If one fish had columnaris...

[hwofnt]

Tank Size: 125g
Age of the tank: 10 months, LR is from old tank
pH: 7.8 - 8.2
Ammonia: 0
NitrAtes: 20
nitrites: 0
GH/KH: 8-9 dKH
Temperature: 79F
Fish:

Large pensilligerus filefish, small: antennata lionfish, sargassum filefish, percula clown, chromis, one on each.

Symptoms:

Follow up question after one big filefish died in hospital tank from bacterial infection plus columnaris: what are chances that main tank is infected too? Should I do something about it?

Thanks.

[Carl]

Since Columnaris is generally a pathogen of opportunity, I would not treat unless others show symptoms or seem weak (in this case maybe a medicated bath, which I often perform prior to introduction of new fish)

Generally good aquarium care and equipment is the best prevention, and based on what you have already shared with us, I believe you are already giving your fish the best care possible.

Even with the best care, Columnaris can still infect certain fish, usually fish that are stressed due to harassment by tank mates, genetically weak, or simply fish that do not adapt well to life in captivity.
Although I am far from an expert on filefish, my experience has been that these are generally more sensitive fish to life in captivity, often making them more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as Columnaris.

See: Columnaris in Fish Aquariums

Carl

[hwofnt]

Thank you. Can you take a look at the second filefish, the one that still alive in the main tank. Does it look like it's OK, more or less?

It was bought together with the first one. Fins have possibly lymphocystis, otherwise more or less good:




Can't make better photos, sorry: fish moves all the time.
First nodes on the tail appeared 10 months ago, after arrival.

[Carl]

I am not seeing anything that jumps out at me.

As for Lymphocystis, this is an infection that generally is over come in about 4-7 weeks and has a cauliflower appearance, so if you are nodes that are lasting months, this is likely not Lymphocystis. I am not seeing classic symptoms of Lymphocystis.

Back to Columnaris, are any of these filefish eating normally?
Is there any harassment by others filefish toward another (I find that this can allow for Columnaris to take a hold in an aquarium, whether fresh or saltwater)?

Carl

[hwofnt]

This is the only big filefish left, nobody bothers it because of its size (many times more than any other fish). The only agressive fish is percula clown, but it harasses exclusively the chromis that is of the same size only nervous.

Other two fishes mind own business and mostly sit in the certain area.

Big filefish eats well and active, but became hyperactive since the sickness of the first one, that died. I noticed some parasite hanging on the top (dorsal) fin, looked like anchor worm: thin, attached by mouth part, body freely hanging, only no forked tail - single line 1 cm (1/2") long, less than 1mm (1/32") thick.

Just in case, treated main tank by PraziPro, one dose in 5 days, yesterday started removing medication: carbon, skimmer, water change. Today will turn on UV. Worm left fish on the second day of treatment.

Another thing: if this is not lymphocyctis, what it could be? Number of nodes increases, with interval of few months between, then few new appear. Fins only. Other genuses (genii?) of fish are not affected, even different filefish.
I browsed fish diseases but didn't see something like this.

[Carl]

My experience with Lymphocystis (which is a viral disease) has been that it generally lasts no longer than 3-4 weeks and after this the same fish never will get the disease again.
In severe cases the fish have been over come by the cauliflower like growths, often unable to feed. However this is more the exception from my experience. Generally time and good water quality take care of the problem, as well incidence with UV Sterilization present is also much lower.
Here is an excellent article about Lymphocystis (not mine):
Lymphocystis in Marine and Freshwater Fishes

Back to what the problem is, this is what I am not sure of. I would venture a guess that these nodes are indicative of another problem such as a systemic disease, maybe even Streptococcus which is rare in marine fish, and as well difficult to treat.

The medicated baths I suggested earlier (including Methylene Blue) may help considerably since this will be absorbed internally.

Potassium Permanganate swabbed directly onto the area of the parasite might also be a good idea

Carl

[hwofnt]

Thank you! Most helpful, I'll read in details what you suggested.
Really appreciate your help.