Signs Of Infection

Any of the following symptoms may indicate Fish Tuberculosis; Abnormal swimming, loss of colour, lumps or sores on the body or lack of appetite.

Fish Affected

Fish Tuberculosis can affect all aquarium fish particularly Gouramis, Tetras and Cyprinids.

Details Of Infection

Often the bacteria that is responsible for fish TB is present but causes no ill effects. Only when fish are weakened or poor environmental factors prevail do fish become affected. In this instance the disease can spread rapidly eradicating the entire aquarium

The bacteria, Mycobacterium sp., can affect humans. It is important not to swallow aquarium water when siphoning from the tank and to wash your hands after maintaining the aquarium.

Treatment

Good tank maintenance will help prevent initial infection however, once the disease takes hold the only recourse is to humanly dispose of the infected fish. Infected fish should be removed from the aquarium immediately as the bacteria is quickly spread by cannibalism.