what is this?

Saucy said:

I honestly have no idea what that is... you have ME stumped at least.. I hope someone else can help out here. But the good ol' cure-all is salt. And maybe a heater (if you don't have one).

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Gill said:

Hey,

Question???

Does it look like His scales have turned yellow and look like a HoneyComb effect and look very Dry and Brittle.

I have Had that Wipe out 5 Fish in Under 12 Hours.

I Hope it is not that

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Hey Rich,
Where in Ontario are you from? Im in the Mississauga area. Just wondering where you get your fish!

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Columnaris: Mouth Fungus; Fin Rot disease; Cotton Mouth disease (False Fungus)
Flavobacterium colmnare, Flexibacter columnaris; Bacillus columnaris, Chondrococcus columnaris; Cytophaga columnaris

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Description:
Despite one of the disease's names, Fungus, this is actually a gram-negative rod bacterial disease. Columnaris bacteria will typically attach themselves to a fish's head, mouth, lips, or inside the mouth. Columnaris has different possible appearances:


The mouth "fungus" is commonly called cotton-mouth because the fish's mouth seems to be covered with a thread-like cottonish substance. Since the initial leisions look somewhat like cotton, columnaris is often confused with true fungus. Note that when examined very closely, fungus has distinct hair-like filaments which shoot out, whereas columnaris is more like fuzz or lint.


Columnaris usually affects the mouth area but can also appear as yellowish-brown, white, or grayish-white spots on some part of the head, fins, gills, or body which are usually surrounded by a reddish area. This type commonly takes what is known as a saddleback pattern on the fish's body.
Labyrinth fish and Apistogrammas are highly susceptible to this disease. Prevention includes keeping the water very clean by performing frequent water changes. As with any disease the fish is more susceptible to contract columnaris following stress. Also keep in mind that bacteria bloom in higher temperatures.

Treatments include:
Malachite green (except for fry), salt, Melafix, or antibiotics as a last recourse (such as Spectrogram, Furanace, or Sulfa-based products).

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Fungus; Body Fungus (True Fungus)
Saprolegnia

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Description:
This is the most common type of fungus, and it will kill quickly so it's important to medicate as soon as possible. Fungal spores are always present in a tank. Fish are commonly infected with fungus as a secondary disease due to becoming weak and susceptible following some other disease or problem (such as physical damage).

Diagnosis:
The fish will have fuzzy patches of white or gray matter on its body or gills, usually grayish to white in color, or sometimes darker. A white slimy, flattish patch can appear which will seem to have replaced a part of the fish's skin.

Fungus is easy to confuse with Columnaris. Note that when examined very closely, fungus has distinct hair-like filaments which shoot out, whereas columnaris is more like fuzz or lint.

Treatments include:
Place affected fish in an isolated tank for treatment; it is not necessary to treat the entire tank. This is because spores like these are always present... and only when there is something causing the fish to be susceptible will it contract this or any other problem. You can treat with malachite green, salt, increased heat, methylene blue, formalin, or even hydrogen peroxide (when applied directly to area, be *very* careful that this does not touch the gills as can be deadly).

Most importantly, identify the cause of stress to the fish and remedy the situation. Whatever it is should explain the fish's loss of immune system to allow the disease to take control. This may be physical stress caused by poor water conditions, elevated levels of ammonia or others, or maybe even aggressive fish bullying others.

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