Why Choose The Unusual Pet Vets?
- We are a qualified team with a wealth of fish experience and knowledge
- State-of-the-art clinic with on-site laboratory, surgical and anaesthesia facilities
Locations
SA
ACT
NSW
Locations
SA
ACT
NSW
We care about the health and happiness of pet fish just as much as any other unusual or exotic pet.
It can be hard to find a fish vet so let us help you out. We offer in-clinic veterinary services for pet fish only. For any large collections or commercial enquiries we can also help to put you in touch with mobile vets that may be able to help you out if we can’t.
Our Aquatic Friend Marty
Marty is 5-year-old Oscar that came in to see us as he had developed a large, fairly fast-growing mass on his right eye.
On close examination the mass was very vascular and extended well into the eye orbit. We recommended that it be removed and sent off for further analysis.
We performed the surgery to remove the mass which involved also removing what remained of Marty’s eye. The mass was sent away for histopathological analysis with the results coming back as a primitive neuroectodermal tumour. In fish these cancers are often locally aggressive however generally do not spread to other parts of the body. Marty’s owners will continue to monitor him closely and we are hoping that this is the last of Marty’s eye problems!
Yes. Although fish often hide illness until late stages, regular health checks help identify problems early. A vet can assess body condition, swimming behaviour, fin and gill health, and review tank conditions to prevent disease before it becomes serious.
Fish commonly develop issues such as fin rot, ich, fungal or bacterial infections, swim bladder disorders, parasitic infestations and injuries from poor water quality or aggressive tank mates. Early diagnosis improves the chance of successful treatment.
Water quality is critical for fish health. Poor water conditions are one of the leading causes of disease. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate imbalances, incorrect pH, temperature fluctuations and low oxygen levels can stress fish and make them more susceptible to illness. We can help assess your tank parameters and provide guidance.
Yes. Gasping at the surface often indicates low oxygen levels, ammonia or nitrite toxicity, temperature stress or gill disease. Because gill function is essential for respiration, this sign should prompt a vet check and immediate tank water assessment.
Optimal nutrition varies by species, but most fish require high‑quality food appropriate to their digestive system (e.g., herbivore, omnivore, carnivore). Feeding the wrong food, overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to disease, poor growth or obesity. Your vet can advise on a species‑specific feeding plan.
White spots, patches or fuzzy growths can indicate parasitic, bacterial or fungal infections such as ich or fin rot. These conditions often worsen quickly without treatment. A veterinary assessment allows accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Signs of stress in fish include erratic swimming, hiding, loss of appetite, clamped fins, rapid gill movement, colour loss or unusual behaviour. Stress is often linked to poor water quality, overcrowding, incorrect temperature or incompatible tank mates.
Yes. Veterinary procedures for fish require specialised skills, handling techniques, anaesthesia and water support. Clinics experienced in aquatic species can perform diagnostics, medication administration, wound care and supportive treatment safely.
Abnormal buoyancy can be caused by swim bladder disorders, infection, constipation, water quality issues or injury. Because the swim bladder helps control balance and depth, persistent abnormal buoyancy should be checked by a vet.
