as small bubbles not just within the fish themselves but also on objects (e.g., pumps, aquarium walls) or aquarium plants.
© hedgehog94 / stock.adobe.com
Prognosis: What Are the Chances of Recovery?
If the symptoms go unrecognized for too long, the prognosis for fish with advanced gas bubble disease is unfortunately poor. Most often, the fish will die before you can assist.
This is why it’s vital to regularly check your fish for any changes and to be well-informed about fish care.
Prevention: How to Protect Your Fish from Gas Bubble Disease
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of your fish falling ill:
1. Control the Temperature
Ensure that the new water during a water change has the same temperature as the old aquarium water. It is essential to maintain a maximum temperature difference of two to three degrees Celsius.
2. Prepare Tap Water
Balance the gas oversaturation in tap water before adding it to the aquarium. Ensure that the new water is exposed to air for as long as possible. You can let the water sit in a tub or bucket.
3. Protect the Aquarium from External Influences
To maintain the temperature in your aquarium, shield the tank from significant light exposure. Also, make sure that the water tank is not positioned too close to heaters or in drafts
This article from zooplus Magazine is purely informative. If your pet is experiencing discomfort, contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
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At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene. Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future. Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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