Step 1 — Intake & Baseline Assessment Every fish begins with a full diagnostic workup before any treatment starts. This includes behavioral observation, microscopy, and — at the customer's request — genomic-based pathogen testing. Results from this stage determine the treatment path which is made transparent to the buyer. Nothing is assumed; the data decides.

Step 2 — Targeted Primary Treatment Treatment is selected and guided based on what we're actually seeing. Copper Power, chloroquine phosphate, metronidazole, praziquantel, nitrofurazone, and peroxide or formalin baths are all part of our toolkit, used as indicated. In rare cases, additional medications may be used at the discretion of our certified aquatic vet. Regular skin scrapes, fin clips, and gill clips (for larger fish) track disease progression in real time, and all findings are shared transparently with the buyer. Our consulting aquatic veterinarian, reviews testing results and guides the protocol throughout.

Step 3 — Behavior Scoring Alongside every physical metric, we calculate behavior scores that must be met before a fish advances. These assess feeding response, swimming pattern, social behavior, and overall demeanor. Right now this is done manually - but we're building toward automated scoring over time. [See it in action here.]

Step 4 — Internal Deworming Once primary treatment clears, focus shifts to internal parasites. Medicated food is administered based on fecal microscopy findings, with treatment continuing until we have confirmed clean tests, a visible feeding response, and stable or improving weight.

Step 5 — Clean Observation & Clearance The final stage is a medication-free observation period focused on vigor, recurrence prevention, and overall readiness. We run our standard testing battery throughout, and genomic testing is again available to customers who want the most complete picture before their fish arrives home.