Jardini has disease

[Spearo]

Hi, I guess you can consider this my introduction.

Been keeping African, South American, and Central American cichlids for about 10-12 years. As well as some other exotics like my 16-17" Jardini aro.
Have also been a saltwater (primarily) and freshwater fishermen for about 15-16 years. And a freedive spearfishermen for about 6 years.

Have a problem with my Jardini right now, and cannot figure it out. Tank is 125gal.
About 2-3 weeks ago, I noticed my Aro acting "funny". As in not swimming around as usual, but sitting at the bottom for prolonged periods of time.

Yesterday I noticed that "blisters" have developed all over his gill plates.
They are quite large and numerous. Best thing I can compare them to, is when you burn yourself, and get those fluid filled blisters.

He also seems to be developing some on his body as well. Right above his anal fin on the right side.

Furthermore, the fishes color is very pale and dusky looking. The fish is now spending most of its time near the surface, and mostly stationary.

I have removed all carbon, and treated the water with anti fungal medicine. In addition to 2 grams of Amoxicillin antibiotic.
It has only been about 12 hours since I medicated the tank. However, since then, it appears the "blisters" have become more numerous and enlarged.

My initial impression is Lymphocystis, but I am truly unsure. As I have not dealt with this particular disease before.
There is another fish in the tank with him, a Demasoni. Which shows no sign of disease at all.

Thanks,
Spearo

 

[Spearo]

Forgot to add, this fish has never been fed live food. Its diet consists of frozen silversides, and frozen market shrimp.

 

[rhodes_96]

This is a disease which seems to affect jardinis.
I have seen it before and it can get real nasty.
You have to treat it quick.
Cause is from poor water conditions !
Carbon in your filtration for arowanas is a no go.
It strips minerals from water that arowanas need. Can cause hith and other diseases which you wouldn't, think could happen. Carbon to remove medication for short term use is ok.
Treatment is a course of Tetracycline. Dosed every 3 days with partial water changes before you redose. Continue treatment until symptoms have subsided. speed is the key otherwise your jardini will look like something out of a horror movie and can be perminently disfigured even after treatment.
You can also use japenese yellow powder, tetracycline does the same thing
These medications will be hard on bb so hospital tank reccomended.

 

[rhodes_96]

Death is a better option if the fish survives and it looks like frankenstein.
Hope you catch it quick and your fish makes a complete recovery.

 

[T@nkbuster]

Any pictures?

 

[aussiemonsters]

I have a jar that I adopted that was suffering from this and lateral line erosion.
After treatment with oxy tet. and metrodine they subsided but the lumps still remained, he is one ugly looking Jar but I LOVE HIM.

 

[Spearo]

Here are some pictures I took right now. Seems to me the fish is getting worse, and probably not going to make it.

 

[aussiemonsters]

He will make it Jars are very tough. The operculum will just be lumpy when they go down the quicker you treat it the better.

 

[rhodes_96]

As aussiemonster said, it's still curable, act fast, be patient.
3-400mg tetracycline per 5.5 gallons every 3 days, approx 25% water change before hand.

 

[Spearo]

So does this disease mostly affect Aro?

I have never seen anything quite like it before.

As I mentioned in my first post. I have treated the water with antibiotic (Amoxicillin).
I put in about 2000mg. This is human grade Amoxicillin BTW.

Secondary, I also put in 10 tablets (unknown dose, package says 1 tab per 10gal) of an antifungal medication.

Also put in salt, and some water conditioner.

All I can do now is wait. Antibiotics take about 24 hours to take effect BTW, even if you take an IV bolus.