Fish sickness

[skinheaddave]

A customer has a tank of convict cichlids that seem to be developing some odd problems. At the base of the pectoral fins, there appears to be a swelling that is almost a little cottony -- but restricted to the area at the base of the fin (not the gills, as far as I can see). Most fish have it on both sides, but one just lost its thing on one side and thus it is only on the other.

Thoughts?

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Galapoheros]

I'm not a big fish guy though I've had several. That does sound weird. Is there any way to get those fish to pond or rain water? Then put some gambusia sp or a couple of goldfish in there, some "natural/checks and balances" direction to see what happens?, process of elimination of some kind? "almost cottony", sounds like an infection obviously. Adding other fish might confirm "something". I'm curious, let us know if it's anything unusual.

 

[bugster]

cottony

a cottony growth sounds like a type of fungal infection (ichthyosis is one example). try reading up on various treatments, but one i've heard of it to add some epsom salt to the water (it's been awhile, but maybe 1 tsp to every gallon of water, but that might not be exact so double-check). the pet store meds for fungus infections turn your water green and require a complete water change (very stressful) later on and really aren't at all effective (causing more stress to your fish than it's worth). i think i remember reading about temperature changes working too, but again check up on that before attempting.

 

[Elapid]

i'd assume bacterial infection. specifically columnaris.
lower the temp slowly to about 75F to slow the progress of the disease and get some antibiotics in there; erythromycin is typically very effective in treating most bacterial infections.

oh, i should mention; bacterial infections in fish often look like 'fungus'.

good luck, i hope the thing grows back on that one side.
rob

 

[Nich]

A customer has a tank of convict cichlids that seem to be developing some odd problems. At the base of the pectoral fins, there appears to be a swelling that is almost a little cottony -- but restricted to the area at the base of the fin (not the gills, as far as I can see). Most fish have it on both sides, but one just lost its thing on one side and thus it is only on the other.

Thoughts?

Cheers,
Dave

Sounds like fungus, but is most likley a bacterial infection acompanied by it. I would try some koi pond salt and a 1/2 recomended dosage of either amoxacyllin (spelling) or azythromyacin accompanied by raising temps to the mid 80's. This is assuming that they are adultsm, if they are small juveniles I would use one of the spceific marycin's, Ive seen customers kill off smaller cichlids with azythromyacin and amoxacyllin. The cause could be cold temps combined with an ammonia spike (after a disruption of the gravel, a bio wheel, bioballs, ect), introduction via minows (white clouds), feeders, or general stress. Lots of possibilities. better than ich or other parasites and the bacterial infections are generally easily treated.

 

[Neuroticax]

Is it almost stringy or turning redish?

Daily water changes along with trial and error of either salt and melafix or Forma Green, Nox Ich or Quick Cure.

Without pictures I'm sort of at a loss and won't be too helpful.

If I'm no help, you could also post a thread here, Tropical Fish Emergencies . The people there are very knowledgeable and might be able to help you out 100% more than I could.

 

[skinheaddave]

Fungal/bacterial was my first guess as well -- but for it to be so localized and symetrical boggles the mind. And not localized and symetrical to some sort of very prone structure like the gills, mouth or anus -- but at the base of the fins.

The other really odd thing that I probably didn't make clear enough in my original posting is that when that one fish lost its "thing" on one side, the whole thing broke off and floated away. So this "fungus/bacteria/whatever" is acting like an external parasite -- but one that looks for all the world like an infection.

Anyhow, I will post to a fish forum later when I'm more awake and can make myself clear. Hopefully someone will be able to peg it with some certainty.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Nich]

Sounds about right. Internal musculature structures at the fin bases have alot of delicate membrane and are often first and most susceptable to infection, I have noticed alot of literal symetry in cases form both customers and my old 9-5. Cheap agar plates can be bought off of ebay or onther internet stores. I use scraping from dead fish or live one and run a boot leg culture and sensitivity. You grow the crud in question with water oin the agar and hit spots of it with different antibiotic/antif fungal meds. Ive used this approach on high end Arrow's and asiatic chichlids and been able find the best med to use without knowing the strain of bacteria in question. Im sure someone on the cichlidforums.com can be of much help.

 

[moose35]

look up flukes


that might be your problem



moose

 

[Nich]

Parasitic worms are VERY obvious, they also donot affect the membranes surrounding the dorsal rays.

 

[dtknow]

lymphocystis produces cauliflower like growths.

 

[dovii88]

yeah it sounds like lymphoctstis, and i deal with fish all day..its my main hobby..in my personally experiences..cant really treat it..kinda sucks..just keep the water clean..stock less..and treat with melafix..

but other then that the fish is almost certain to die..good thing its only a convict..

 

[Nich]

Ive never seen lympho in a symetrical patters, or only on the base of rays. IME, it is visible first on the fin sufaces, and proresses to the body, in random clumps, not the base of rays with equal or balanced placement.
I think Dave has already gone to the fish forums anyways

 

[dovii88]

well it can grow in any pattern ive seen in take over just the rays of fins..and only stay there...and it wont go to any part of the body..but the lymph..can come out in any way..just boost the temp and melafix

 

[skinheaddave]

Interesting. I will pass this along to the customer and see how she wants to proceed.

Cheers,
Dave