Branchiomyces

What is Branchiomyces?
 Branchiomyces demigrans or Gill Rot is caused by the  fungi  Branchiomyces sanguinis   and Branchiomyces demigrans. Both species of fungi are found in fish suffering from an environmental stress, such as low pH (5.8 to 6.5), low dissolved oxygen, or a high algal bloom. Branchiomyces sp. grow at temperatures between  but grow best between.

Disease Signs
Branchiomyces sp. primarily infect the gill tissue of fish so preventing oxygen takeup. Fish appear lethargic and may be seen gulping air at the water surface. Damaged gills appear marbled with pale areas instead of uniformly bright red. As the dead tissue dies and falls off, the spores are released into the water and transmitted to other fish. High mortalities are often associated with this type of infection.

Treatment
Good water quality is the best way to control Branchiomycosis. If the disease is discovered, isolate the fish and be careful you do not containment other tanks via water droplets or wet nets, hands, etc.Formalin and Copper sulphate have been used to help stop deaths. But all tanks and equipment must be disinfected and dried.

Links

 * KoiVet - Branchiomyces - by Doctor Erik Johnson