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FAQs on Aquatic Viral Diseases: Identification

Related Articles: Lymphocystis, Environmental Disease, Clownfish Disease,

Related FAQs: Viral Diseases 1, Viral Diseases 2, Aquatic Virology, & FAQs on Aquatic Virus Disease: Causes/Etiology, Cures/Medications, Case Histories: Non-Lymphocystis, Lymphocystis,

Queen Angelfish growth        8/3/16
Hello. I just received a juvenile Queen Angelfish in the mail (ordered from live aquaria.com). I noticed it has a dark greyish growth at the top base of it's tail/end of dorsal fin.
<I see this in your pix>
It's dark colored, not pink. Could this by Lymph?
<Possibly... is a tumorous growth of some sort; could be viral; they do occur in other colors>
I've searched your website, but it mostly refers to pinkish or white growths. The fish is behaving fine, swimming around and eating.
Should I be concerned?
<Mmm; not really; no. In that "concern" will do nothing and that this growth is not likely "very debilitating">
Please advise.[image: Inline image 3][image: Inline image 2][image: Inline image 1]
Thank you for your time and your wonderful website! The wealth of information has helped me immensely!
<You might consider excising this material (with a sharp blade), w/ or w/o anesthetic... or placing a cleaner organisms (perhaps a Lysmata sp. shrimp) in w/ this fish, in the hope that it might remove the material or speed on an immune response>
Also, I e-mailed several months ago about a porcupine puffer that had a cloudy eye with abrasions. I was concerned about bacterial infection, but you were right.... my 180 gallon tank had Ich! I put all of the fish in quarantine tanks and let my display tank run empty for 90 days. The puffer pulled through and is back in the display tank with it's pretty iridescent eyes! Thank you so much for your help.
<Ahh!>
Valarie
<Do please keep us informed. Bob Fenner>

MHLLE question   2/27/13
Hey everybody,
I am so glad I found WWM.  What an invaluable resource!  You are now the only place I go for anything saltwater related.  There is so much misinformation on the web, its mind boggling.  Now to my question.  After searching your forums, it seems that my large Naso may be suffering from MHLLE.  I have read every thread you have on this and have followed all recommendations, but I feel like it might be progressing, thereby making me wonder if I have it identified correctly. 
<This looks more like something viral... growing out of neuromasts about the head>
Attached is a picture of his head.  It started out as a couple small “pimples,” but progressed rather rapidly.  It seems like within a matter of a few days, it went from a few pimples to warts.  Now it looks like masses and getting some holes.  I am concerned that it seems to be progressing on one side and not the other.  I have read that MHLLE is bilateral.  This started out as bilateral (with a preference for one side), but one side seems to have cleared up while the other is getting worse. 
When I initially noticed the bumps (within a day or two of them appearing), I inquired at the LFS and was told that it was probably MHLLE and was instructed to treat with Metro in his food. 
<Mmm, won't help here>
I did this for a few days in his pellets until he quit eating pellets, I assume because of the taste. 
After I found someone who knew what they were talking about and they identified it as a nutritional deficiency and not a parasite or protozoa, I changed his diet and quit the Metro (he had been on Metro for 5 days).  I got some NLS pellets and Ocean Nutrition seaweed with garlic.  He wasn’t interested in the pellets, but would devour the seaweed and come back for more. 
Then I found your site and read every thread you have on MHLLE.  I felt good that I had obtained the NLS pellets, and also went and got some Nori and Selcon.  He still wouldn’t eat the NLS but loved the Nori and Selcon. 
A little history: I ordered this tang sight unseen about 3 months ago from the LFS.  I had a 10g QT set up and ready to go and when he came in.  He was supposed to be about 3”, but he was almost 7” long.  Much too large for my QT system so I had to make the call to acclimate and add to the display since it was late and there wasn’t a local store open to get a bigger QT.  I wasn’t too worried as the tank was new (2 months without any fish) and he was the only fish in there.  My new system is 400g and will ultimately be a reef setup, although it is now mostly LR (500lbs) and a few mushrooms.  The tank had been running fishless for 2 months prior to adding the Naso.  It had already cycled.  The ammonia was 0, the nitrites 0, nitrates 5-10 using API test kit (the colors look the same to me on the 5 and 10), phosphates about .05 using Elos test kit.  Ph 8.0-8.1, water temp 77F, salt mix Red Sea Coral Pro (1.025), RO/DI water testing zero TDS,
Marineland Black Diamond carbon, Super Reef Octopus 5000 skimmer, 800 micron filter socks, and LED lighting.
The fish was fine for the first 2 months.  When I saw no signs of disease, I started to add new fish that I had acquired and had waiting in QT.  They were all added over several weeks to give the system a chance to catch up.  New additions were: a yellow tang and a purple tang (3”), a Hippo tang (5”), a school of Banggai Cardinals (8), a school of Lyretail Anthias (8).  The whole tank was very harmonious. 
For the first couple of months, the Naso only really showed an interest in PE Mysis shrimp.  After finding out that it might be a nutritional deficiency, I cut out the PE and tried to get him onto pellets and seaweed.  About that time, I also acquired a Blue Jaw Trigger from a friend (6”).  This fish was very high energy.  He was never aggressive towards other fish, but at feeding time, he would charge right through the crowd to get his portion and everybody else’s.  This would sometimes make the Naso shy away.  I don’t know if this could be causing stress to the Naso and be a contributing factor. 
<Not likely much>
The Naso has not had any PE Mysis shrimp in 2 weeks and has been eating Selcon soaked Nori every day for the last 3 days.  He is starting to warm up to the NLS pellets and eats 4-5 1mm pellets at feeding time (2-3 times a day).  He spits out the 2mm pellets.  He has been eating the pellets for 3 days.  I think he would eat the Nori continuously if I gave it to him.  That is all he begs for.  My question is: does this look like MHLLE, even though it isn’t bilateral?
<It does not>
  Is it common for it to progress for a bit once nutrition is corrected, before it starts to reverse? I feel like my water quality is good.  My RedOx is consistently between 350-400.  I do 10% water changes every other week.  I had been running carbon but just removed it today after I felt sure any Metro that was in the water was gone.  I have read on your site that carbon could contribute.  I will now run without carbon for a bit.  I also added Phoslock to remove any remaining phosphates. 
<Mmm, I'd allow some HPO4 here; not use chemical filtrant/s>
I just want to feel confident that I have identified the problem correctly and that I am treating appropriately to give him the best chance.  Thanks for all that you do.  James
<T'were it me/mine, I'd continue as you have, and add some purposeful cleaners here. Likely Lysmata species. Hopefully their presence will tip the balance and stir your Naso to self-improvement. Bob Fenner>

