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FAQs on Marine Infectious Disease
(Bacterial, Fungal, Viral)
Case Histories: True
Fungal
Related Articles: Infectious
Disease,
Related FAQs:
Infectious Disease 1,
Infectious Disease 2,
Infectious Disease 3,
Infectious Disease 4, & FAQs on Infectious Disease:
Identification,
Causes/Etiology, Cures/Medications, Case
Histories: Bacterial,
&
Biological Cleaners,
Cryptocaryon,
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Most "fungus" infections of aquatic life are really bacterial, but there
are a few really pathogenic fungal organisms of marines... Most mycelious
activity is borne of actual decomposition... the "host" organisms severely
damaged, dying, being digested.
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Koran angel fungus?
12/24/07
Hey crew merry Christmas to you and yours
<Peace, good will...>
Need help ASAP. I have gotten
<How long ago?>
a Koran angel from a LFS he is eating very well, alert and curious. However,
He seems to have this white colored film growing on him. Looks like a fungus.
<Mmmm... would be exceedingly rare if this were a true fungus...>
It has eroded some of the edges on his pectoral fins and given them a pale white
translucent color as opposed to the normal clear transparent color.
this does not seem to be ich as it is not raised protrusions this is more a film
or a better example would be when you do a fungal assay the white subtly fuzzy
film of certain fungi that appears. I realize this could also very well be a
bacterial infection. either case this fish is quarantined (of course) in a 55
gallon aquarium with a 30 gallon sump water
<Ah, very good>
is reef quality 0 ammonia, 0
nitrite, < 10 ppm nitrate, calcium 400 ppm, ph 8.3. I have removed carbon and
turned off protein skimmer. I have dosed for the last 48 hours in malachite
green. I have not seen any real improvement. now I have realize that if it is in
fact a fungus that I would probably need to use a sulfur type medication.
<Likely you mean Sulfa...>
do you have any recommendations?
<Yes... just simple observation for now>
also if it is bacterial which regimen of
antibiotics should I use.
<Best not to...>
Don't be afraid of giving a complicated answer I am a veterinary technician
pursuing a bachelors in marine biology I have access to all chemicals and
medications. please be as specific as possible. thank you all so much for what
you do. its people like you who helped me to see my goals in this field to
fruition. God bless you
Regards
Daniel Bock
<IF you were a wholesale/intermediate facility I would have done a prophylactic
dip/bath (see WWM re) going in/out of stages/systems here... IF you think it
will help (sans any sensitivity testing) I MIGHT utilize a Furan cpd. (perhaps
Nitrofuranace) at 250 mg./ten gallons... as an antimicrobial... If your employer
will allow it, I would do a simple "mucus swipe" look/see here (see Ed Noga,
"Fish Disease, Diagnosis and Treatment"... Again, I am very dubious that this
situation is mycelious... and it is highly likely that actual "treatment" of
this Pomacanthus may do more harm than good. Bob Fenner>
Thank you
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your time taken to reply my e-mail, I appreciated it.
Actually I have a question to ask you if a tank is infested with fungus,
can it stabilize by itself ? And what causes fungus in the first place ?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best Regards, David Teh
>>
Hmm, fungus? Really? These forms of life can be readily identified with a simple
microscope... their mycelial growth is indicative... and they really only "get going" in "deleterious" conditions... with decaying matter, lack of circulation, light...
I suspect you might mean "algae"... and do take a read re these life forms and their practical control in aquariums... on our site: Home Page
Bob Fenner
Fungus!
Thanks in advance for whatever help you can give. I purchased a
royal Gramma two weeks ago. At the time didn't notice any problems,
he started eating right away (flakes and prime reef). Three days ago,
I noticed a whitish-grey fuzz on his side and under his body.
<Bummer...>
Seems to have decreased movement of the fin on that side too (but it doesn't
have the fuzz on it). The spot is probably 3-4 mm long and 2-3 mm wide. It
doesn't seem to be growing and his behavior is completely normal (still eating
and swimming around). The water conditions in the tank are ideal and the other
fish all look and behave normally (Percula clownfish and two green Chromis).
