Fin Rot is a bacterial infection causing progressive destruction of fin tissue in Clarias gariepinus. While rarely fatal if caught early, untreated Fin Rot leads to systemic infection and high mortality.
Fin Rot is caused primarily by opportunistic bacteria — Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Flavobacterium columnare. These bacteria are present in all pond water but only cause disease when fish are stressed or their immune system is compromised by poor water quality, overcrowding, or physical injury.
Do a 30% water change immediately. Test and correct pH to 6.5–7.5. Increase aeration. Without water quality correction, no antibiotic treatment will work.
Add iodine-free salt at 2g per litre of pond water. Salt inhibits bacterial growth and reduces osmotic stress on damaged fin tissue. Maintain for 3–5 days.
If fin erosion continues after 48 hours of salt treatment, use Oxytetracycline at 50–75mg/kg body weight added to feed for 5–7 days. Available from veterinary suppliers across Nigeria. Remove fish with completely eroded fins to a hospital tank if possible.
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