Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnare) is easily confused with fungal infection due to its cottony appearance. Warm water and low oxygen accelerate outbreaks dramatically. Untreated, mortality can hit 100% within days.
📊 Key Facts
Causative Agent
Flavobacterium columnare
Peak Mortality
70%
Onset to Peak
2-7 days
Primary Host
Livebearers, catfish, cichlids, goldfish
Treatment
✗ None
Vaccine
✗ None / Experimental
🩺 Clinical Signs
White/gray cottony patches on head, gills, fins, or body. Ulceration under patches. Rapid gill movement. Sudden deaths.
💊 Treatment
⚠️ No universally approved treatment is currently available. The information below covers supportive care and experimental approaches.
Kanamycin sulfate (most reliable). Furan-2 (nitrofurazone). Salt baths. LOWER water temperature to slow progression. Address triggering stress.
🛡️ Prevention
ℹ️ Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing this disease in aquaculture and aquarium settings.
Cool, well-oxygenated water. Avoid overcrowding. Quarantine new fish.