Zinc deficiency

Symptoms

Fin erosion - especially caudal
Fins eroded, most pronounced on caudal fin.

Growth poor
Parasite infested fish show very slow or no growth, as parasite is taking the food.

Poor food conversion ratios
The growth when compared to normal food conversion ratios is below normal.

Cloudy lens of Eyes.
Lens of eyes appears opaque as if a film has been placed on them.

Fins rotting very quickly
Erosion of fins takes place within a day or so.

Reluctant to feed
Fish comes to eat but with evident lack of appetite.

Skin lesions
Lots of small lesions appear on the skin

Lack of Zinc in diet. Rare.

Validation: Test whole blood or serum for zinc levels. Levels of 7-9 ppm are indicative of gross deficiency.

Fair to good if dietary zinc is increased.

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Improve water quality, keep bottom of tanks clean, reduce stock density.

Dr. Ramseyer, Laurel
Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife
Michigan State University
East Lansing MI USA