Joined: 5-November 04
Location: ENGLAND
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Fish tuberculosis
Mycobacterium
[Symptoms] [More information] [Prevention] [Treatment]
Symptoms: Tuberculosis can cause many different symptoms depending on where the infection occurs. Some common symptoms are emaciation along the back or a sunken belly, loss of appetite, spinal curvature, pop-eye, skin lesions (as illustrated above), and jerky swimming. Open wounds with bloody edges as though small chunks of skin have been torn away are typical of turberculosis. The fish may also exhibit scale-loss, lethargy, pale colouration, and lack of schooling behaviour. Weight loss may also be caused by flukes or poor diet, so investigate these options as well.
More information: Mycobacteria are often present in the aquarium but cause little problem if the fish are otherwise healthy. Fish exposed to crowded conditions, or poor water quality, or with vitamin deficiencies are more prone to infection. Gouramis, particularly the dwarf varieties, are more at risk than other species. The bacteria infect the internal organs causing nodular growths. When the fish are stressed these cysts rupture and release thousands of infectious bacteria. Sometimes the disease progresses slowly and may kill only a few fish over several months. At other times epidemic outbreaks can decimate an aquarium. Caution should be excercised where tuberculosis is suspected since some strains of the bacteria can cause infections in humans. If the fish have open lesions do not put your hands into the water if you have any cuts or scratches - use rubber gloves and wash your hands well afterwards.
Prevention: A good diet and optimum water quality should prevent tuberculosis. If any fish show symptoms, remove them immediately to prevent spread of the disease. Attempt treatment in a seperate container and add preventative medication, eg antiseptics, to the main tank.
Treatment: Treatment is difficult, and many infected fish will not respond. It is important to treat fish affected by the disease seperately to prevent its spread. The aquarium from which they were taken should be water changed and then kept scrupulously clean. Add an antiseptic or antibacterial medication (eg Myxazin) to protect the other fish. For fish exhibiting symptoms treatment with tetracycline may be effective. If an epidmeic wipes out the aquarium (a thankfully rare occurrence) be sure to thoroughly clean the tank, gravel and filters before re-stocking. Salt, potassium permanganate, or proprietary treatments can be used to disinfect the equipment
- I don't want him to suffer either - can anyone offer any advice on this one?
