Flex commonly appears
on the body or coming from the mouth. There are other infections that
may look similar but without the benefit of a microscope some quesswork
must be done.
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Flexibacter columnaris - now
called Flavobacterium
columnare
Common Name: Flex
Scientific Name: Flavobacterium
columnare, Flexibacter columnaris
Description: Gram- Negative Rod Bacteria
Symptoms: white, yellow-brown, gray
cottony patches on body, fins or mouth
Cause: poor water conditions, stress
Medications: Maracyn, Maracyn-Two
combined
Ingredients: Erythromycin,
Minocycline, Oxytetracycline
Notes: Flex may look
like a fungus but is
actually a bacteria
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More Information
Flex is a gram-negative rod bacterium that commonly infects
aquarium fish. Anabantoids, like Bettas, are especially susceptible.
Flex is often mistaken for a fungus because of its cottony appearance
but it is indeed a bacteria. Actual, “True Fungus”, is fairly rare
among bettas but does occasionally occur on dead tissue. Flavobacterium
columnare has several common names such as “Flex”, “Mouth Fungus” and
“Cotton Wool Disease.”
While Flex may come in a variety of appearances it remains fairly easy
to diagnose. It generally looks as though there is a white,
yellowish-brown or whitish-gray growth on the fish’s body, fins or
mouth. It is usually looks like cottony tuffs, lint or stringy thread.
In some cases it may span across the top of the fish like a saddle on a
horse. The truest way to diagnose is by looking at the bacteria under a
microscope but few aquarists have that option. For the sake of
argument, we’ll assume we’re diagnosing based on naked-eye
observations. Other symptoms may accompany the cottony growths
including lethargy, color loss, redness around the infected site, loss
of appetite and twitching or rubbing the body against tank décor
or gravel.
Flex is often brought on by poor water conditions including the
presence of ammonia, nitrite or elevated nitrate levels due to
infrequent water changes, decaying matter in the tank or overstocking.
These toxins have no color, smell or texture and the only way to know
if they are present is to test your water with the appropriate water
testing kits. Other stressors like fluctuating pH, water temperature or
harassment by other fish can weaken the betta’s immune system leaving
him susceptible to the disease. It is also suspected that decreased
dissolved oxygen levels may contribute to the growth of flex. Adding an
air stone may help to reduce the risk of these bacteria. Immediately
upon suspecting flex, you should test your water parameters and make
any necessary changes.
If caught early, Flavobacterium columnare is quite treatable but if
left to progress it can be fatal. To treat flex, purchase an aquarium
antibiotic that treats gram-negative bacterial infections. I recommend
Mardel’s Maracyn-Two. For serious instances, a combination of both
Maracyn and Maracyn-Two may be best to cover any secondary infections.
The two medications together will treat both gram-positive and
gram-negative bacterium. The antibiotic, oxytetracycline, has been
regarded as a very effective cure and may be a key ingredient in some
medicated fish foods. If your betta is still eating, feeding
these medicated fish foods, or soaking your own pellet foods in an
appropriate antibiotic will help to get the medicine into his system
faster thus increasing his likelihood of recovery. Following the
recommended treatment on the medicine box is encouraged in addition to
medicating the food. Because the bacteria flourishes in warmer water
you may find it beneficial to slowly lower your water temperature over
the subsequent couple days. Aim for a temperature on the low spectrum
of bettas’ comfort zone. Approximately 75˚F – 77˚F [23.8˚C – 25˚C] is
recommended.
Just a Note:
Antibiotic resistance is a problem facing aquarists all over the world.
This occurs when bacteria evolve to make newer, stronger strains that
cannot be combated by available antibiotics. Flavobacterium columnare
is an example of such a transitioning bacteria. There are several
strains of flex from the mild to severe and recent accounts of a
particularly virulent strain have made its way into aquariums. These
newer strains have been known to kill fish in under a day and may be
untreatable. To avoid creating tougher strains of bacteria be sure to
carefully follow the directions on the medicine package and to never
stop or change medications part way through treatment unless your betta
is having a dangerous reaction to them. As with any disease, remove
your sick fish from the community tank and isolate him for treatment in
a hospital tank. Never medicate healthy fish.
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