Fish Dying!

[ayschiamae]

Hi all have had my partner ring me from home saying that one fish has died and another 2 look the same, he says it looks as if their mouths are fully open and wont close, they are staying in one spot and says that the mouths look kind of furry? Any ideas

 

[PrairieSunflower]

How long has your tank been cycled? Have you tested your water?

If it is white fuzz it is likely mouth fungus.

 

[WILDER]

How many gallons is the tank please.
Ho many fish and which type.
Water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.

If the mouth looks like they have cotton wool patches it sounds like columnaris (False name mouth fungus)
Check there mouths are not rotting away.

Link to columnaris
http/freshaquarium.../columnaris.htm

You will need to treat with a bacterial medication.
Lower tank temp to 74 degree's.

COLUMNARIS

The hospital tank should be heated to approx. 74 degrees. 76 and above is the ideal breeding temperature for columnaris. Though there is some dispute over lowering the temperature, my experience has been that 72 is too low for the medication to work rapidly, 76+ causes the disease to breed more rapidly than the anti-biotic can kill, and 74 is "just right." Remember to keep this temperature stable!

Text © Lauren Weeks