what is this I have a white mustache

[desertfish]

well one of my Columbian tetras has a white mustache it looks like a fluffy growth? Any ideas what it is or how to treat this? Thanks in advance

[Carl]

Can you provide a picture?

This can be Columnaris or if a more fuzzy nature, maybe Saprolegnia

Water Parameters figure in greatly for Saprolegnia while stress can figure into Columnaris.

Providing water parameters can help.

Please Read:
Columnaris & Saprolegnia
Freshwater Basics

Carl

[desertfish]

Hi Carl the water in this tank is in very good shape. And it gets a 20 % water change weekly stress could be a real factor in this the SA Earth eaters in this tank are acting very strange as though one or more is becoming sexually mature? A lot of defending territory and mock fighting that has never happened before. I keep trying to get a picture but the little guy is fast and is only a blur. Sorry for that. Lastly water is provided from our well about 600 ft deep all water is give 48 hrs to breath after coming out of the tap and to cool (getting to be less of a problem as it cools of in the desert) and the PH is a constant 7.2. Also the growth is not fuzzy it is for lack of a better word it is tight and compact.

[Carl]

Based information you have so far provided, I would suggest a minimum of a Methylene Blue Swab followed by a MB, Salt, & Furan 2 Bath

See:
Fish Baths, Swabs

Please provide a picture and KH and GH readings too

Carl

[goldenpuon]

It sounds like it could be brought on by stress or a fluke and is likely something bacterial. I agree as per the baths/swabbing. What size is your tank? Fish competing over territory can stress fish out- epsecially if the tank is small. Best of luck! Keep us posted!

Renee