Yellow Clown Goby Lymphocystis?    5/24/12
Good morning :)
I have been in the SW Hobby for 10 years.  My main display tank is 8 years old and happy, waiting to possibly be upgraded for a larger tank.  I have a second tank (30 gal, live rock, pH 8.3, T 78, Amm/Nit/N-ate 0, S 1.026) that had live rock, crabs and snails for 2 years.  Initially, he was going to temporarily house my DT inhabitants while I transferred tanks. 
Everything was put on hold for various reasons, so I decided to actually put fish into my smaller tank.  I started with Yellow Clown Gobies, as I love them but they never would survive in my DT (always ended up in the sump).  I noted on WWM that these fish do not quarantine well, so I added them directly to the 30 gal tank 2 1/2 weeks ago.  Meanwhile, I quarantined my Gold Bar Maroon Clowns (ORA and from a good fish store that quarantines, so I'm not sure I needed to quarantine them, but I did just to be sure). 
As an aside..... I paired up a medium and small clown and they are happily getting along together so far.
Within a day of putting the yellow gobies into the tank, I noted one of them had weird "protrusions" of scales.  These really did look like flat scales sticking straight out of it's body. Many of them - 20 or so at least.  I think the other goby had a couple, but not nearly as many.  I could not find this anywhere online (I failed to take a picture.... sorry).
 I did find one person on WWM describing something similar.  And I found one other site that has a thread about an "unusual parasite" that is described somewhat similarly.  That thread indicates this parasite is known to have an "affection" for small gobies or similar fish. 
I stared at this fish a lot, and really didn't think they were parasites. 
After about 48 hours, he went back to normal.  All the while, this goby ate well and often. (Mysis/Spectrum Pellets).  Yesterday I added my extremely healthy Maroon Clowns to the tank.  Right after, I observed that this Yellow Goby was COVERED in white spots.  It is possible that I just hadn't looked at him earlier that day.  But I wondered if they showed up because I stressed him out by adding the Maroon Clown.  I panicked and took the Clown Gobies out into Quarantine.  I should have looked at them thoroughly before adding the Maroon Clowns!  Now both of my yellow gobies are covered in these spots.
I read extensively - and I wonder if this is Lymphocystis? 
<Mmm, don't think so... based on appearance and such rapid onset>
It isn't Ich or velvet, and I don't think it is  flukes/parasites. It seems extreme/sudden, but I think the stress could do it.  I also read an old article about the Lymphocystis life cycle.  It seems that at Day 8 after infection, cells change but there is not virus visible, day 15 the virus becomes active and visible in the cells, and day 28 it is in its most active state.  This would fit close to the timing of my fish - if the "scales poking out" were the result of cellular changes at approximately day 15 - this would be the right timing for the most active phase. 
Probably worsened by the added stress.  I understand Lymphocystis is a Herpes Virus - which in humans is certainly activated by stress also. 
<Yes>
If this is Lymphocystis, should I put these clowns back into the tank?  Or try to keep them in quarantine? 
<I'd try treating for Protozoans and worms in quarantine for a couple weeks>
I believe the tank will be more calming....
<Agreed>
the Gold Bar Maroon Clowns initially showed no interest in them.  Also they seem relatively mellow and cooperative.  I don't want to infect the Clowns, but I don't want to kill the Gobies either by keeping them in quarantine too long.
If not Lymphocystis..... ?
<Can't tell w/o sampling, microscopic examination. Bob Fenner>

full size pic

Is this Lymphocystis?   4/25/12
Once again thank you all for sharing all of your knowledge and expertise through this wonderful site. I have read some of the articles here and I believe my French angelfish may have Lymphocystis. She has developed white cotton like spots on her body over the last two days and these spots appear to be larger than Ich. She has been in qt for two weeks now and her behavior is normal with a very high level of curiosity. She readily eats anything that is offered. Can you please look at these pictures and advise if I am on the right track?
<Mmm, usually what is generally labeled as Lymphocystis manifests itself on the (mainly unpaired) fins... I suspect there are a few virally-mediated such growths of/on fishes... These spots look more discrete... perhaps just reaction sites to physical injuries. I would "treat" by doing what you can to maintain good water quality and nutrition; not through chemical applications>
Thank you,
Scott
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

 

Ailing Angel: Looks like Lymphocystis 3/2/2010 Lymph ID
Hello Crew,
<Hi Kirby.>
I know you've heard this a lot, but I have to compliment you all on a fantastic site.
I use the information on a very frequent basis, but as is human nature, sometimes I still learn things the hard way, however your advice has saved me from myself more than once. .
<Thank you for the kind words.>
Onto the fishy business: I have an angel that the LFS claimed was a juvenile 6 line angel.
The angel was in a 10 gallon bare quarantine tank for 2 weeks, and all appeared well before I moved it to the main tank. While acclimating it to the water in the main tank I gave it a Methylene blue treatment for about 20 minutes, just as a precaution.
The angel was ok for he first couple of days then I notices some patches on the rear section of it's body. I thought it might have been irritation from rubbing against the numerous Vermetid worms in the tank, the spots on the body seemed to clear up, but now it has several spots that I can only describe as looking like cysts. these look like little egg pouches or something. I have looked at a lot (not all) of the information from the WWM pages, and have not encountered anything that fits this description. I do believe it is some type of parasite, but so far (I don't think it's going to stay this way) none of the other fish are showing any signs of infection.
<The pictures are a little hard to make out, but it looks like Lymphocystis A viral infection similar to warts and seems to be more common on angelfish than others. Have a look here and see if anything looks familiar:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm >
I've attached some photo's to help identify the ailment, and maybe confirm the fish's identity as well. the fish too. Let me know if any of the pictures need to be clearer, sometimes the picture compression process does things to the image quality.
I know that I probably should get this little one into a hospital tank, but I haven't had time to try to get him out. My experience is that I need to practically tear the tank apart to get a fish out, if there's one piece of live rock left in the tank, all the fish will find a way to hide under it.
By the time a fish is easy to catch it's usually too far gone to be able to be helped. So I'm looking at about a full day to tear down and put back together the tank to get the fish out. The wrasse is the hardest since he hides in the aragonite. Could you help identify what the angel is afflicted with, and how I can treat it?
<If it is truly Lymph it will clear on its own in time.>
I'd really hate to lose this new critter, it looks so nice (when it was healthy) and I also need to know what it is, since it's probably going to happen to all the other fish too.
<Lymph is non contagious.>
The tank parameters are as follows
180 gallon main tank, 75 gallon sump,
SG 1.023
calcium 400
ph 8.3 to 8.4
nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, phosphates all practically not measureable.
Sorry for the long message, but I find its good to provide as much relevant information as I can.
<Detailed information is always appreciated.>
I appreciate your assistance, so will the critters I'm sure.
<My pleasure.>
Thank You,
KP
<MikeV>