From what I've seen on the net, I think its either a fungal infection or
bacteria (but thinking it would have progressed faster if it was bacterial).
<Probably as a result of poor conditions during capture, transport, or his
stay at the LFS...In the future, do employ quarantine for all new fishes-a
condition like this could be dealt with a lot easier in the quarantine
tank...just a reminder! :) >
Any idea what this might be? I was wondering what you would suggest
as a treatment? Is there anything that would treat both potential
problems? Kirra
<Well, Kirra, it does sound like some sort of fungus to me, too. Assuming
that this is the condition that we're dealing with here, I'd remove him to a separate
aquarium for treatment. The treatment that I'd use would be an
anti-fungal medication such as Mardel Labs MarOxy. This product has been very
effective or me; Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when
using this medication, and you should be successful at eradicating the
condition. Keep feeding this little guy and continue to provide excellent water
conditions to prevent secondary infections, and he'll live a long and happy
life! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
Looking for (high-res pix) of fungus among us
Bob,
We received this e-mail. Maybe you can help her. Thanks, Sue
Hello,
I am a photo researcher working on a college Microbiology book, and am seeking to obtain a high resolution image of a fish with fish fungus
(Saprolegnia or Oomycetes) growing on it. I am wondering if you could recommend a photographer of source for such a photo?
Please note our deadline is early next week, if you can help could you please advise ASAP? Or recommend someone who can?
I thank you for your help on this project.
Maureen Spuhler
seelevel@attbi.com
<I will post this request on our sites... and folks who shoot whatever they are referring to as "high resolution" (down to showing mycelia?) may respond directly... I principally work with marines that rarely have these genera involved. Bob Fenner>
Treatment of Fungal Problem
Hi there,
<Hi! Scott F. with you today!>
It would really help if I could find that answer for it.
I've clown fish for almost three weeks now it has cottony patchy white
underneath its fin and hanging big white cottony like. now its growing towards
its fin. I'm feeding as much as it consume so to fight with the disease which
didn't as I always keep on eye for almost three weeks now.
<Sounds like some sort of fungal disease>
I'm so much worried if that fish will die and another fish I've. the other fish
is fine with it no problem at all.
<That really makes me think it's a fungal infection>
So I'm trying to setup a quarantine tank ASAP. I need some suggestions how to
cure this disease and setting up quarantine ASAP but I don't have any sump. This
tank I've is nano 15gal tank running for about six months now.
<I'd set up a small container (like a Rubbermaid) to serve as a temporary
"hospital" tank. You could use a broad spectrum medication, such as
Maracyn>
Therefore, if I need to setup a quarantine tank ASAP how would be the fastest
way and better way would be great to know.
<I'd do as above...>
Thanks so much and looking forward to hear soon. Thanks much.
Pradeep
<Good luck, Pradeep...I'm sure that things will work out fine>
Fungus Among Us?
Thanks in advance for whatever help you can give. I purchased a
royal Gramma two weeks ago. At the time didn't notice any problems,
he started eating right away (flakes and prime reef). Three days ago,
I noticed a whitish-grey fuzz on his side and under his body. Seems
to have decreased movement of the fin on that side too (but it doesn't have the
fuzz on it). The spot is probably 3-4 mm long and 2-3 mm wide. It
doesn't seem to be
growing and his behavior is completely normal (still eating and swimming
around). The water conditions in the tank are ideal and the other fish all look
and behave normally (Percula clownfish and two green Chromis). From what I've
seen on the net, I think its either a fungal infection or bacteria (but thinking
it would have progressed faster if it was bacterial). Any idea what this might
be? I was wondering what you would suggest as a treatment? Is there
anything that would treat both potential problems? Kirra
<Well, Kirra- I think that I agree with your assessment. I'd venture to say
that it is a fungal infection of some sort, possibly brought about as a result
of injury or acclimation trauma. I'd remove this fish to a separate tank for
treatment. You may want to start with a 5 minute freshwater dip with Methylene blue (as an antibacterial dip), and then treat the fish with a broad spectrum
antibiotic, such as Maracyn, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Do a bit more research to verify that this is, indeed, what you are dealing
with. Then, take appropriate action. Be sure to quarantine all new arrivals for
a minimum of 21 days before they are placed into the display aquarium. This
gives you a chance to eliminate any potential problems before the fish gets into
your display tank. Not a bad procedure to adopt, IMO. Good luck! Regards, Scott
F>
Is The Fungus Among Us? (Possible Fungal Infection)
Scott,
<Scott here, Captain... (I love saying that...LOL)>
Sorry! Two in one day :o(
Would not be bothering you, but I might have a disease (actually the
fish).
