HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion)

[Ed Hahn]

I am wanting to talk about HLLE. I have read that it is caused by again poor diet ( I want to learn what diet cures this), Poor water Quality, stray voltage, and poor husbandtry, What else and how can we prevent this?

 

[The Apprentice]

What else and how can we prevent this

Hi Ed This is a good subject to talk about I constantly worry about yet I have been lucky not to have any problems with it Early last year when i was getting Refugium's set up on my 150 Tank this subject was brought up alot with the Eco system they really addresses this back then I havent been to thier web site in a while but I do like the Refugium they do make, And if this Miracle Mud is a helper ???? Im not sure but it does make a whole lot of bugs for copper band and Mandrin... check it out...Jeff
http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/hlle.html

I am wanting to talk about HLLE. I have read that it is caused by again poor diet ( I want to learn what diet cures this), Poor water Quality, stray voltage, and poor husbandtry, What else and how can we prevent this?

 

[Ed Hahn]

Ok, Now what is a goiter? I am looking for a Dictionary. This is the first I have heard of low iodine in the diet, Interesting..
Quote from Vetranarian in above article:
In my opinion, the most significant and consistent finding suggests a goiter-like condition, one that in mammals is due to low iodine in the diet or its improper metabolism.

 

[Boomer]

I do not buy the iodine theory at all. Many foods, such as certain marine algaes, prepared foods and especially shrimp are very high in iodine.

Iodine in Marine Aquaria: Part I
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/chem.htm

Iodine in Reef Tanks 2: Effects on Macroalgae Growth
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2003/chem.htm

The author of that article says;

This disease has yet to be reported in fishes in the wild

This is not so, he should check into Hexamita/Spironucleus in marine fish. Just because there is nothing found in the "holes" does not mean there is no disease. Internal diseases, not associated with the 'holes" can weaken fish, cause excessive mucus production, plugging up the lateral-line complex, which causes the LLC to break down producing 'holes". Flagellates have been found in the intestines and stomachs of angels and tangs that have HLLE. You can see this "effect" in some tangs and angles when cooper levels are to high in QT tanks.

IMHO is it a function of to much stress, poor diet and water quality. In a well run reef tank you do not see this. The disease is by far most common in FOT

Group B fish are housed in live rock tanks with fluorescent lighting and were fed brine shrimp only, much like the fish in previous trials

Yah, right those fish only ate the brine shrimp and not any of the stuff on the LR.

Currently, we are continuing the research into why the improvement is so rapid. We suspect that micro-algae, almost invisible to the naked eye, may provide a food source for these algae eating fish, much as it is provided in the natural environment.

Yes, I could buy that, but more on nipping on the live rock

 

[NaH2O]

IMHO is it a function of to much stress, poor diet and water quality. In a well run reef tank you do not see this. The disease is by far most common in FOT

I agree...all leading to immune system issues? I have also read where use of Carbon might play a role, too. I have a tang that developed HLLE shortly after I received it (shipped fish). I made sure my water quality was great, and fed a good variety of foods soaked in Selcon. It didn't take long before the tang's HLLE was gone. Terry B has some good articles about HLLE. I need to re-read the articles, as its been awhile. Here they are:

Hypothesis of HLLE, part 1 - HLLE Stress and Immune Function

Hypothesis of HLLE, part 2 - What really causes HLLE?

Hypothesis of HLLE, part 3 - Enhancing Immune Function with Nutrition

 

[bmtpfgh]

I bought a 3" Desjardinii tang that had HLLE.That was 4 years ago.I figured pristine water and an excellent diet would fix him right up.It never improved.The latest I had read was someone had incredible improvement by soaking SeaVeggies in lemon juice.A vitimin C deficency is also thought to be a cause.I fed him this every day with fresh grapefruit juice(right off the tree),garlic,and Selcon for 6 months with no improvement.The holes in his head grew in proportion to his body,but never got any deeper.They were never any better or worse.His lateral line didn't seem to be affected.He was always very healthy and active with a great appetite.I finally gave him to the LFS about 6 months ago because he was just getting too big.Much to my surprise he ended up in my doctor's tank.I know he has been there at least 2 months,and he isn't getting a special diet.He still looks the same.I would have expected worse,but no change since I gave him up.

 

[Ed Hahn]

Goiter is an enlargement of your thyroid gland.
...sorry for late response..

 

[Steven Pro]

Here is my take on Marine Head & Lateral Line Erosion,
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/sp/index.php