Lamarck Angel Disease, viral 7/14/2009
Hello,
Thanks for all the information you all provide. I have been using your site for about 8 years.
<Ahh! And WWM is coming up on its 15th year anniversary... Got a solicitation for red and gold stickers for the event>
I have a Lamarck Angel with fluffy white patches on her fins and mouth area. She has been in my tank for about 1 week. Before going into the main tank, (one week in q. tank) I noticed she did have a spot on her dorsal fin. It looked like it was rubbed. Of coarse, once I added her to main tank, it bloomed. There's a "glob" below her mouth and a few more globs on her dorsal fin. I see smaller spots appearing on her pectoral fins as well. My tank is a 155 bow, with quite a few butterflies and a few other angels.
I have some cleaning inverts and about 180lbs of live rock. The tank has been set-up for 5 years in the current location. I use a skimmer, and some bagged media in the sump. Should I try to yank her out and dip her?
<Mmm, no... I wouldn't... This is likely the viral/stress syndrome labeled Lymphocystis... You can read re: http://wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm
and the linked files above>
As long as the other fish are not stressed, this should not infect them, right?
<Likely so>
She is eating everything I give her. Mysis, Formula 1&2, and blackworms, flakes and some algae. My SG is kind of low at 1.020-1.021 ish,
<I'd raise this... to Near Seawater strength>
pH 8.3-8.4, trace nitrate <20ppm.
-Becky
<And supplement foods with a HUFA, vitamin prep... see WWM re... Bob Fenner>

Blond Naso Growth: Lymphocystis 7/15/2009
First, thanks for all of your help. You guys are a great resource.
<Thank You.>
I just picked up a Blond Naso and it has a white cauliflower like growth on its fin (see pic). It is in the quarantine tank right now. Please advise what you think the growth is and how I should treat it. Thanks again!
<It looks to by Lymphocystis. You can read about it here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm This should clear itself in time..
Mike
<MikeV>

Lymphocystis on six line wrasse 5/17/09
Hello,
<Greetings, Christine here>
I have a Six Line Wrasse with a cauliflower looking growth between his right eye and snout. It has been there for months, doing more research shows it may be a Lymphocystis. I thought it was a tumor and just kept an eye on it. My water parameters are Ammonia 0, Nitrates 10ppm, Salinity 1.025. Nothing wrong with its tank mates (2 Kent clowns, Niger Trigger, Zebra Moray, Orchid dotty back, Yellow Tank) From what I have read it would typically go away after several weeks but it's been there for months.
I now feel I should quarantine it, what is your take?
Thanks
Tom
<"Cauliflower-like" does sound like Lymphocystis, and considering the very slow progression of the growth that or another virus is likely. Cancerous tumors and viral growths are physiologically quite similar in some ways, so
without extensive testing you may never know, but that is ok. In either case, there is no medication you could give to change things, so the treatment path is the same: supportive care in the way of solid nutrition, varied foods, vitamin supplements like Selcon and VitaChem, and good water quality. Beta-glucan as a supplement in the food may be helpful as well. I wouldn't bother taking the fish out into quarantine as it offers no benefit: there's nothing you can do in a hospital tank that you can't do in the display (as long as the other fish are leaving him alone), and
stressing him by moving will be detrimental. Plus, if there is anything contagious about the growth, all of your other fish have already been exposed. Keep an eye on it and continue as usual.
--Christine>

Lymphocystis? 3/9/09 Just need a quick clarification. Is this Lymphocystis or some sort of tumor? <Almost assuredly Lymph> If it's a tumor, what treatment would you suggest? <Mmm, none... just good care, feeding, time going by... see WWM re> This is on the fin of a Flame Angel. Also thought the pic may help others diagnose their own fish:) Thanks much!!! <Thank you Scott. Bob Fenner>

Another Ich question... perhaps 04/14/2008 Hi Crew, I know you don't get tired of these... an Ich question. On Friday I picked up a latticed butterfly and put it in a QT. All appeared to be fine. Saturday it had 3 spots on its tail fin... and I know it's Ich. <... maybe> Since researching WWM I know they are sensitive to chelated copper. I did do a fw dip with meth. blue for 4 min... fish was extremely stressed. I had Cupramine on hand but didn't have a SeaChem test kit. I found one in town, went and got it. Came back and dosed as directed. Tested the tank and got no results. According to the FAQs on WWM this is not too uncommon. Here's the problem. I have no way of testing this copper within the 48 hours as recommended... any suggestions on another way to test? Also fish seems a little stressed, would it be prudent to filter the copper out and try another method, formalin dips or 50% water changes every other day for 2 weeks, to combat this? Thank you Jennifer <I would hold off on treatment period... this may well not be Ich/Cryptocaryon... are the spots located directly over the fin rays? Possibly these are just reaction sites from rough netting... A well-resolved picture would help... Bob Fenner>

Re: Another Ich question... - 04/14/08 Hi Bob, Update: Sunday I did a 50% water change (using main tank water) and am currently using a PolyFilter to get the copper out. I would have sent pics but they are too small to see in the pic, not to mention the little bugger wouldn't sit still. 1 of the 3 spots is gone. The spots are not on the fin rays they are on the very edge of the fin. <Both telling... this is not Cryptocaryon> At what point do you think I'll know for sure it's Ich and what would be your recommendation for treatment given that latticed Butterflyfish are copper sensitive? <... posted... In general, best to use quinine.> Is Cupramine ok for this fish? <IF it had something for which Copper is useful to treat...> I have researched this disease to death so I am quite familiar with its' lifecycle and the treatments. I just don't think this fish was doing well with the Cupramine, stationary in the corner, heavy breathing. Since the water change moving around more and normal respiration. <Thank goodness> And FYI on the SeaChem test results.. according to SeaChem if there is a lot # on the powder reagent then that is the problem. <?!> They have revamped their test kits. Thank you Bob Jennifer <And you Jen. BobF>

