Cleaner fish, also known as sucker fish, trash fish, and mandolin fish, reproduce in large numbers in rivers. Cleaner fish often attach themselves to the walls of aquariums or graze on algae from the plants, making them the best "cleaners" in aquariums. As cleaner fish are invasive species, there are currently no natural predators in the country, posing a threat to local fish populations.
"Cleaner fish", scientifically known as "Gymnothorax mordax", is native to Latin America. It is also known as sucker fish, trash fish, and mandolin fish. It has a large body and well-developed lips that function like a suction cup. It is named cleaner fish because it feeds on various underwater debris and is often kept with other fish species. Adult cleaner fish have a huge appetite. In addition to algae and moss, they also eat fish eggs, consuming about 3000 to 5000 eggs per day, and they may also consume fish fry. In aquariums, they often attach themselves to rocks or the glass surface to stabilize their bodies while feeding on algae and moss."
It is not recommended to keep this fish as they have a habit of feeding on algae and bottom-dwelling creatures. They should not be mixed with gentle or small fish. If they reproduce in large numbers, they may devour the eggs of other fish, leading to the extinction of other fish species. In China, they do not have natural enemies, so caution should be exercised. It is not advisable to release them as they have become an invasive species in certain areas in the southern parts of China, causing the extinction of native fish species in entire rivers.
1. Ichthyophthyroidism
Its pathogen is Ichthyophthirus multifiliis. After invading the fish's skin, the affected fish's skin mucus increases, and a dense layer of white spots can be seen on the pectoral fins, dorsal fins, caudal fins, and body surface skin. In the early stage of the disease, the affected fish gather in the corners of the tank and rub against each other. In the later stage of the disease, the affected fish float on the water surface motionlessly and refuse to eat. Prevention and treatment methods: According to the physiological characteristics that Ichthyophthirus multifiliis is not easy to breed at water temperatures above 25°C and begins to die at 28°C, the water temperature can be slowly raised to 28°C, and the affected fish can recover after a few days of rest. Alternatively, 0.05-0.07% mercuric red solution can be selected and soaked in 10 kg of water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Dermatomycosis
Also known as water mold disease or white mold disease. Its pathogens are water molds and cotton molds, which have long and branched hyphae. They attach to the fish's skin and protrude from the body. The hyphae can grow up to 3 cm long, and they are gray-white and soft like cotton. In the early stage of the disease, the affected fish's skin mucus increases, forming a layer of white haze. In the later stage of the disease, the hyphae penetrate into the fish's skin, resulting in a high mortality rate. Prevention and treatment methods: 0.03 grams of malachite green or methylene blue can be selected and dissolved in 10 kg of water, and the affected fish can be soaked for 3-5 minutes. After rinsing with clean water, put the fish back into the aquarium. Multiple treatments are needed for recovery.
3. Gill rot disease
Its pathogen is columnaris bacteria. The gill tissue of affected individuals rots and is accompanied by a lot of mucus. In severe cases, the gill filaments rot and form round holes. The affected fish have difficulty breathing and have a high mortality rate. Prevention and treatment methods: 3-4 slices of actinomycetes can be selected and dissolved in the aquarium with 100 kg of water for low-concentration soaking. Recovery can be achieved after multiple treatments.
4. Fin rot disease
Its cause is bacterial infection due to poor water quality. The fins of the affected fish rot, and the skin is dry and dull. Sometimes, it may be due to fish biting each other, causing fin damage and subsequent bacterial infection. Prevention and treatment methods: 0.02 grams of penicillin powder can be selected and dissolved in 10 kg of water, and the affected fish can be soaked for 10 minutes. Alternatively, 3-5 tablets of furazolidone can be selected and dissolved in 100 kg of water, and the affected fish can be soaked for 20-30 minutes. Or, 5-8 tablets of tetracycline can be selected and dissolved in 100 kg of water, and the affected fish can be soaked for 30 minutes.
5. Enteritis
Its pathogen is Aeromonas punctata, which is caused by fish eating unclean food or overeating and indigestion. Affected fish lie still at the bottom of the tank, refuse to eat, and have milky white feces and anus.
Prevention and treatment methods: 2 tablets of furazolidone can be selected and dissolved in a 80x50x40 cm aquarium. Recovery can be achieved after multiple treatments. Alternatively, 0.02 grams of penicillin powder can be selected and dissolved in 10 kg of water, and the affected fish can be soaked for 20-30 minutes.
Cleaner fish are omnivorous fish that feed on algae, bottom-dwelling organisms, and trash in the water. They can also consume large quantities of fish eggs and fry. In aquariums, cleaner fish often attach themselves to rocks or the glass surface to stabilize themselves while feeding on algae. They also search for bottom-dwelling organisms like water worms and serve as faithful "cleaning workers" in the aquarium. They are nocturnal fish and can coexist with healthy fish species. Cleaner fish prefer to eat feed, especially small sinking pellets that are easy for their suction cups to ingest. They use a belly-up approach to consume small floating pellets on the water surface. Nevertheless, cleaner fish can still clean the walls of the fish tank. The areas that they clean are exceptionally clean. The mouth of a cleaner fish functions like a vacuum cleaner, sucking up fish waste and green plants into its stomach. Its mouth also contains a bubble filled with oxygen, which allows it to stay in the water for longer periods of time and consume more "food." Cleaner fish mainly feed on fish fry, seaweed, bacteria, and feed. When they are starving, they may also consume a small amount of fish excrement, which is how they got their name.
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