Discus Fish and Flagellates

Flagellates are single-celled organisms that move around by moving a whip like structure called a flagella. They are parasites that are commonly found in and around many tropical fish species, like discus fish.

There are many species of flagellates. Some of these live in the intestinal structure of discus fish, and some of them live in the mucus of discus fish gills and skin. They can live without causing trouble in the fish. But when the discus fish gets stressed, even some of these ordinarily harmless flagellates can become harmful.

Some common intestinal and non-intestinal flagellates that can infect discus fish are: Bodomonas, Trichomonas, Hexamita, and Spironucleus.

Bodomonas can occur in crowded tanks of discus fish. One of the main symptoms is that the gills, skin and fins appear to have a slimy secretion that looks a little foggy. In more advanced stages, it can look like the discus fish has red patches in the affected areas. The fins will fold in and the gills might look like they are rotting away.

Hexamita/Spironucleus is commonly associated with the cause of Hexamitiasis hole in the head disease in tropical fish like discus fish. It is caused by a flagellate, and is common in cichlids. These flagellates are likely found in the intestines of the fish, where they are harmless. It is only when the discus fish is weakened in some way that these parasites multiply rapidly and spread into the rest of the body. Once the parasites become established in the other internal organs, the discus fish will lose its appetite and die.

Discus fish that are infected with Hexamita will usually produce a stringy white feces. The discus fish's coloration will be more dull, and not as bright as usual. Sometimes, lesions will appear on the discus fish’s head and or rear. It is also worthy to note that hexamita infections may also be responsible for head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) disease in discus fish.

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Discus Fin and Tail Rot

Highly contagious infections of the fins and/or tail by bacteria is called "Fin Rot" are common in discus fish. These bacteria will normally infect the tissue of the discus that have been damaged by an injury, poor water quality, or a more severe parasite.

A common cause is a very high pH in the aquarium water. This high pH could burn the fins and tail. The discus's fins will become cloudy, then they will become inflamed, then begin to flake off. If this condition goes untreated, the fish will die.

To avoid fin rot, it is best practice to maintain good water quality. Poor water is full of fish waste, which in turn encourages the bacteria growth that causes fin rot. Make sure you keep up your water changes, and constantly make sure the quality is correct for discus.

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Discus Fish Disease

There is a common misconception that discus fish are more prone to disease than other tropical fish. This is simply not true, they are not more prone to disease than other fish. The problem with discus fish is that they do not adapt well to various environmental and water conditions, while other fish are. This weak adaptability makes them more prone to stress, and a more stressful fish is more prone to get a disease.

Discus research has shown that a fish that is under minimal or very short periods of stress are fine and will not be more prone to disease. These shot periods of stress can include: being transported, water changes, and fighting. The issue with disease comes with longer periods of stress, such as poor water quality.

A discus fish that is not stressed can normally fight off any of the common diseases known to the breed. Like all fish, most discus live with the pathogens that cause many of these disease without getting sick. But once the discus is under long periods of stress, these pathogens can take over the discus's immune system.

Below is a list of common discus fish diseases. Please check this page constantly because we are adding new diseases.

Common Discus Fish Diseases:

Fin/Tail Rot

The discus fish, like many other tropical fish, are prone to diseases. These diseases, if not treated can kill an entire aquarium. The best way to eliminate discus fish disease is to make sure your fish is stress free, and your water quality is perfect.

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