Chalkie Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Firstly, I would like to say hello as I have just joined the forums. This place looks to be a great source of information for all things cichlid. I have been keeping my African tank for around 2 years now. Water parameters have always been fine as I have 2 established canister filters running. PH, nitrite, ammonia and nitrate are tested on a regular basis and water changes are done on a weekly basis. I introduced some peacocks not long ago and I think that sparked some sort of outbreak. From my research I think it could be Ich, Cotton mouth Disease or some other "whitish" fungi. At first I thought it was some of my fish changing colour because they were not dominant anymore. One Zebra red top (after adding him) 24 hours later was utterly white - lost all colour. All fish are still eating they regular cichlid diet of vegies and pellets. No sign weird behaviour yet. I was thinking melafix or primafix would be a good path to follow for treatment? So far looks like both my 1 year old Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos are infected, with their once vivid scales gone all white. Cheers Sean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiel Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Welcome Sean Do you have a photo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 Welcome Sean Do you have a photo? Heya, I just uploaded some http://s705.photobucket.com/albums/ww58/chalkie54/ hope that works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E4G13M4N Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I have seen a few photo's getting around on different forums lately of this sort of thing happening after introducing new fish. (Havnt seen this problem in OZ before until recent, fungus stands out as a growth but fish turning white is a new one to me) So far i have not seen a definate answer as to what may be the cause, and not being able to see the fish in the flesh makes it even harder to resolve. IMO as it seems to be happening more lately i think someone needs to bite the bullet and get a vet diagnosis to see if something new has been brought in Just a thought as it seems to be springing up more lately Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 I have seen a few photo's getting around on different forums lately of this sort of thing happening after introducing new fish. (Havnt seen this problem in OZ before until recent, fungus stands out as a growth but fish turning white is a new one to me) So far i have not seen a definate answer as to what may be the cause, and not being able to see the fish in the flesh makes it even harder to resolve. IMO as it seems to be happening more lately i think someone needs to bite the bullet and get a vet diagnosis to see if something new has been brought in Just a thought as it seems to be springing up more lately I agree. Cichlids are by far the hardiest fish I have ever kept and their immune systems normally are so strong that it will take care of most things without treatment. I'm going out today to buy some primafix. I will post the results Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 So after doing more research I think it could be this: COTTON MOUTH (Columnaris) Disease Type: Bacterial (gram negative rods) Description Often mistaken for a fungal infection because of its mold-like lesions, Columnaris is a common bacterial infection in cultured fish, particularly livebearing fish and catfish. Its name is derived from columnar shaped bacteria, which are present in virtually all aquarium environments. The bacteria only infect fish that have been stressed by such conditions as poor water quality, inadequate diet, or handling and shipping. Columnaris can enter the fish through the gills, mouth, or via small wounds on the skin. The disease is highly contagious and may be spread through contaminated nets, specimen containers, and even food. Columnaris can be external or internal and may follow a chronic or acute course. Lesions in chronic cases progress slowly, taking many days before culminating in fish death. In acute cases the lesions spread quickly, often wiping out entire populations of fish within hours. High water temperatures accelerate the progression of the disease; however lowering the water temp will not affect the outcome of the disease. Symptoms White spots on mouth, edges of scales, and fins Cottony growth that eats away at the mouth Fins disintegrate beginning at the edges 'Saddleback' lesion near the dorsal fin Fungus often invades the affected skin Rapid gilling in cases where gills are infected Most Columnaris infections are external, and present first as white or grayish white spots on the head, and around the fins or gills. The lesions may first be only seen as a paler area that lacks the normal shiny appearance. As the lesion progresses it may become yellowish or brownish in color and the area around it may be tinged red. Lesions on the back often extend down the sides, giving the appearance of a saddle. On the mouth the lesions may look moldy or cottony, and the mouth will become eaten away. Fins will erode and have a frayed appearance as the infection progresses. The gills filaments will disintegrate as the bacteria invade them, and the fish will begin breathing rapidly due to lack of oxygen. Less commonly, the infection will be internal, and display no external symptoms. The only thing is fish are meant to die with in 48 hours without treatment and mine have had it for about 20 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E4G13M4N Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 By the pictures though it looks more like the fish have just turned white, the quality of the pics though makes it hard to tell but didnt look like *Columnaris* to me as the time frame didnt fit either, doesnt mean its not a new strain though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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