<Never a bother...That's what we do this for!>
Bought a Forcipiger flavissimus a few days ago and have him in
quarantine. When I got him under better light (better than the LFS) I
noticed what looked like a little blemish/tear in the center of his transparent
tail fin. Thought it was probably a little nip, as he was residing in
a tank with several much, much larger Bannerfish. Tonight I noticed
that the little blemish is starting to look a little fungus-like. Has
not spread but the area has gotten thicker, and whiter. Looks like a
little piece of cotton growing on the fin. Did by searches on the
site, but have not come up with a good answer.
<Well, it does sound like some kind of fungal malady, possibly caused by a
trauma during the collection/shipping/acclimating process. If the fish is
otherwise appearing healthy and eating, I'd go for a simple treatment consisting
of frequent water changes, and over-the-counter aquarium remedies that include
sulfonamides, which are very effective against fungal infections. You can also
look for medicated foods to help out, as well.>
The fish seems otherwise very healthy, moving constantly, no heavy breathing,
good color, good appetite.
<Good! As I am fond of saying. "A fish that eats is a fish that
lives!". This bodes well for his recovery. Keep him well fed during the
treatment process...>
My optimistic side says this is just an injury and this is part of the healing
process, but don't want to be dumb about this. I know this is not a
lot to go on. Any guesses, or any treatments you would
recommend? Glad I learned about quarantine on WWM.
Thanks again. Jim
<Well, as mentioned above, Jim, maintain very clean conditions, consider
medication for a fungal infection (if it seems to be necessary), and observe the
fish carefully. You might be surprised at how the passage of time and clean
water alone can do the trick, but be prepared to act as needed. Good luck!
Regards, Scott F>
A Fungus Among Us? (Follow-up)
Hi Scott,
<Hi there, Jim!>
Thanks again!
<You're quite welcome!>
Re the Forcipiger, took your advice, but got a little carried
away. Bought the fungicide, but the fungus starting spreading to
other fins and growing rapidly, so got a little worried and a little overzealous
and decided to take him for a dip, freshwater, same ph and temp, with Seachem
Paraguard.. Probably did it for a little too long (11 minutes) and probably
should have
skipped the fungus meds. He seemed fine, very calm in the bath, but when I put
him back in the QT he nose-dived straight to the bottom, upside-down, and stayed
there! Thought
for sure he was a goner, but only a TKO. Couple of minutes later he
was up and swimming around.
<Yep...Sometimes Butterflyfish and some angels just "keel over"
during FW dips...It's frightening to see, but they almost always pull through
okay if they are in decent shape!>
A few hours later he was back eating again. I guess
on the bright side the fungus is completely gone. He looks fine but
watching him closely.
<Yep- keep a close eye on him...I'm sure he's been through the worst of it,
and should pull through...>
My latest adventure, and question - today I added my weekly buffer, Seachem
Marine Buffer (alkalinity got a little low, about 8 dKH) and after the smoke
cleared I had a burnt-orange-colored fur over several of the live rocks.
Curiously it has nearly covered some, and no trace on others, in what looks
to be a totally random pattern (nothing to do with lighting anyway, as some
under the brightest light unaffected and others not, same with those less well
lit). Tried to find out what it was searching FAQs, but nothing
seemed to quite match what it looks like. Am I
hallucinating? Could this have
just popped into view after adding the buffer? Any guess what it is?
