Dwarf Gourami - Gave It A Saltwater Bath, She Instantly Grew White Fuz

[sonictron]

I'm just curious as to what the hell is going on here. My female dwarf gourami was listless and not eating for a couple of days, so I gave her a mild saltwater bath (2 tbsp to 1 gallon) and reintroduced her to the tank. Well, before the bath she was simply listless and without appetite, no other visual signs, but the saltwater bath instantly caused this fluffy white growth to protrude from the side of her face, between her mouth and gills slit.

It was about 3-5mm long, about 3mm diameter and in approximately a circular pattern. It had fine stringy looking white tendrils protruding from a central spot that was about 1mm wide, spreading out to about 3mm around. These tendrils were so fine it appeared to be a fuzz, and there were probably 20-40 of them from the single spot.

Like I said, this growth was NOT there until I bathed my gourami.

I netted her and, using a pair of tweezers, grasped the bundle of fibers and pulled them off - which resulted in my gourami losing 2 or 3 scales, but the whole bit of fuzz came completely off as if it was rooted as one whole into the side of the fish's face.

I'm just curious what this could possibly be and if it poses a threat to her tankmates (there are 5 other healthy fish in the tank).

I've searched and searched but I can't find anything about a hidden malady that suddenly sprouted out within minutes of a salt bath.

Sorry no pictures, it was simply too small

 

[Athena]

Hi - could it have been some form of body fungus? Have a look at the photo in this link - was it similar to this (but not as progressed as this)?


body fungus

Not sure pulling it off with tweezers was a good idea as you may have left an open wound - if so, you should start with some antibacterials to prevent it developing into something else. Melafix is good for speeding up the recovery body wounds.

Athena

 

[WILDER]

it sounds like columnaris to me. if the fish is weak it will soon multitply.

I agree with athena about pulling it off with tweezers. Add some melafix. But only half dose as not all fish tolerate the full dose.

 

[sonictron]

it sounds like columnaris to me. if the fish is weak it will soon multitply.

I agree with athena about pulling it off with tweezers. Add some melafix. But only half dose as not all fish tolerate the full dose.

After the salt bath the fish is about 10x perkier and livelier, swimming more strongly around the tank, but still not eating. I quarantined her for now and I don't have any melafix but I did have some pure tea tree oil, will that work as well?

 

[WILDER]

Tree oil only good on cuts and wounds.
Myxazin by waterlife a better choice if in the uk.

Soak her food in garlic juice to stimulate appetite and boost her immune system.