Mouth Rot – Also known as Mouth Fungus, Columnaris, Cotton Mouth

What is Mouth Rot?

Mouth rot is a fungal infection caused by bacteria, it usually occurs as a secondary illness, triggered by a weakened immune system. This is usually because of open wounds or injuries, or damaged scales and skin.

These injuries and sores can be caused by:

• Being handled improperly, too rough, or poorly handled.
• A parasitic infection.
• Ulceration of the skin, from an internal bacterial infection.
• Aggressive fish from fighting or breeding.

Mouth rot is caused by the bacteria “flavobacterium Columnaris.”

Mouth rot can be fatal in as little as seventy-two hours. So, seeking out treatment is vital as the livelihood of your fish is at risk. Flavobacterium Columnaris favours warmer weather and warmer conditions, making the infection more potent and dangerous to your fish.

Mouth rot will have a devastating effect on the breathing and eating capability of your fish and it can cause the jaw of your fish to disintegrate as the infection progresses.

Do not delay call the pond medic today.

Identifying and diagnosing mouth rot!

The visibility of fungal growths helps to aid the diagnosis of mouth rot, however spotting any symptoms early can help to preserve the life of your fish.

Symptoms may include:

• Clamped fins
• Weight loss
• Poor breathing or appears to be struggling to breathe.
• Gills appear to be brown in colour and can appear to be rotting away.
• White, cloudy growths appear around the mouth and gills.
• Ulcers are present with no apparent underlying cause.
• Scale loss
• Fins which appear to be tattered and rugged looking, with torn and fluffy edges.
• The head area including the mouth seems to be decaying whilst growths may be visible.
• Increase in the production of mucous.
• Lacking energy to eat or swim.

If you suspect mouth rot may be affecting your fish do not delay call the pond medic today. Tel: 07737 674417

Causes

As previously mentioned, mouth rot is usually a secondary illness but there are some factors that can and will exacerbate the illness and hinder the recovery. potentially causing mouth rot.

• Poor water quality
• Overstocked pond
• Stress
• Lack of nutrients available.
• Compromised immune system.
• Open sores or ulcers left untreated.
• Warm water and weather
• Aggressive fish
• Reproduction rituals
• Parasites
• Being handled poorly.

With these causes it is vital that as soon as mouth rot is suspected as it can affect your fish and it can kill them in as little as three days.

How contagious is Mouth Rot?

Extremely Contagious

As mouth rot is incredibly dangerous and contagious it is advised to separate the fish who have confirmed case of mouth rot, into a separate tank to help aid the recuperation. All your pond will require treatment to ensure that no further cases of mouth rot occur and all fish in your pond are healthy.

Treatment

As mouth rot can kill it is imperative to get professional help at the earliest convenience. The pond medic will create a treatment plan that will help to protect and heal all your fish.

• Antibiotics may be required to treat underlying bacterial infections if they are found.
• Antifungal medication maybe required to ensure your fish recover quickly and efficiently.
• It may be recommended that the temperature of your pond is reduced safely, if possible, to help prevent the bacteria from being as aggressive.

Following the instructions of the pond medic will enable the speedy recovery of your fish.

Prevention

To prevent any cases of the mouth rot infection, we need to ensure that your fish are not immuno-compromised. This can be achieved by:

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• Attaining and maintaining ideal water quality conditions.
• Ensuring your fish are fed appropriately and have a good nutritious diet.
• Have your pond regularly maintained.
• Ensure your fish have a low stress environment.
• Do not overcrowd your pond with livestock.

If you are unsure about your water quality and filter system, please the pond medic for advice. 07737 674417