A. norberti - mouth ulcer

[EuJin]

Hi everyone, my fish has developed an ulcer/upper lip degradation for some reason and the only treatment I have done is added 2 tbs of salt to the 10 gallon tank. Has anyone experienced this with their fish and is there treatment for it?

 

[gerald]

Yes, and unfortunately recovery is rare. If it's Mycobacterium (one possibility) in my experience it slowly gets worse until the jaws no longer close properly, and is often followed by other ulcers on the head or body, bloating, eye protrusion, and rapid breathing. Sometimes it progresses quickly over a few weeks, in other cases in can go on for many months or a year before the fish dies. It's especially common in older Apisto's and those that are continually stressed by more dominant fish. But hopefully it's just a simple injury that will heal up, and not a chronic infection like Myco.

 

[EuJin]

Ok, at least I know what I am dealing with in this instant, Mycobacterium is something I have not heard of in Apistogramma - I will keep track and hopefully the fish heals up. He is the dominant fish in this tank and there are no other inhabitants apart from a female norberti. Thanks for your help gerald.