Author: Robert R. Rucker

Publisher:

Published: 1972

Total Pages: 12

ISBN-13:

Fish maintained in water supersaturated with air reach equilibrium with gases dissolved in water. These gases in the fish tend to equilibrate to the atmosphere the same as the gases in the water. Gas-bubble disease is characterized by bubbles under the skin, in the fins, tail, mouth, behind the eyeballs, and in the vascular system. Carbon dioxide does not cause gas bubble disease. Oxygen can cause gas-bubble disease at about 350 percent air saturation, but nitrogen can cause the disease even below 118 percent air saturation. Excess gas in water can be produced by pressure, increase in temperature, and biotic metabolism, and can be reduced by exposure to air. Saturation tables for atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen in water for 0 degrees to 30 degrees centigrade are presented.