Re: Another Ich question... - 04/15/08 Dear Bob and I say dear because if you don't think this is Ich I'll sing your praises even more than I already do!! In all of the research that I have done I have yet to see that the spots needed to be on the fin rays but it does make sense. The 2 remaining spots are gone. She hasn't scratched that I've seen but I try to stay out of the room to keep her stress level down. <Good point, practice> I shall continue with water changes to keep up water quality. She hasn't eaten since I brought her home but seems interested in picking at tank wall and floor. <What they do> I've put Mysis shrimp in the clam shell as suggested on WWM but nothing. I'll try other tricks. <Fresh/er live rock...> Thank you again Bob for all of your great advice!! Jen <Welcome! BobF>

Re: Another Ich question... -- 4/15/08 I wrestled with the live rock idea because if it was Ich meds would kill...well you know the rest. However, she did eat some shrimp. By the way I did see those 2 spots after all on her tail (had to press my face against the glass), which now makes 48 hours. Thanks again, Bob! Jennifer <Jen, can you send a well-resolved, close-up pic? BobF>

Re: Another Ich question... 4/16/08 Bob, I don't know "well resolved" these photos are but it's the best I could get. It was stressing her out. The spots have gotten a little bigger. You can see them at the very edge of her tail. I did another 50% water change siphoning the bottom. Just out of curiosity if quinine is so effective and is safe for sharks why isn't it the cure most recommended overall? Thanks Bob. Jennifer <Mmm... this is almost certainly NOT Cryptocaryon... on the basis of placement, size, and the lack elsewhere on the body. What it is... likely... is Lymphocystis... a viral-environmental-stress complaint. NOT treatable by "medicines" per se, but ameliorated via environmental improvement, enhanced nutrition, alleviating/lowering stress overall. Do know that this species of Butterfly is NOT easily kept in captivity... Bob Fenner>

Re: Another Ich question... 4/16/08 Bob, That is great news!!! I've dealt with Lympho before.. you actually helped me through it with my coral beauty. He's thriving in the display tank. I'm sending another pic for better clarity. I took my book (your book) into the LFS for reference and I was positive this was a Latticed Butterflyfish. If not then what is it? Thank you. Jennifer <... is a Raffle's... see here: http://wetwebmedia.com/Goodchaetodon.htm This one is dangerously thin. I would move it post haste to permanent quarters... with plenty of live rock, other feeding. B>

Re: Another Ich question... 4/17/08 She started eating Mysis shrimp yesterday.. couple times a day. I put a well algae covered piece of live rock in with her today that she's picked at some. Thanks for all of your help and reassurance!! Jennifer <Ahh! Good news... and yes to there being a few common names for this Chaetodon species. Cheers! BobF>

Re: I looked everywhere! (But did you look here?) pt.3 2/22/07 Hi Graham, <Hello, I'm sorry for the delay, but... well, you know.> So here's the update on the situation I got the qt out and got the baby clowns in there. <Excellent!> I've been treating them with Instant Ocean's Lifeguard. << http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:lYSnEsx2m14J:www.tetra-fish.com/ENEWSROOM/printer_ friendly_press_release.asp%3FdocumentID%3D211+Instant+Ocean+Lifeguard&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us High-tech...>> <I don't have any experience with this product yet, but the write-up looks good; non-antibacterial means good for the nitrifying bacteria..> I guess it's new it is supposed to help treat bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic diseases. My qt is a 30 g but I have it filled only half way. <?> The QT parameters are as follows pH 8.2, Ammonia: 0.25 ppm <!!! Water change now!>, Nitrite 0 ppm, Nitrate 0 ppm, and salinity: 1.023 ppt. <Would remind you that with a QT, especially a half-full one with little/no filtration to speak of, you will need to be performing large daily water changes to take the place of filtration.> The display tank's parameters are pH: 8.2, Ammonia 0 ppm, Nitrite 0 ppm, Nitrate 5.0 ppm, and salinity 1.022 ppt. I know the qt is bad, I'm planning on doing a partial water change tomorrow. <See above.> I think part of the problem is that I'm just using a sponge filter that I had let sit in my tank for 5 days and the fact that there's no live rock or sand in the qt and I guess I've been overfeeding them a bit as well. <All true...> I have noticed one of the other clowns has a similar white growth on the tip of its tail and a third one has a white cyst-looking think on its right pectoral fin that seems to be growing THROUGH his fin, it's protruding slightly on both sides of it, it does look similar to the other clowns' growths. <Would try FW-dips (Read WWM re) in addition to the QT, daily.> <<And I'd amend the pH-adjusted FW dips/baths with formalin and aeration>> I am beginning to think you were correct and that it is that Lymphocystis since they are on day four of the medication (it's only supposed to be used for 5 days) and it seems that they are all getting it. I went back to that LFS and their siblings who are still at the store all seem to have this as well I'm thinking it's just genetic. <Not genetic, no. Just associated.> <<And like common models of such viral involvements, environmentally/nutritionally mediated>> I did purchase a skunk cleaner shrimp and acclimated him to the display tank so that once I do return them to it maybe he can pick the growth off them, if they'll let him. I did figure out a way to get pictures of them as they are all very very feisty and eating heartily still. <Very common with cystic infections...> I forgot my camcorder has the option to take still frames of video, so I grabbed some video of them and got the shots from that, it's not super clear but at least you can take a look at it now. Oh and for diet I read on the saltwaterfish forum about diseases and diet, hence the reason I thought a cleaner shrimp would help since someone on there had a percula with a similar problem. <Can be helpful. (Natural solution, no meds...)> So I have made them homemade fish food from a recipe on the site. It's a mixture of cuttlefish, clam, octopus, cooked mussel, scallop, and shrimp, ground up with kelp, chard, fresh garlic, and soaked in Kent's Zoecon. <Very good, will help them fight.> They've been on that and the flake food and frozen Hikari Mysis shrimp since Sunday. OH and to make matters worse I just saw today that my coral beauty seems to have an eye injury, I wasn't able to get her out of the display tank and into the qt with the clowns, I'm waiting on an order for one of those fish catcher things. <Have had repeated success treating eyes with FW-dips, and possible physical removal of parasite. You may find that the cloudiness will slough off in the lower salinity.> Anyhow it looks like she has two scratches across her cornea and she is acting quite neurotic, she keeps swimming up and down in the same corner of the tank, I'm not sure if it's bc of the injury or bc I finally got my light in today. The new light has 260 watts whereas the old one did as well however, the bulbs were about a year overdue for a change and it was also only 30" whereas the new one is 48" and actually fits the entire length of my tank. I have a picture of her cornea too, my bf thinks it could be fungal too. So if it is how and why am I having such a fungus problem??? :'( Thank you for all your help and input Graham, sorry this is so long winded I have attached the pics I hope they help. <Fungal... hmm. I wish I was a fish doctor. I need to see what I'm dealing with, and even then I don't have one method of treatment for each problem. I would recommend you treat for Lymph and consider Epsom salt for the angel after the FW-dip. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/epsomfaqs.htm. I am assuming you have read all the FAQs here about clowns and their associated problems, along with how to setup a QT. I think you're on the right track here, but the QT should be maintained with water changes more often than you suppose is enough. Remember: measurable ammonia is too much! I'm looking back, and noticing that I'm not that helpful here! I will CC this to Bob for review. I am very fatigued, but felt a sense of obligation to answer your Q's. I hope you find something useful here! -GrahamT> Shawn
<<I am in agreement with your stmt.s Graham. BobF>>

