Caused by various species of Mycobactacterium, These types of infections can be common especially in gouramis, barbs, tetras and livebearers.
Signs Intial signs of Fish TB are:- Loss of appetite, lethargy, emaciation, skin ulcers, pale colouration, deformed skeletal structure. This is a slow progressive disease which almost alway is fatal.
Cause M.marinum and M.fortuitum is known to cause Fish TB.
Transmission Mycobactacterium maybe infect through open ulcers, faeces or dead rotting bodys of infected fish. Even though Fish TB is not highly contagious, persistent poor tank hygiene may predispose fish to catch Fish TB. It should be noted that there is a small risk of humans catching this via cuts and grazes.
Treatment Avoid buying fish that are showing signs of Fish TB. Isolate any infected fish. Fish TB is very difficult to treat although some types of antibiotics or combinations antibiotics may or may not be affective. If you have a badly affected fish then Euthanasia should be seriously considered.
