In aquaculture, the phenomenon of "floating head" in fish is a common issue that often signals underlying problems with fish health or water quality. However, many farmers are unaware of the actual causes when they observe this behavior and tend to rely on traditional methods or guesswork, which can lead to ineffective treatments or even mass fish deaths. In reality, "floating head" can be caused by various factors, and understanding these can help prevent serious losses. Based on the root causes, this condition can be categorized into three main types.
First, anoxic floating head occurs when the dissolved oxygen levels in the water drop too low, forcing fish to swim toward the surface where oxygen is more abundant. This typically happens early in the morning during summer, between 5 and 9 AM. If the oxygen deficiency is severe, all the fish may suffocate and die. However, in milder cases, only those fish with higher oxygen demands will float and return to normal once sunlight increases and temperatures rise. Heavy rain, low atmospheric pressure, and high stocking densities are common triggers. Algae, while producing oxygen during the day, consume it at night, leading to oxygen depletion. To treat this, you can use zeolite powder, floating head spirit, or hydrogen peroxide, and activate aerators. Prevention includes reducing stocking density, regularly adding fresh water, and using aeration to replenish oxygen in the bottom layer during sunny afternoons.
Second, ammonia poisoning can also cause floating heads. This happens when high concentrations of ammonia in the water stress the fish, causing them to float. Unlike anoxic floating head, this condition doesn't follow a daily pattern and tends to worsen in the afternoon when water temperatures are higher. It commonly occurs in early winter and spring when algae die off and photosynthesis declines, leading to ammonia buildup from leftover feed and fish waste. Immediate treatment involves adding fresh water, starting aerators, and applying coarse salt or water quality enhancers. During winter, regular applications of water improvers like zeolite powder can help prevent this issue.
Third, disease-related floating head is caused by illnesses that affect the fish's ability to maintain buoyancy. These fish usually float near the edges of the pond and don’t appear in large numbers. Unlike the other two types, this condition isn’t seasonal and develops gradually. Since it’s linked to disease, effective prevention and treatment should include standard fish health management practices, such as maintaining clean water, monitoring fish behavior, and addressing any signs of infection promptly.
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