Non-white Lymphocystis? Hi, all, My LFS has a nice looking Potter's angel that is eating and behaving well. I'm considering it for my 45G reef tank which has my Sebae plus some Zoanthids and corallimorphs. I realize it might pick on the Zoanthids but I'm probably going to pull those anyway. However, this angel has some swellings or growths on its dorsal fin that, to my eye, look similar to Lymphocystis except that it is not white; just the normal potter's angel coloration (and perhaps not has rough surfaced as Lymphocystis; hard to tell). My LFS owner, who I've known for years and consider as reliable as anyone is who is trying to sell me something says he has seen this before and thinks it is swelling possibly related to capture and will go down on its own. <Likely so... if it lives... This is one of the least hardy species of Centropyge for aquarium use...> Any idea what this is? I'm only familiar with white Lymphocystis. Can it occurred colored? <Rare... usually gray to white> Or are there similar viral infections that leave the flesh colored? <Tumors of different sorts, etiologies, yes> The fish would be quarantined but should I leave at the LFS until this disappears on its own? <Not a good choice... for a 45 gallon system...> I hate to pass up an otherwise well adjusted potter's angel, they seem pretty touchy. And I think the tank would make a good home for it; plenty to graze on and lots of LR. <Will likely do better in your care than the LFS's... Bob Fenner> From your FAQ if it is Lymphocystis, it doesn't seem high risk but it doesn't look like Lymphocystis to me. Thanks, Marc

The Emperor's New...Disease? Hello my name is Ryan. <Hey, Ryan! Scott F. with you!> This is my second time writing with a question and I would like to thank you for the quick response and great information on the first. My question this time deals with a sick fish. The fish is an Emperor angel and he has developed some white clumpy regions around his face and also going on down his back. I read about Lymphocystis on your website and that was my best diagnosis. The spots are larger than Ick and they almost have a pattern to them as they are only on the face and a straight line down the back. I prepared to let it run its course but some of the spots have gotten to the point where blood is showing around them. He has also stopped eating and is hanging out around the return flow from the filter. This makes me think that he may be having some respiratory problems. <Lymphocystis generally clears up on it's own. On the other hand, the fact that your fish appears to be listless, hanging in front of the filter return seems to be indicative of something more serious, IMO. In fact, the difficulty in breathing suggests the possibility of Amyloodinium. The spots may be the damage caused to the fish's tissue by the parasite. The tissue is essentially being liquefied. I would take the risk and operate under the assumption that this is the illness which you are dealing with. You must take quick action to save the fish's life.> Should I quarantine and treat? If so, what should I use? I hate to stress him out any more. I really need some help. <The first thing that I would do is read up on Amyloodinium to verify if this is what you're dealing with. Once you're satisfied that this is the case, I'd opt to remove the affected fish to a separate aquarium, and commence treatment with a commercial copper sulphate preparation, following the instructions of the product exactly. You may want to incorporate a freshwater drip prior to commencing the copper treatment. If this is Amyloodinium, it may be necessary to remove all fishes from the aquarium, and let the tank run fallow for about a month. This disease is highly contagious, and often fatal if left untreated. Monitor copper levels and observe the fish continuously during this period of time, maintain high water quality, and good aeration. Hopefully, with quick, decisive action, you'll beat this disease!> Thank you so much for your help. Keep up the great website! I have learned some much from your wonderful work. Thanks again! ~ Ryan <We're always glad to help, Ryan. I hope that, if we're right about this diagnosis, your fish makes a full recovery. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

The Emperor's New...Disease (Pt2) Ryan again. Thanks again for the quick response. I did what you suggested and did a little research on Amyloodinium. I sure hope that is not what I am dealing with! <Me, too!> As of now I am a little unsure. Everything that I read said that Amyloodinium looks like a rusty like powder covering the fish's body and infected regions. <That's usually correct...I'm a bit curious, though, about the apparent skin damage to the fish. I'm convinced that we may be dealing with some type of parasite here. maybe monogenetic Trematodes, or, perhaps, even Microsporidean (a protozoan infection). > This is not the case with my Emperor. He doesn't display any rusty discolorations, only the white raised regions that are about twice the size of Ick spots. They do appear to be deep into the skin and he does have some cloudiness in his eyes. I am not sure where to go from here. Can Amyloodinium present itself in this way? <Amyloodinium does cause cloudy eyes and labored breathing.> Also it doesn't seem to be spreading to any of the other fish and from what I have read Amyloodinium is highly contagious. <Correct!> I did a water change and it seemed to help but my water quality has never been a problem (pH: 8, NH3: 0, NO2: 0, NO3: 10). I attached a couple of pictures. <Sorry, Ryan, I couldn't get them to open...> I don't know if they are detailed enough or not but I need all the help I can get. Thanks a lot for the expert advice. It is very much appreciated ~ Ryan <Well, Ryan, since we still don't have 100% ID on the illness here, we may have to attempt some "broad and simple" treatments, at least to get the fish on the road to recovery, without further stressing it. I'd start with freshwater dips, removal to a separate tank, and use of Methylene Blue, which is a very gentle (albeit not super effective) treatment. Perhaps these methods will turn the tide for this fish. If, however, more symptoms appear, or the symptoms are getting worse, I'd make my best guess as to the cause (assuming that it's a parasitic infection), and utilize copper sulphate, as per manufacturer's instructions. With labored breathing, and other symptoms present, this fish needs some help soon. Keep in touch- Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

