Just like you can catch a virus or cold, every type of tropical fish in your aquarium can get sick too. They don't share the same illnesses that we have, of course but they can be just as bad for them - some even fatal!

What Things Can Make Your Fish Sick?

Interestingly enough, most fish illness is attributed to stress. Just like you, your tropical fish's immune system is repressed when he is under a lot of stress. When your fish are stressed, the bacteria in the water that is usually harmless to them can make them sick.

How Tropical Fish Can Get Stressed

Your aquarium fish can get stressed out pretty easy. Any change in their tank environment and especially putting them in a new tank can really stress them out! This is why it is so important to follow the procedures for introducing fish to a tank as well as cleaning the tank. Proper maintenance of the fish tank water is crucial since poor water quality adds stress to your fish. Taking care of your fish and tank properly will reduce stress and keep your fish healthy.

Signs That Your Fish Is Sick

Just like when you are sick, your fish just doesn't seem to have the same vigor he used to have might be a sign he is sick, so it is critical that you observe your fish every day. You might also notice him breathing funny, or fungus or patches on the scales or fins.

Giving Your Fish Better Health

Now that we know the cause of most fish illnesses - that is, stress, we can work to reduce it as much as we can. That means feeding the fish appropriate food, maintaining a clean aquarium, quarantining new fish, and reducing abrupt movements around the tank. Keep a keen eye on the behavior of the fish in your aquarium so you can get to judge when they are stressed. Perhaps that new plant isn't good for them? Maybe that new decorative object is upsetting the existing balance of things.

If you can provide a habitat that is closest to the fish's natural environment this will be the least stressful for them. If you can manage to represent a habitat that's close to the original, you should be able to enjoy your collection of healthy fish for a very long time.

Visit http://www.fish-tank-guide.com for more on aquarium maintenance as well as caring for your tropical fish.