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Hello All,

I'm new to this site, and have found it wonderfully informative and helpful, so I'm going to stick around.

I'm fairly certain that I have a case of either Cotton Mouth or Columnaris (are they one in the same?) in one, possibly two, Columbian Tetras. It looks like the upper part of the mouth is disintigrating away- is also white and fuzzy. Another fuzzy spot may be on one fin. This fish (and nine other CT's) were recently netted and transferred into a new tank. I've read through many posts, but now have lots of information and would like to narrow my options down. Pimafix has been highly recommended, Melafix as well, Furan-2, Fungus Clear. I noticed it today and want to start treating asap. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

KariLyn23,

I am not an expert on treating – or even curing – Cotton Mouth. I would only say that you should separate any fish that has symptoms, if you can do that. There is a good chance that it might spread to the others.

Supposedly there are a few different kinds of Cotton Mouth, some acting slower than others. If you happen to have the fast one then I predict that there is almost no chance to save the fish as it kills within 24 to 36 hours. From what I have read here some people claim to have successfully treated it, but I can’t tell you how they did it. Sorry about that.

Hope this helps at least a little,

Ingo

Oh, and welcome to FP , although it is not under the happiest circumstances.

Last edited by LITTLE_FISH at 03-Jan-2006 11:37

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Hey KariLyn23 welcome to the site .

Yes you should treat ASAP, and since it is just the one fish quarrentine or a hospital tank will come in very handy. If you don't have the money for a glass tank you can use a small rubbermaid (or the like) tote. They come in sizes up to 30 (sometimes larger) gallons and are perfect for treating sick fish.

If you cant q-tine get those meds in asap. Furan and jungles fungus clear both use Nitrafurazone which is the active ingredient you want in this case. I know in the case of jungle labs their tablets are premeasured for 10 gallons. Many medications are like this so if you're setting up a hospital tank that is one thing to consider.

As was mentioned, these do move fast, get on the medications and keep a close eye on the water quality (test up to twice a day if you're :%) like me ).

Keep us posted!

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