Re: Ocellaris Clown (disease) Hello Sirs. Thank you again for all of the info. I'm writing to get your opinion on diagnosis/treatment of my false percula. After searching the site, I found a post that seemed pretty similar to my situation (as far as the symptoms). It goes: Brooklynella, Microsporidean, or Lymphocystis? Hello, I recently made the mistake of purchasing a large (3") Amphiprion ocellaris (common clownfish) from my local fish store. They had just received the animal when I purchased it, mistake number two. I added the clownfish to my newly cycled reef tank (mistake number three, biggest one). Within 24 hours I noticed a white wart/cauliflower growth on the animal's right side, in the white band area, just behind the gills. The clownfish will not eat and appears to be stagnant although it is moving about somewhat. The animal does not exhibit any other signs of infection, no small white spots, glazed or popping eyes, scratching, fin rot, and the like. What has infected my fish? I've narrowed it down to either Brooklynella, Microsporidean, or Lymphocystis or ? ? ? What can I do to cure the fish and save my reef tank. Should I remove the infected fish to prevent the disease from spreading to the other tank mates (choc chip star, scooter blenny, 2 turbo snails, 6 reef crabs)? Please advise, I want to save my tank and the clown if possible. thanks, Dan Rose Thank you for writing so well, including with such clarity and humility... Glad to know that I'm not the only one who makes egregious errors in the hobby... I would almost bet that what you are seeing is indeed the Clown-attacking protozoan Brooklynella... And would in any case follow these steps. Do take the fish out and treat it in a separate "hospital" system... for it's sake, the use of the treatment "medicine", and the safety from the same of the rest of your system. The likelihood that the Brooklynella will affect your other livestock is minimal (there are no other Clownfishes...)... Copper is of little use if indeed this is Brooklynella, but formalin dips/baths are efficacious. Buy a stock solution (my fave retail brand is Kordon, but any will do)... generally a few drops per quart of pH adjusted (just with sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is fine) freshwater... and move the fish from the main tank into this solution for about ten minutes... either add an airstone, occasionally splash the water around for aeration), move the Clown to the bare-bottom (but still filtered, aerated.... with a hang on, sponge, box filter...) hospital/quarantine system... Dump the treatment water... repeat every day for three days... and stop there if there is no further visible sign of the disease... If it re-shows or persists, wait two days and resume the dip/baths... This will work.... Bob Fenner Well I thought that the "wart/white cauliflower" part definitely defined what has appeared on the very tip of the dorsal fin of my fish. I've had this fish about a month. 2 weeks in QT and 2 in main display. About 3 days after introduction into the main tank, I noticed a white spot about the size/shape of a grain of table sea salt (yum). Wasn't sure so I've been watching and reading in the meantime. In the last 10 days the spot has maybe grown by 25-50%, but has not spread to any other areas. It also has not spread to Pac Blue Tang. He (or she I'd suppose) was eating normally until yesterday when he/she started "sampling" then spitting out food (similar CMA recipe). Seems similar enough to enclosed post to warrant an email. Would this be a Brooklynella infection that would require the above recommended treatment? <Mmm, the wart-like growth on the Clown could be lymph, the spot on both fishes is likely crypt, tangs don't "get" Brooklynella> Other info: 125 gal, 90# LR (more coming when the $$ does), 200# LS, 240W NO fluor. lighting @13 hrs/day (MH with more $$ again), 2x Rio 1100 plus return for circulation, TF 1000 skimmer, sump w/ 55W PC lit 'fuge, airstone and active carbon. Today's parameters were pH-8.2, Ammonia-0, Nitrate- <5 ppm, Alk- 4.8 mEq/L, Ca-350 ppm, Temp 77, SG-1.025 Other livestock: 1- Pacific Blue Tang, 1-sand sifting star, 12 bumblebee snails(?), 6-turbos, 12-astrea, 1- hitchhiker clam as of yet un-ID'd, misc hitchhiker polyps/sponges etc, and very soon 1- cleaner shrimp to be determined <I would hasten the acquisition of the Cleaner Shrimp/s... maybe get more than one> Hope this is enough/ not too much info. Thank you for your help and dedication to helping the rest of us become as informed as we can possibly be. <Perhaps add a Gobiosoma Goby to the Cleaner list as well... otherwise nothing "stands out" as real trouble/cause here. Bob Fenner>

Re: Ocellaris Clown (disease, Lymphocystis?) Just to clarify, the tang is clean. Only the wart like growth on the clown's dorsal fin. Off now to find out about lymph and get those cleaners. Thanks <Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm Bob Fenner>

What Are These Bumps on My Navarchus? >Hi, >>Greetings, Marina here. >I bought a 3" Navarchus Angel from TMC around 6 months ago. Around a month ago, I noticed a small white bump under his mouth. At first, I thought it was an infection from him possibly getting an abrasion from darting in/out of the rockwork. He was still eating fine and otherwise behaving normally, so I thought that by keeping the tank conditions optimal the injury would heal itself. >>I would do the same. >Well, it's been over a month later and now the original white "bump" is bigger and now there are even two more "bumps"! Now I'm worrying that it may be some kind of disease that may require more hands-on treatment. I've attached two photos of the fish for you to look at. >>Excellent that you've presented the pics. If I am not way off base here, I'd wager that it might be Lymphocystis, though I'd like to get another opinion on that. >I really struggled with the decision to put the fish in the main tank early, but because he was not eating in the quarantine tank, and on the recommendation of TMC, and since he was the only fish in the tank, I moved him to the main tank after only one week of qt. >>For the LIFE of me I cannot fathom why anyone would recommend shortening/eliminating quarantine. Well, it is what it is at this point. Unfortunately, I've discovered that Bob's "article" on Lymphocystis is non-existent, so I'm linking you to the Lympho-faq page. Should it be Lymphocystis, I can tell you it is a viral infection that, in my own experience, has never been fatal. I liken it to warts, it's ugly, we don't want it, but it won't kill us. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm This is the link to the FAQ, and try a Google on the subject for more information. Typical presentation is on the fins, though the body is not unheard of by any means. To the best of my knowledge this is not something that readily spreads or is highly infectious, and because there is no treatment we find that it, just as mysteriously as it began, corrects itself with time. >The only fish in the tank are the angel and a Royal Gramma. The tank is mostly LPS and a few mushrooms. It's a 90 gal tank, with 30 gal sump, Aqua-C EV120 skimmer, 3" sand bed, ~125lbs live rock. Water parameters are within the normal accepted ranges. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance. >>I've attached your pics so the powers that be may have a look as well, but it really looks to be Lympho to me. I do hope this helps in that it's something, but not a terribly bad something, which is a good thing since it's something you really can't do something about. Best of luck! (And don't skip q/t anymore! 30 days, mate.) Marina

