Sick Gourami

[FriendlyFriendlyFish]

Hello, 
 
The Gourami I got about 4 months ago seems to be ill. He is still active, eating well and behaving as he always has. I have him in a 10 gal with another Gourami, 4 neon tetras and a baby Bristlenose Pleco and lots of pond snails. I do a 20-30% water change once a week but do not have any water stats at the moment. When I do a water change I treat the water with water conditioner and plant fertilizer. None of the other fish in the tank are sick. My Gourami appears to have a whitish bump on his head that has been getting worse over the past week or so. I started an Ich treatment yesterday but I'm note sure if that will help. Any advise on how to treat my fish would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance. 
 

 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hello, seems to be one of two possible problems, either Columnaris or DGD (Dwarf Gourami Disease) think the former is most likely.
 
I am no expert at all, these are just possible diagnosis, would recommend you have a look online for symptoms and seeing what matches your gourami best.
 
Do not think its ich to be honest, but possible though.

 

[EllieJellyEllie]

I agree with the top.
 
Also, your stockimg list concerns me as well.
 
Neons are shoaling fish who need groups of 6+, and are active so I wouldnt reccomend them for a ten gallon. Gouramis also need at tank that is a minimum of 20 gallons, and preferably 30. Any bristlnose pleco should be in the minimum tank size of a twenty gallon long.
 
Is your tank cycled? And we need water stats for anything else. Please get a test kit or get the exact numbers of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. You can get them tested at your LFS. Dont take "Its fine" as an answer.

 

[FriendlyFriendlyFish]

I will try to get a water sample form my LFS and look into the possibility of both these diseases. I thought that with Columnaris and Dwarf Gourami Disease the fish usually died quite quickly after showing symptoms. My fish has had this 'lump' for about a week now. Thanks so much for your help. 

 

[DoubleDutch]

99% sure DGD (Iridovirus) to my believe. Looks somekinf of bloated as well (second symptom). Sorry.