Velvet is a parasite that coats fish in a fine gold or rust-coloured dust — and it’s more dangerous than the more famous white spot, because it attacks the gills and can kill quickly. The good news is it’s treatable if you catch it early and act decisively. This UK guide covers spotting, treating and preventing velvet disease.

Here’s what to do.

Recognising velvet

• A fine gold, yellow or rust-coloured “dust” over the skin, best seen by shining a torch on the fish.
• Flicking and rubbing against surfaces.
• Clamped fins, lethargy and rapid gill movement (a key early sign as it attacks the gills).
• Loss of appetite.

Treatment

Act fast — velvet kills quicker than ich. Remove carbon from the filter, then treat the whole tank with a proven anti-parasite medication such as eSHa Oodinex or a copper-free velvet treatment. Dimming the lights helps, as the parasite relies partly on light. Add aeration with an air stone since the gills are compromised, and complete the full course.

Prevention

Velvet usually arrives on new fish, so quarantine every new arrival. Keep water quality high and fish unstressed — see reducing ammonia. A stable, clean tank rarely sees a velvet outbreak.

Frequently asked questions

What does velvet disease look like?

A fine gold, yellow or rust-coloured dust over the fish's skin, best seen with a torch, along with flicking, clamped fins, rapid gill movement and lethargy. It attacks the gills, making it deadlier than white spot.

How do you treat velvet in fish?

Remove carbon, treat the whole tank with a proven anti-parasite medication such as eSHa Oodinex, dim the lights, add aeration, and complete the full course. Act quickly, as velvet kills faster than ich.

How do fish get velvet disease?

Usually from new, unquarantined fish or plants carrying the parasite, often triggered by stress and poor water quality. Quarantining new arrivals and keeping clean, stable water prevents most outbreaks.

---

— Jaqline Smalling, FishForever