Summary
Iridoviruses are a family of DNA viruses that
have been found in a variety of fish. Some
iridoviruses have been associated with serious disease
outbreaks, while others have not. Iridoviruses
associated with disease and mortality of tropical fish
have been reported in Ramirez dwarf cichlids,
angelfish, and, most recently, gouramis from the
genus Trichogaster . It is unknown whether the virus
particles observed in tissues of sick fish are actually
responsible for disease. Also, we do not know
whether each iridovirus reported in freshwater
tropical fish represents a different virus or are all
caused by the same one. When disease occurs in blue,
gold or platinum gouramis, efforts should be made to
promptly submit a sample of sick fish to a diagnostic
facility. There are no medications which can be used
to cure viral infections. Early detection and treatment
of other problems, such as parasitism or bacterial
disease, will improve the chance of recovery of
affected fish.