<I have no idea...Perhaps some strange precipitate that resulted from the
addition of the buffer? I don't know...Could be a random, coincidental event having
nothing to do with anything! As long as your water checks out okay, I'd just put
this one in the file of "unexplained phenomenon"...>
As always, thanks for all the time, effort and great advice!
Best regards, Jim
<Glad to be of assistance, Jim! Good luck the rest of the way with the
Butterfly! Regards, Scott F>
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Scratches or Fungus Patches?
Hi Bob,
<Scott F. in for Bob today!>
I recently purchased a lionfish and it wasn’t till I got it home and in the
tank that I noticed what looked like little scratches on the side of his body. I
inspected him at the store but must have missed these marks somehow…
<Not hard to do, as the fish's coloration can make these kinds of marks
difficult to distinguish>
I’ve been told it could be some kind of fungal problem.
Just the other day I tested my water for nitrate, nitrite, salinity, ph etc. and
everything is fine, so will he get better by himself or should I add some
treatment to my tank?
<Well, I think I'd hold off on medicating the fish (particularly in the
display tank, which is an absolute "no-no" in my book) until you have
a chance to observe him some more. Is the fish eating and behaving normally?
Does it appear to be scratching, or having difficulty breathing? Is there a lot
of mucus or slime being exuded from the fish's body? Any other skin problems? It
may simply be that the "scratches" are just that- scratches, and they
may go away by simply providing excellent environmental conditions. Also, these
fishes do go through an occasional "sloughing" of skin, where they
exhibit all kinds of weird behaviors, such as "coughing" or
"twitching". Keep a close eye on this guy for a few more days to see
if things get worse...In the mean time, read up on fungal conditions on the WWM
site to see if this is, indeed what you're seeing...>
I also have a gold spot eel in the tank with the lionfish, I have no other tank
for quarantine purposes.
<Well, you really want to avoid medicating in the main tank, if that becomes
necessary. Eels can be sensitive to certain medications. If it turns out to be a
condition that requires medication, I'd consider temporary quarters for the fish
in the form of a plastic garbage can or storage container, equipped with a
filter and heater. Ultimately, you should consider investing in the simple items
that you need for a quarantine tank. The tank and associated quarantine
procedure will more than pay for itself in terms of fish lives saved (and
heartache spared for you) in a very short time!>
I am new to this, but I made sure all conditions in the tank were perfect before
I started adding fish, and now this happens, what a disappointment!! Regards,
Andrew Ickeringill
<Well, you did all that you could- don't blame yourself! But I would very
carefully observe the fish and make good and certain that you are dealing with a
medical problem before rushing to "treat" the fish...Improperly
medicating a fish can sometimes be more lethal than the "malady" that
you're "treating" for! Keep a positive attitude, and hang in there!
Let us know if you need further help! Regards, Scott F>Scratches Or Fungus Patches (Pt.2)
Hi Scott,
<Hi Andrew!>
Thanks for your advice, however I think I have made a mistake... the guy at the
pet store told me to just add the treatment to my tank, so I did last night and
again this morning.
<Uh- Oh..>
Should I stop this immediately and just see how the lionfish goes?
<Well, at this point, the "damage is done" as they say, but I would
still stop and see if the medication has any impact on the
"condition". We still were not 100% certain what we were dealing with
here, so I'm a bit concerned over the necessity of medicating.>
Will adding the treatment to the tank twice affect anything?
<Well, it's hard to say- lots of factors, particularly important is-what is
the medication that you're using? The potential for damage to biological
filtration and other "collateral damage" to desirable life forms in
the display is a big part of why I don't recommend treatments in the display
tank. However, some medications do become "bound up" in substrate
materials, where they become substantially less effective...All in all- I'd
still cease dosing any medication until you ascertain exactly what it is you're
dealing with...Unfortunately, I'm here and you're there- so it's sort of hard
for me to "diagnose" the animal without some good pictures. You may,
indeed have to rely on some local help to confirm the malady. Again, however, if
it is necessary to medicate the fish, I'd refrain from treating in the display
tank if you can!
