Columnaris

Grayish white marks or patches on the body of the fish or around its mouth are the first
obvious signs of Columnaris. These patches appear like threads, especially in the vicinity
of the mouth. Hence, this is often confused with another disease called "Mouth Fungus".
The fins of the fish may show signs of deterioration, the gills get affected and slowly
sores start appearing on the body. During a later stage the fish can hold its fins very close
to the body and not spreading them. Columnaris disease is caused by bacteria, and is
mostly a direct result of poor water quality. Sometimes, the shock of being introduced to
the new aquarium leads to Columnaris disease in newly imported fish. Anti-bacterial
medications will be enough if the disease is discovered and treated at its early stages. The
disease will however invade the internal organs during the later stages and antibiotics are
then required to cure it.