HLLE and Activated Carbon: Looking for a Link
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) is a chronic, often progressive problem affecting captive fishes. Starting as small pits around the fish’s eyes, light-colored lesions develop bilaterally along the fish’s lateral line system, a sense organ that can be seen on many species as a line running down both sides of the animal.
Although rarely fatal, it causes disfigurement, making the fish less suitable for display. At least 13 families of fish have been identified as having developed HLLE in captivity. Not all species of fish show the same symptoms, and they do not always develop lesions to the same degree (Hemdal 2006). Many causes and cures have been suggested over the years, but controlled studies are lacking. The Toledo Zoo study will examine the use of activated carbon and how it coincides with the development of HLLE lesions.
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http://www.coralmagazine-us.com/content/hlle-and-activated-carbon-looking-link