Iridovirus in Gouramis
Further Revised 1/8/19
From the full article: “EDIS; Iridovirus in Gouramis”
By RuthEllen Klinger, Ruth Francis-Floyd, John Slaughter and Craig Watson
What Are Iridoviruses?
Iridoviruses are a family of viruses (130–300 nanometers in size) that contain DNA as their genetic material and have an icosahedral (20-sided) capsid. Iridoviruses have been found in a wide variety of fish, including both freshwater and saltwater species.
Some iridoviruses have been associated with serious diseases (e.g., viral erythrocytic necrosis of salmonids) while others have only been found in apparently healthy animals (e.g., goldfish iridovirus).
One iridovirus causes a disease called lymphocystis which causes unsightly skin lesions on infected fish, but otherwise is of little consequence.
Iridovirus in Gouramis
An iridovirus was found in spleen and intestinal tissue of gouramis from the genus Trichogaster that were dying with signs of systemic disease. Mortality rates of affected fish have varied from low (0.5–10%) to moderate (50%) with death usually occurring 24–48 hours after the onset of signs. Clinical signs associated with the presence of the iridovirus have included darkening of body coloration and lethargy. Sick gouramis often stop eating and the abdomen may be distended. Internally, an enlarged spleen has been the most notable abnormality. The intestine may be reddened, and a clear amber fluid may be present in the body cavity. Laboratory examination for bacterial, fungal, or parasitic agents has frequently been negative. Through electron microscopy (EM), abundant iridoviral particles have been found in the spleens and intestines of dying fish.
An iridovirus has been isolated in cell culture and cytopathic effect (death of infected cells) has been observed. Although the iridovirus has been implicated as a possible cause of disease in gouramis, efforts to reproduce the disease under laboratory conditions have not yet been successful.
The picture below shows a Dwarf Gourami displaying symptoms that are sometimes found with DGIV (Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus). Often darkening of the body is also a classic symptom too.
Very little can be done for a fish with Iridovirus, often euthanasia is the best course of action.
Treatments to consider would be a Medicated Fish Bath along with a Medicated Wonder Shell in tank.
Resources:
*Fish Baths, Dips, Swabs
*AAP Wonder Shells; Regular & Medicated. The ONLY Authorized online seller
Level One UV Sterilization can also help with prevention both by killing any viruses outright that pass through the ‘Category A’ UV Sterilizer and by improving Redox Balance.
Proper flow rate, installation, even the correct UV (as many now sold are junk), and proper maintenance (which includes changing the UV Bulb) are essential this tool being effective for prevention of Iridovirus in Gouramis.
Further reference:
RuthEllen Klinger, Biological Scientist, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Ruth Francis-Floyd, Associate Professor, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; John Slaughter, Veterinarian, Hillsborough County Extension Service; Craig Watson, County Extension Agent, Hillsborough County Extension Service; Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
OTHER RELATED/SUGGESTED READING FOR AQUARIUM OR POND KEEPING:
*A Healthy Aquarium, Disease Prevention
An excellent step by step scientifically tested method to keep more disease free fish in an aquarium (or pond)
*Columnaris; As well as Fungus in Aquarium Fish
The Internet’s premier article on the subject of Columnaris. By far the most in depth and research/experience based article on the subject.
*How Aquarium or Pond Fish Medications Work
A very in depth article, divided into 4 total web pages
*Aquarium Lighting Facts & Information
In my experience, this is by far the best and most accurate article on the subject. Any obvious biases are well backed up by factual research.
It includes information about the growing in popularity LED Aquarium Lights.
Copyright 2019, By Steve Allen
Aquarium Article Digest 