Betta Fish Diseases

it is nearly sure, that my fish has 2 issues. Parasites ( VELVET _ or a from of protozoan disease = (can be treated with Maracyn), and a bacterial infection (COLUMNARIS). I am treating both with MARACYN. One article I found on Columnaris: http://www.ultimatebettas.com/index.php?showtopic=917 What is Columnaris? By RandomWiktor at www. UltimateBettas.com Columnaris is a disease that goes by many names. Flexibacter, mouth rot, mouth fungus, gill fungus, body fungus, saddleback columnaris, and cotton wool disease: all of these common terms describe one tenacious bacteria, Flavobacterium columnare, previously known as Flexibacter columnaris. This gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacteria thrives in many of the same conditions that our tropical fish also enjoy, making it especially dangerous and virulent to stressed fish. Two primary strains exist, both with potentially devastating internal and external symptoms. One is slow-developing, with symptoms appearing over several days and more easily quelled by treatment. The other can kill within hours, and is known for creating massive losses due to its extreme virulence. Regardless of the strain or progression of the disease, columnaris is nothing to be taken lightly. What Are the Symptoms of Columnaris? The symptoms of Columnaris vary greatly and largely depend on the strain and virulence. The most commonly observed and treatable form of columnaris often presents itself as stringy white, grey, or off-white "wool" on the fish's face, mouth, or gills. Alternate locations include the "saddle-back" presentation, in which we see a distinct band of the same substance over the back just before the base of the dorsal fin. (Other symtoms may include small gray patches on the face, gasping, and rapid fin loss, but these may be indicative of other diseases, as well.) Left untreated, the cottony growths on the fish's body will eat away at the underlying tissues. One of the clear indicators of columnaris is a angry red ulcer with dying white tissue around its perimeter. However, you should not wait until such ulcers appear before deciding to treat! At this stage, the disease is advancing, and the fish is at great risk of secondary infections or death. Can Columnaris be Prevented? In most cases, Columnaris is caused by some kind of stress, and as thus, is largely preventable. Prevention is always the best medicine, especially with a disease this deadly. At this point, betta owners should really listen up, because bettas are one of the most commonly afflicted species... and their strife is also likely the most easily prevented.

it is nearly sure, that my fish has 2 issues. Parasites ( VELVET _ or a from of protozoan disease = (can be treated with Maracyn), and a bacterial infection (COLUMNARIS). I am treating both with MARACYN. One article I found on Columnaris: http://www.ultimatebettas.com/index.php?showtopic=917 What is Columnaris? By RandomWiktor at www. UltimateBettas.com Columnaris is a disease that goes by many names. Flexibacter, mouth rot, mouth fungus, gill fungus, body fungus, saddleback columnaris, and cotton wool disease: all of these common terms describe one tenacious bacteria, Flavobacterium columnare, previously known as Flexibacter columnaris. This gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacteria thrives in many of the same conditions that our tropical fish also enjoy, making it especially dangerous and virulent to stressed fish. Two primary strains exist, both with potentially devastating internal and external symptoms. One is slow-developing, with symptoms appearing over several days and more easily quelled by treatment. The other can kill within hours, and is known for creating massive losses due to its extreme virulence. Regardless of the strain or progression of the disease, columnaris is nothing to be taken lightly. What Are the Symptoms of Columnaris? The symptoms of Columnaris vary greatly and largely depend on the strain and virulence. The most commonly observed and treatable form of columnaris often presents itself as stringy white, grey, or off-white "wool" on the fish's face, mouth, or gills. Alternate locations include the "saddle-back" presentation, in which we see a distinct band of the same substance over the back just before the base of the dorsal fin. (Other symtoms may include small gray patches on the face, gasping, and rapid fin loss, but these may be indicative of other diseases, as well.) Left untreated, the cottony growths on the fish's body will eat away at the underlying tissues. One of the clear indicators of columnaris is a angry red ulcer with dying white tissue around its perimeter. However, you should not wait until such ulcers appear before deciding to treat! At this stage, the disease is advancing, and the fish is at great risk of secondary infections or death. Can Columnaris be Prevented? In most cases, Columnaris is caused by some kind of stress, and as thus, is largely preventable. Prevention is always the best medicine, especially with a disease this deadly. At this point, betta owners should really listen up, because bettas are one of the most commonly afflicted species... and their strife is also likely the most easily prevented.