FishProfiles.com Message Forums

How does one cure hlle and is it contagious?

HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion), from what I understand, is very similar to HITH (Hole In The Head). It is usually caused by poor nutrition, particularly a lack of certain vitamins, or high nitrates in the water.

It is not contagious per se, but if one fish has it then other fish in the tank are more likely to get it because they too are exposed to the substandard conditions.

Correcting what is wrong with the tank (such as feeding a better diet or doing more water changes), is really the only way to reverse it.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

In addition to what Cory Addict said, HLLE is not to be confused with the fact that you can actually see the lateral line on fish...which I discovered after a two page thread and a pic.........

don't look @me like that

I'd just started keeping fish

Vit. C is generally the one pointed to when HLLE and HITH show up as it is only present in dry foods for a month or so before it begins to degrade in quality (same thing with suppliments that humans take which is why that 5,000 pill bottle of vit C is really a waste of money). Supplimenting fresh fruits and veggies is really the best for the fish (and humans ).

^_^[hr width='40%']"Has someone taken your faith? It's real, the [link=pain]http://babelfish.qwertydigital.com/" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] you feel.
The life, the love, You die to heal.
The hope that starts, The broken hearts...
I’ve got another confession my friend, I’m no fool.
I’m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new."

My molly's scales had turned dull over her head and she had pitting and was very lethargic. I looked at pics of diseases and that is the one that looked like it. Also she was in a cycling tank with really high nitrite levels. The description said somthething about water chem being really bad news for this condition.

Last edited by esandbergger at 29-Jul-2005 02:15

Mollies are unable to get HLLE or HITH. Both diseases are seen only in cichlids and large Anabantoids in freshwater.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

ok so what could have been the reason for the marks?
sorry but this is important to me...

It is most likely just nitrite poisoning and not any specific disease. Toxins in the water cause fish to produce more slime on their skin, which will give them a more dull appearance.

Another possibility is that the fish has been flashing on sharp objects due to the irritation in its gills, causing small cuts and scratches on the head.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.