What's That White Lump? (3/13/04) Hello, new to the hobby and your site has been my lifeline, thank you. <Welcome to the club. This site helps me daily too. Steve Allen today.> I recently purchased a yellow tang. I believe it may have marine Ich. Ich is described as looking like salt grains however, the white matter that is on this fish does not look at all similar to a grain of salt. The fish of concern has a small, white, fleshy looking material that is on the edge of his tail and dangles off. Hope that you may know what this is. <Sounds more like Lymphocystis to me, which is basically viral fish warts. Search this term on WWM for pix and info.> If it is Ich, and I copper medicate the tank, what will be the short and long term effects on the live rock, and my BTA? <Death> Thank you again for helping so many of us hobbyists, your site should be disseminated along with every marine item ever sold. Keith Tallbe <Keith. Never put any medication in a display tank. Copper is the worst--quickly lethal to all inverts. Always treat in a hospital tank. You did not mention quarantine. You should quarantine all new fish in a separate tank for 4 weeks before putting them in the display. I can almost guarantee eventual disease, misery, and sorrow to all who skip this vital step. Read more on WWM.>

Banggai Cardinal tumor or parasite Greetings! <Howdy> I'm new to your web site and recently purchased "Reef Inverts...". I've been impressed with both and want to get your 'take' on a problem that has recently developed with a single, large, relatively old (at least 3 years) female Banggai that I've had for at least two years. This female is in a 125 gal community tank with 3 other Banggai's and a variety of other reef fishes that I've kept successfully, and disease-free for more than four years. Over the past month, the female Banggai developed more labored breathing and, subsequently developed a small, white, fleshy, hornlike protuberance on its upper edge of the left operculum. <Good observations, description> I, then, noticed more fleshy 'growths' of this material under both opercula that caused them to 'flare out' slightly and they were visible further down the fishes gullet. No other fish (neither the other 3 Banggai's nor the other roughly 12 different species of fish in my tank have shown any similar signs of trouble. <Okay> I am familiar with the tendency of Banggai's to develop fleshy sores on their lower mandibles due to battles with other individuals. These always heal and the fish remains in good health. The problem Banggai, although its behavior seems to be, otherwise, unaffected appears to have developed some milkiness in its eyes, which I think may be due to the internal growths in its head region. The growths are strictly confined to its head. Do you think that this might be a tumor due to age of the fish, or do you think I may have a parasite or fungal problem? Your advise would be greatly appreciated! Smooth Sailin'! Bryan <I would side with your conjecture re tumor, age here. Naught to do... not "catching". Bob Fenner>

-Lymph?- Kevin, Thanks for writing back. <No prob> Just in case it is a case issue....try this: http://www.zoyzoy.com/aquarium/images/clownwithskinsores.jpg <Yikes, those are some serious gashes> I have put ZERO copper in my tank as I intend to have a reef at some point. <Well there's no way that this fish has lymph, which usually appears on the fins as white blobs. The picture is great, good detail. It looks like they are physical wounds or some sort of sub-scale fungal infection. I'd hit it with a general antibiotic so they don't get infected, other than that I don't believe there's much you can do. -Kevin> Thanks, Jeff

Cotton like growth / Is this fungus? Howzit Guys: <Fine> I really enjoy your site and I refer to it as my living marine encyclopedia. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and all your support. <Welcome> I have a 5" Heniochus that has developed a white fuzzy cotton like translucent growth about 1/32" round on one of her fins. All the rest of my fish are doing well (flame angel, yellow tang & 2 clowns) in a 100 gallon tank with live rock, 40 gallon sump w/ refugium & Chaeto, 4" sand base and protein skimmer which has been running almost 1 year. I would like to say it is a fungus because that's what it looks like, but understand that fungus on live fish is not that common or am I mistaken? <Mmm, may be a fungus... but sounds like a case of Lymphocystis...> She eats primarily thawed brine shrimp and will not take other food stuffs, <Not good nutrition... but a good clue> is very active and has nice colorations. I am worried about not providing all the nutrients to sustain her good health that may also contribute to this condition because brine shrimp has little nutritional value. <Bingo> I tested my water parameters and the ammonia, nitrate & nitrite are all in check. The salinity is about 1.020, water temp @ 74 degrees and the PH 8.3. She is the newest addition to my tank prior to a 2 week quarantine and a 10 minute freshwater dip with Methylene blue. Please help me identify the problem so I'm sure I know what I dealing with, suggest a cure and provide me with some alternative foods that my Heni may take a liking to. I have tried a mash of thawed scallops, vitamin flakes, Nori, garlic, vitamins mixed with the thawed brine to no success. Mahalo and Aloha, Les <Please see the pix and read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm on to the Related FAQs linked above... Bob Fenner>

Re: Cotton like growth / Is this fungus? Lymph on a Heni Aloha Robert: <Howdy> Thanks for your prompt response. I checked your link and can not say with certainty that it is Lymphocystis or not, because the pics on the site are not clear enough. In fact, I did check this link and read about Lymphocystis prior to emailing you. It does however resemble it. Well let's assume that it is, what steps should I take to treat my Heni. Also, please provide your thoughts on possible food stuffs that she may like that would improve her diet. Mahalo, Lester <Posted on WWM... use the search tool or indices to find, read. Bob Fenner>

