Apistogramma Bitaeniata Orange

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have recently purchased a pair of Apistos. The male over the last week has developed some kind of growth under and around his mouth. It isn't furry or slimy looking but small white lumps of various size. He is eating, defending teritory and swimming normally, there has been no scratching or signs that he is in pain. What is it? Is it just a harmless growth, as my local aquatic store suggests.
Hope you can help
Jo
x

ANSWER: Hi Jo,
 It is a growth or is it damage from fighting?  

 If it is a series of growths, are they small white smooth inverted cones?

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm pretty sure its not from fighting. They are smooth and white but not really cone shape, more rounded lumps.
Jo

Answer
Hi Jo,
 It could be a disease called columnaris.  It forms these little mounds that come and go on the skin of a fish, often near the head and upper body.  Lots of partial water changes often help with this.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>