Germs called Mycobacterium can cause fish tank granuloma in people. Where does it usually show up?
As sores or bumps, usually on the hands.
- As ulcers only inside the mouth
- As sores or bumps on the hands ✔
- As swelling only around the ankles
Why: Washington State University says mycobacteria like Mycobacterium marinum can enter through skin cuts from fish or tank water. The result, fish tank granuloma, shows up as skin sores or bumps, usually on the hands.
Huh, didn't know that: CDC says to tell a healthcare provider about fish and aquarium contact if you become sick after cleaning a tank.
Why did the fish read the safety manual? It wanted to be well-schooled.
References
Answer: As sores or bumps on the hands. Washington State University says mycobacteria like Mycobacterium marinum can enter through skin cuts from fish or tank water. The result, fish tank granuloma, shows up as skin sores or bumps, usually on the hands.
- Washington State University IACUC: Zoonoses Associated with Fish iacuc.wsu.edu/zoonoses-associated-with-fish
Persons affected by mycobacteriosis may develop “fish tank granulomas”, which appear as skin ulcers or nodules usually on the hands.
Checked 2026-10-11. - Washington State University IACUC: Zoonoses Associated with Fish iacuc.wsu.edu/zoonoses-associated-with-fish
where bacterial penetration can be facilitated by skin wounds or damage
Checked 2026-10-11. - CDC Healthy Pets: Fish www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/fish.html
Mycobacteriosis (Fish Tank Granuloma, Swimming Pool Granuloma)
Checked 2026-10-11. - CDC Healthy Pets: Fish www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/fish.html
tell your healthcare provider that you have a pet fish.
Checked 2026-10-11.
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