(I will stop adding the treatment until I hear back from you)
Thanks Scott. Regards, Andrew Ickeringill
<Your welcome! I'd continue to seek some local help in diagnosing this
illness before continuing a course of treatment (in a separate container, of
course!). Hang in there! Good luck! Scott F>
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Body Fungus?
Hello to the keepers of knowledge,
<Hi, MikeD here>
I have searched and searched yet found nothing pertaining to my problem. I
noticed the white/grey fluff on the head of my banded watchman goby, so I
transferred him from the regular QT tank into his own hospital tank. Treated
with Maracyn and then put him to bed for the night.<You did the right thing.
The fluff was likely mucous from a bacterial infection.> The next day I
noticed
the fuzz was gone but so was the some of the flesh that was under the
fuzz.<The bacteria had already eaten into the flesh, not your fault>
Can barely make out eyes, he is still breathing, but do not want to be
inhumane by letting him suffer. Can you tell me what the heck is going on,
and if I should ride it out or "take him out",<Without seeing the
fish, I'd hate to make the call, but I have seen almost miraculous recoveries on
rare occasions> and what should I do with the
rest of the livestock in the QT tank (all was going well for 5 weeks)?<It
sounds like you're almost good to go. I suspect the goby may have sustained an
injury, so I'd not take any other action unless you actually see a problem>
Your
continued support is greatly appreciated.
<as is yours>
Thank You Very Much,
Dan
Sick Polymnus Clownfish 4/17/05
I purchased a mated pair of Saddleback (Polymnus) clownfish about 3 weeks ago. When I first placed them into my 12 gallon QT tank, they seemed very healthy and readily accepted foods including
Mysis soaked in vitamins,
Cyclop-Eeze and small pellets. However, after two weeks or so, I began to notice some odd behavior in the female (who is about 3x larger than her mate). She seemed very lethargic, mostly swimming near the bottom of the tank without the usual bobbing motion associated with her species. Once in a while, I noticed she would just swim from one end of the tank to the other, sometimes gently bumping into the tank wall before reversing direction. She also stopped eating, but exhibited no signs of parasites or other diseases. The male remains very healthy.
<A. Polymnus aren't the hardiest of clowns and often fail to acclimate to captivity. The black variant seems to do somewhat better. If these are wild caught specimens, I would suggest that you research and rule out Brooklynella (usually indicated by thick cloudy mucous on skin). If it is Brooklynella, both clowns must be moved to a hospital tank and must be treated with Formalin baths.>
A couple days ago, I moved the pair into the 60gal reef tank, hoping that a larger tank would perk her up. After several hours, the pair began hosting in my LTA anemone. At first I thought the female had perked up, but it has been two days now and she is still not eating (it's been about a week total since she stopped eating). This morning I discovered that one eye is beginning to bulge out, looks like early stages of
Popeye however the eye is not cloudy. There is a small hippo tang in the tank which is perfectly happy and only occasionally hangs around the clownfish and their anemone although I've seen no biting.
<"Pop Eye", especially when only one eye is affected is most often caused by physical injury. However, in her outstanding book on Clownfishes, Joyce Wilkerson describes a very rare fungal disease that often causes pop-eye and the other signs you have described. There is no certain way to diagnose it while the fish is still alive, but she suggests that it can be treated by soaking food in 1%
Phenoxyethanol I don't have a brand name to recommend, but it will be marketed as an anti-fungal medication (don't substitute!).>
What do you suggest I do? Is her strange behavior just a result of the Popeye she is developing or is there a bigger issue likely involved? Should I move the female (or both) back to the QT tank? Should I treat with
Epsom salts or Maracyn as you sometimes suggest? Thanks for your help. You guys perform a wonderful service! Saahil.
<I would not move the fish again. The other fish have already been exposed to the problem and further stress and physical contact with the injured eye could be quite harmful. If the fish is not eating, there is no way to get
Phenoxyethanol into the fish (adding to the water is ineffective), so you will have to offer tempting foods and wait it out. Best Regards.
AdamC.> | |
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