What Causes Panaque Plague?

[GhostArcher]

I have recently begun to keep Panaque species. I purchased my first L190 a few weeks ago. As, I was reading about how to possibly breed them I ran across several pages that refer to Panaque Plague. Now, my fish does not have this disease and I hope they never will, through an impeccable water change schedule, quarantine, and diet but, I know even with the best care the possibly is still always there. In my reading I have learned that it is treatable with copper based medications. For me though, that is just not enough information. I want to know what is the root of this disease. I just can not seem to find any info on what conditions or care issues cause this disease. So, has this disease been classified with a scientific name like ick and other diseases have, Is there any information on it's root causes and what steps can I take to prevent it from happening to my Panaque? Thank you for any information you can provide!

[Jools]

Never heard of Panaque plague before.

Jools

[GhostArcher]

Never heard of Panaque plague before.

Jools

I had never heard of it either until I saw those few pages on it so, it kind of confused me as to what exactly it was and weather or not it is a big problem with Panaque species. But, if even the experts on here have not heard of it then it probably isn't that prominent of a problem and more than likely linked to bad husbandry I would imagine. I may have panicked a little bit there. lol. Thanks for the reply.

[Mark421]

I experienced the panaque plague last year. I lost a 13" l27 xingu.

There's good read here

.http://plecoplanet.com/?page_id=791

I think mine was caused by a new piece of bogwood and changing the tank around and stressing out the fish. But no one really knows, it could have always been in the fish and the stress brought it on. I have also read that 330's are carriers of the plague.

All you can do is keep panaque in the best conditions. Your lucky in the USA aqurisol is available (copper based med).

[Birger]

That is a well written account...

Here is a link to the "potential pathogen" it is a Salmonid disease but does seem similar at least http://www.scahls.org.au/__data/assets/ ... lmonis.pdf

Here it shows in non-salmonid freshwater species, mentions

Panaque suttoni

http://www.int-res.com/articles/dao/29/d029p137.pdf

Birger

[DOLEMITE]

Wow, good to know about. I have never heard of this condition before. I wonder how common it really is?