Columnar disease (Columnaris)

Bacterial infection that causes white cottony patches on the mouth, fins and body of fish. Often confused with a fungus but it is bacterial.

Detailed explanation

Caused by Flavobacterium columnare. Symptoms: white or grayish patches on the mouth, tissue erosion, fringed fins.

Treatment: antibiotics (kanamycin, nitrofurazone), lowering the temperature, salt, clean water. It's contagious.

In Asian imported guppies it is one of the most common causes of mortality in the first weeks.

Coralia Lab monitors this parameter with AI diagnostics. Tank Score alerts you when a value moves outside the recommended range for your aquarium.