My fish shows peculiar symptoms....

I have a two years pond on the back yard, it has the filtering system, net overhead to prevent foliages from nearby trees to enter the ponds. Over winter algea growth has noticed to have been somewhat increased proportionately with the sun light available. About 6 months ago, I've noticed one of my medium size kois appears deformed, with what appears like spinal curvature. I've long suspected, the poor fish has sustained a physical injury from other predators i.e. bullfrog' attack, predator birds (?). But just yesterday, hubby found one of our larger koi is also showing this "spine curvature". We've called the local pond guy. No helpful information, at best he stated that he has seen similiar problem on one of the pond's from his client locally, but the problem remains a mystery as of now. Anyone has similiar problem with your fish in your pond? PLease share your experience, and help find out what is causing this deformation on our beloved kois.

We conducted a water test on the pond, and these are the results
1. pH test = 7.0 (or slightly darker blue = area lake level with the same pH in comparision).
2. Nitrite test result = 0-.25 range
3. Ammonia test = 0 - 0.5 - 1 ppm = mg/L

Any suggestion please, should we do a water change? 50% change of water? please help.

you have d-mail

Linda, thank you for your assistance. Your help is very much appreciated.
Kim

Your welcome, I hope it helps.

Any chance you can share that with everyone! I have heard a lack of vitamin C in the diet can cause curvature of the spine.

azreno, I didn't mean to exclude everyone. I have heard that too about a lack of vitamin C causing scoliosis.
Sometimes buying a big box of fish food is not the thing to do. I only purchase what I'll use in one season.

Hopefully lilly_love will keep us updated.
I told her to check out koivert.com

This message was edited Apr 9, 2008 11:38 AM

Cool, I was wondering if there was some other possible cause! I too only buy what I can use quickly.......am off to the feed store in a bit for 100lbs :(

a 100 lbs? How many fish are you feeding?

We have a big pond full of large koi and they are already in full feeding frenzy for the year with a very early spring start here.

azreno, Thats right your in Az so your season is alot longer than mine. My fish are just
starting to move around. The water is still cold. But that hasn't stopped the algae
from growing.

lol yeah, mine was green right and proper, thankfully it's clear now. The bad part about that is the fish see me ;P

Here is some great info on what could be causing this.
http://www.nationalfishpharm.com/fish_diseases/physical_changes.html

Nice link, it's a shame they don't have pictures to go with the descriptions.

Kim, sorry to hear your Koi are having that kind of problem☻Sometimes no matter what care you give the fish, they just don't do well. I hope someone here found the problem and they will get better soon☺

Thanks Lu, Rylaf and everyone. Currently there is no hard and fast solution to the problem. My first koi that showed signs and symptoms of this ailment last summer (when the water was warm, and not to blame it overwintering process). Little spot still struggling with the deformity, now two others, one very large, and the other is a tinsy koi (probably a gold fish -- I'm unsure). Without netting it up to look and see if the little one has "barbles" or not, I just can't say for sure, Lu. Sniff sniff.