Dwarf Gourami with wound on side

[daryl_hill]

Hi guys & gals

Am new to this forum today, and unfortunately my first post isnt such a good one

One of my Dwarf Gouramis developed what looked like a grave on its side, towards its tail. I initially thought it had just caught itself on something in the tank. But over the last day or so, the wound seems to be getting worse.

Its like its lost some of its scales, as its a pinky/red coloured wound. And the wound itself seems to be getting bigger.

The water quality in the tank is pretty much spot on, and the Gourami is swimming around as happy as ever and still eating very well.

I would be most greatful if anyone could post there own diagnosis regarding what could be wrong, and any possible cures etc.

Pics below:









Regards

Daryl

 

[ODPILOT]

You know, it's hard to say. A lesion like that on the skin can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. If it's getting bigger, then your fish is in trouble. If it were a human, you would take a scrape and look under a microscope to see if there's bacterial or fungus in it and treat appropriately. You could try setting up a hospital tank and putting antibiotic and anti fungal meds in it and see what happens -- doesn't look good.

 

[daryl_hill]

Ok many thanks for advice. Will setup a hospital tank asap and treat as suggested.

 

[rstrobel]

I have no idea what is causing that, but I saw something very similar looking to that on a dwarf gourami at my local petsmart about a week ago. I would definitely quarantine it while you try to figure out what the cause is

 

[lime_smash]

I have a few questions.

What other fish are in the tank and what size is the tank? Would any of the other fish have caused the wound?
How long has he had the wound?
Have you noticed any other symptoms? (lethargy, abdominal swelling, discoloration)

Dwarf gourami seem to have a regularly have problems with baterial infections and sometimes develop lesions as a result. Usually Maracyn or Maracyn 2 is a good choice for treating this kind of infections.
HOWEVER, since you say your fish is acting quite normal I would be cautious in rushing to medicate. If the wound continues to get bigger you will definately have to do something though.

 

[yonsu]

There is an illness known informally as dwarf gourami disease. I read a lengthy article about it in a fish magazine (I think it was stated to be viral) just a few months back. It appears that the issue is not highly published, but it eventually affects a large number of dwarf gouramis and almost always ends in death. I worked at a LFS for quite some time and we frequently had our shipments come down with it.. it appeared to be highly contagious and progressed quickly once lesions developed. One day we'd have a seemingly healthy tank-full, two days later we'd see one with lesions, two days later most would have lesions, and the next day most would be dead. Disheartening. We did have luck saving a handful through prompt quarantine and broad spectrum combination treatment (antibiotics, salt, anti-bacterial food, and anti-fungal medication). Good luck.