Fungus Infection

[nashnut]

I just got a mixed batch of black and regular kuhli loaches on Friday. In checking today, I found one of the black kuhli loaches with a fungus infection. Since they have all been bunched together I assume it will spread to the others.

What can be used to fight this? I know that must medicines say lower the dosage for loaches so I am leary about trying anything.

So discouraging as it was a battle to get these.

 

[SkiFletch]

I'd start by quarantining him anyway if you can. Then, are you sure its fungus and not coumnaris? Do you know the difference between the two as they are often mistook for one another

 

[nashnut]

It's probably columnarius. I am never really sure.

He's been with the others since Friday when they all arrived and since they lay on top of each other, I would assume that the entire tank needs to be treated.

 

[SkiFletch]

It's probably columnarius. I am never really sure.

He's been with the others since Friday when they all arrived and since they lay on top of each other, I would assume that the entire tank needs to be treated.

Perhaps. Try quarantining him and starting his own treatment first. if the others start showing even a hint of discoloration just go for the whole tank. Just like humans, some fish can have better immune systems than others, so you never know.

As for the proper diagnosis, Columnaris is white fluffy and stringy, while Fungus is pale and looks like a thick slime or ooze on top of the scales. Remember, Columnaris is a bacteria which requires a different treatment than fungus so make sure you get the right one

Good luck

 

[nashnut]

I think it's columnarius. I really have any problems so I've not seen
this.

 

[WILDER]

Columnaris is common a true fungus isn't it's quite rare, where are the patches of columnaris and does it look fluffy in appearance.

http/www.nippyfish.net/flexibacter.html

Below his eye he looks abit red do the others have that red coluration.

 

[nashnut]

I'll check when they come out again but I believe that's fairly normal on the black kuhlis from what I have seen. The only ones out are the regular kuhlis now and of course each one is in a position of non examination.

I just checked the water and there's a slight spike since I suddenly added them all together.
It's a species tank so there's nothing else in there.

Amonia 1.0
Nitrite .50
Nitrate .10

I'll do a small water change now.

 

[WILDER]

Yes the tank is cyling, that could be the reason for the red patch if it isn't normal,make sure the fish are not flicking and rubbing as well.

 

[nashnut]

Nope none of that. The one guy with the fungus/columnarius problem is just laying still like he's waiting to die.
I have several medicines I can use for columnarius but I need to wait for the small tank to set itself up heat wise.

Not a sign of the others since I put the net inside to catch him.

 

[WILDER]

What meds do you have?

 

[nashnut]

Aquarium salt
Melafix
Primafix
Maracyn
Ampicillex

Probably other stuff. I'm not near any stores so I stocked up on everything I could find.

 

[WILDER]

I would go for the maracyn
Maracyn
Manufacturer: Mardel
A broad-spectrum antibiotic for gram-positive bacterial infections. For infections of columnaris (body fungus), fin and tail rot, popeye, gill disease, and secondary infections.
Active ingredient: Erythromycin.

 

[nashnut]

I'm having such bad luck with these little guys.
I've put in salt and macayn and just watching
them go one by one. I think I'm down to 6
out of 12 and one's going fast.

 

[Angel Lady]

You shouldnt put salt in with them they are scaless fish. The salt will burn them and another thing the melafix is no good for them either....

 

[nashnut]

I ended up putting very little salt in plus I just put in a batch of fresh water so that won't be a problem. The fungus is progressing even with the maracyn in the tank. No luck with these little guys.