What is this?

Subject: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:37 am

Have a sick carp, has had this mark for almost 5 months now, its not going away not growing bigger and has not effected any of the other fish.
How can I treat this?

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:02 am

Hi,

It looks like fungus on the gill plate. Funguses like Saprolegnia are naturally present in most bodies of water.
Fungi will only attack damaged areas of the skin or decomposing waste. It is a secondary disease.
The fungus should be remove with a cotton swap, then malachite green (paste) should be applied to the area and sealed with friars balsam.
The pond could also be treated by adding malachite green ( 1g/10000lt water) if there is a fungal problem.

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:13 am

thanx, this fish was the only one effected checked others carefully.

Question where can I get malachite green (paste)? and friars balsam?

If no other fish are effected still treat the pond?

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:44 am

Vet's and pet shops can normally get hold of Malachite Green and you can get Friars Bulsam at any pharmacy.

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:57 am

ok, and then just fix it as paste? Hmm thinking maybe pharmacy will have it then too, will do a quick search...
Any negative or side effects from the Malachite Green? If I add it to the water?

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:04 am

Quote:

Malachite Green
Malachite is a strong dark green dye that has even been used as an antiseptic in wounds in humans. Different grades are available but the less toxic zinc-free malachite green is used in ponds to treat fungus and microscopic external parasites such as Chilodinella, Costia and White Spot.
Due to its broad action, malachite is often the foundation to many pond medications. Malachite is toxic to humans as well as fish and is a cancer-causing substance. Care must be taken when using it especially if in powder form as it is extremely concentrated in this form. Fish unavoidably absorb malachite through their gills and being a cumulative toxin it is stored in fish flesh. Its use in trout farming has recently been restricted as there is evidence that fish reaching the market contain traces of malachite green.
A replacement for malachite that is less risky to humans is being researched but as malachite is so effective and readily available, the financial incentive to research and develop an alternative is very small when considering the small size of the pond market. Such a change will only occur through legislation banning the use of malachite in certain circumstances.
Malachite permeates through cell membranes of parasites and fungi where it interferes with respiratory and metabolic processes within the cells. Consequently, treated pathogens are unable to generate energy within their cells, eventually dying.
If koi are overdosed with malachite their cells suffer the same effects on a massive scale potentially killing the koi. There is no antidote for malachite over dose.

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:11 am

uups ok, no other way of treating this?

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:46 am

Symptoms
Some of the fish look like they have green algae growing on them and others appear to have black algae growing on them
Cause
Water Mold Infection (Oomycetes)
Use:
Forma-Green for 5-7 days -or- Erythromycin for a 10 day treatment.

The best thing to use here is the Malachite Green. Use the below dosages as given by our very own Admin.

Quote:

Parasite, bacterial and fungus treatment
1g/10 000 or 17ml/10 000 l(6% solution)
Bath: 1 ml per liter

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:52 am

Ok, now the challenge the fish is in 2500l.....0.25g? Possible to weigh? or 4.25ml of 6% solution.....

Think will look at the pharmacy, they might have.......would be easier to administer a 6% solution then try and weigh that small amount

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:57 am

The liquid is by far the better one to use and is easier to get hold of.

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 12:04 pm

going hunting for it now, pharmacy should have......

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 12:05 pm

If I have the liquid still treat the wound?

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 12:10 pm

Hi Adi

I once treated a koi with the same sickness, i got the medicine from loolilocks, treatment for ulcers its like a powder you put on the wound
once it touches water it goes hard and dissolves slowly.one thing i can tell you it will take a long time to heal and you will need to treat it once a week

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 12:15 pm

Apply lots of the liquid to cotton wool and then apply to the affected area.

Subject: Re: What is this? Thu Mar 04, 2010 1:13 pm

always love a challange went to 3 pharmacies and got the blank look, will still find some malachite green....