Description

Symptoms: Begins as small pits on the head and face, usually just above the eye. If untreated, these turn into large cavities and then the disease progresses along the lateral line.

Head and Lateral Line Disease is also known as Lateral Line Erosion (LLE), and Lateral Line Disease (LLD). In saltwater fish it is occasionally referred to as Marine Head and Lateral Line Erosion (MHLLE) or Head and Lateral Line Erosion Syndrome (HLLES).

Though its cause is not definitively determined, a recent study was conducted by Jay Hemdal and reported in Coral Magazine in the spring of 2011. The focus of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the use of activated carbon in aquariums and the development of HLLES in surgeonfish. From the results of the study, it has been suggested that HLLE is a result of activated carbon used in the aquarium. Fish from the study that developed HLLE were in two control groups, one group treated with unwashed lignin carbon and the other with pelletized carbon. A third group of fishes were in a control group where no carbon was used, and they did not develop Head and Lateral Line Disease.

The study was conducted only on marine fishes. Not all species of fish show the same symptoms of the disease however, and they do not always develop lesions to the same degree. It has been suggested that in freshwater fishes the causes seem to be different, but that is not yet substantiated.

Previously Head and Lateral Line Disease was thought to be caused by a poor diet or lack of variety, a nutritional deficiency of one or more of: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus; lack of partial water changes; or over filtration with chemical media such as activated carbon.

This disease is often confused with another disease called Hexamita, because both these diseases are often seen simultaneously in the same fish. Hexamita is a protozoan disease that attacks the lower intestine. Discus and other large cichlids, especially Oscars, are especially prone to Hexamita.

Treatment

The best treatment suggestions at this time are to use a quarantine tank that offers a stress free environment with good quality water. Provide a quality diet including vegetable foods, places to hide, and a quiet area for the aquarium.

HLLE has been reversed by one or more of the following treatments:

• Remove activated carbon filtration.
• Increase frequent water changes.
• Add vitamins to frozen foods.
• Add the addition of flake foods, as they are enriched with vitamins.
• Add greens, either frozen or in leaf form, to the diet.
• Decrease the amount of beef heart as it lacks many critical nutrients.