Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV) is a virus that is known to affect freshwater fish, including the dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia) and African lampeye. It’s one of the most common viral diseases in aquarium fish and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. DGIV is caused by a large DNA virus belonging to the Iridae family, and has been reported to infect many species of freshwater fish in Europe, the United States and Japan.
Clinical signs of DGIV infection include anorexia, lethargy, fin erosion or fraying and discolored scales. It’s also known to cause a “star-gazing” symptom, where affected fish will tilt their head upward and swim erratically. In some cases, DGIV will cause organ damage and even death in affected fish.
Diagnosing DGIV is based on clinical signs coupled with the presence of viral particles in the infected fish’s body fluids. Treatment for DGIV is unfortunately limited. Supportive care such as improved water quality and antibiotics can help reduce mortality associated with this virus.
In order to prevent the spread of DGIV, it’s important to practice good biosecurity when introducing new fish into a tank. Quarantine all new fish for at least two weeks and keep them separate from existing tank mates during this time. Avoid mixing different species of fish in the same tank as they can spread disease to one another. Make sure to properly disinfect any equipment or tools that come in contact with infected fish.
Symptoms of Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus
Symptoms of Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV) vary but can include:
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Fraying and discolored fins
- ‘Star-gazing’ symptom where affected fish will tilt their head upward and swim erratically
In more severe cases, DGIV can cause organ damage or even death.
Diagnosing Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus
Diagnosing DGIV is based on clinical signs coupled with the presence of viral particles in the infected fish’s body fluids. Specifically, DGIV can be detected through a PCR test of tissue or blood samples, which will reveal the presence of the virus.
Stages of Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus
DGIV is typically split into two stages: the initial infection stage and the latency stage.
Initial Infection Stage:
During the initial infection stage, virus particles are actively replicating in the fish’s body fluids, leading to clinical signs of disease.
Latency Stage:
During the latency stage, the virus might not be active but can still be present in a dormant form. This dormant form can become reactivated if environmental conditions change.
Treating Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for DGIV. Supportive care such as improved water quality and antibiotics can help reduce mortality associated with this virus. It’s also important to practice good biosecurity to prevent the spread of the disease.
In order to prevent the spread of DGIV, it’s important to practice good biosecurity when introducing new fish into a tank. Quarantine all new fish for at least two weeks and keep them separate from existing tank mates during this time. Avoid mixing different species of fish in the same tank because they can spread disease to one another. Make sure to properly disinfect any equipment or tools that come in contact with infected fish.
Preventing Freshwater Fish Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus
The first step to preventing DGIV is to buy healthy fish. When shopping for your fish, make sure that they are free of any visible signs of disease and don’t have any discolored patches on their bodies. It’s important to quarantine any new fish before adding them to the tank. This will help limit the spread of any potential illnesses or parasites that might be present.
Once you have your fish in the tank, it’s important to practice good aquarium care. Make sure that the water parameters are maintained at the correct levels and that there is enough oxygenation in the tank. Make sure to clean out any uneaten food or waste from the tank before it starts to accumulate and cause ammonia toxicity.