Lymphocystis on A. ocellaris 4/15/05 Hi WWM Crew, First of all thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience on this site and helping other Hobbyists around the globe. I have learned a lot from the WWM site since I first discovered it 2 months ago (shortly after I set up my first marine tank). <Thanks for the kind words! Knowing that you and your pets have benefited makes this a very satisfying job!> So far I have always be able to find answers to my questions by reading the articles and FAQs. However this time I think I need some additional help. I bought a Amphiprion Ocellaris 5 days ago and acclimate it to the quarantine tank with a quick fresh water dip. It looked well and started eating the same day. However 3 days later I discovered a small round patch on its tail, which has now grown 3 times bigger to about 3-4 MM and spread to the underside of its body. It has not lost his appetite and feeds eagerly, but is not as active as the first two days. It stays around the same spot except when feeding. <This all sounds good. Do keep in mind that FW dips less than about 5 minutes are probably ineffective. A target of 10-15 minutes (or even longer), especially for very tolerant fishes is ideal.> After some research and reading through your site, I think it has Lymphocystis but the lesions pictured in the following two links do not look the same, and are different to those in the pictures I took. I am hoping that you can confirm my thoughts, or otherwise point me to the right direction. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm http://www.enaca.org/Health/DiseaseLibrary/LymphocystisDis.pdf <The white "wart like" appearance of Lymphocystis is very distinctive as is the fact that it occurs almost exclusively on the EDGES of the fins or mouth. It is not likely to be confused with another kind of disease or lesion. Lymphocystis is also common to a small number of species and very uncommon in most others. It is unusual in clowns. If you are confident that it is Lymphocystis, I would not worry... it is rarely life threatening and goes away on it's own. My guess is that your fish suffered an abrasion or similar injury. Well fed specimens in good quality water usually heal well and quickly.> Here are the tank parameters as of today: pH 8.2, Temperature 79F, Ammonia 0.005 mg/l (I was surprised to see this as the tank has been running for over a month and I quarantined two yellow gobies for 2 weeks right before the clownfish, both yellow gobies are now doing well in my main tank), Nitrite not detectable, Nitrate 20 mg/l. <Any measurable Ammonia is cause for concern but before you start to worry, please verify your result with another kit, preferably of another brand. (a friend or good LFS should save you the expense of buying another). Although it probably has little to do with your problem, I suggest that all marine aquarists regularly test and maintain alkalinity, even in fish only tanks.> I have cut back feeding and done 30% daily water change for the past three days. This has brought down Ammonia level from 0.01 mg/l to the current level. Should I just keep doing this to improve the water quality? Or should I take further actions? Your help is very much appreciated. Best Regards, Damien Kwok, Hong Kong <If you verify the results of your ammonia test kit (the change in level suggest that it may be correct), then you need to address the biological filtration problem. In the mean time, please make sure you fish is getting enough food. It will need the energy to heal. Water changes are a good idea, but make sure that the new water has been aerated over night. Also, ammonia becomes more toxic at higher pH, so I would suggest that you check the pH of both the tank and new water immediately before the change. If the pH of the new water is higher than the pH in the tank, it should be carefully adjust it down (check your local fish store for "pH Down" or similar products) so that it is the same as the tank. Best Regards. AdamC.>

Lymphocystis on A. Ocellaris FOLLOW-UP 4/15/05 <Damien, I am following up because I missed your pictures the first time I replied. I still don't think that your fish has Lymphocystis, but that certainly isn't a simple abrasion either. I am asking the other crew members to take a look, but in the mean time, I am not going to alter my advice, except to suggest that if it continues to get worse, I would move the fish to a hospital tank for antibiotic treatment. AdamC.> Hi WWM Crew, First of all thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience on this site and helping other Hobbyists around the globe. I have learned a lot from the WWM site since I first discovered it 2 months ago (shortly after I set up my first marine tank). <Thanks for the kind words! Knowing that you and your pets have benefited makes this a very satisfying job!> So far I have always be able to find answers to my questions by reading the articles and FAQs. However this time I think I need some additional help. I bought a Amphiprion Ocellaris 5 days ago and acclimate it to the quarantine tank with a quick fresh water dip. It looked well and started eating the same day. However 3 days later I discovered a small round patch on its tail, which has now grown 3 times bigger to about 3-4 MM and spread to the underside of its body. It has not lost his appetite and feeds eagerly, but is not as active as the first two days. It stays around the same spot except when feeding. <This all sounds good. Do keep in mind that FW dips less than about 5 minutes are probably ineffective. A target of 10-15 minutes (or even longer), especially for very tolerant fishes is ideal.> After some research and reading through your site, I think it has Lymphocystis but the lesions pictured in the following two links do not look the same, and are different to those in the pictures I took. I am hoping that you can confirm my thoughts, or otherwise point me to the right direction. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm http://www.enaca.org/Health/DiseaseLibrary/LymphocystisDis.pdf <The white "wart like" appearance of Lymphocystis is very distinctive as is the fact that it occurs almost exclusively on the EDGES of the fins or mouth. It is not likely to be confused with another kind of disease or lesion. Lymphocystis is also common to a small number of species and very uncommon in most others. It is unusual in clowns. If you are confident that it is Lymphocystis, I would not worry... it is rarely life threatening and goes away on it's own. My guess is that your fish suffered an abrasion or similar injury. Well fed specimens in good quality water usually heal well and quickly.> Here are the tank parameters as of today: Ph 8.2, Temperature 79F, Ammonia 0.005 mg/l (I was surprised to see this as the tank has been running for over a month and I quarantined two yellow gobies for 2 weeks right before the clownfish, both yellow gobies are now doing well in my main tank), Nitrite not detectable, Nitrate 20 mg/l <Any measurable Ammonia is cause for concern but before you start to worry, please verify your result with another kit, preferably of another brand. (a friend or good LFS should save you the expense of buying another). Although it probably has little to do with your problem, I suggest that all marine aquarists regularly test and maintain alkalinity, even in fish only tanks.> I have cut back feeding and done 30% daily water change for the past three days. This has brought down Ammonia level from 0.01 mg/l to the current level. Should I just keep doing this to improve the water quality? Or should I take further actions? Your help is very much appreciated. Best Regards, Damien Kwok, Hong Kong <If you verify the results of your ammonia test kit (the change in level suggest that it may be correct), then you need to address the biological filtration problem. In the mean time, please make sure you fish is getting enough food. It will need the energy to heal. Water changes are a good idea, but make sure that the new water has been aerated over night. Also, ammonia becomes more toxic at higher pH, so I would suggest that you check the pH of both the tank and new water immediately before the change. If the pH of the new water is higher than the pH in the tank, it should be carefully adjust it down (check your local fish store for "ph Down" or similar products) so that it is the same as the tank. Best Regards. AdamC.>

Another Follow-up, Remarks to the Lymphocystic Clown <snip> The reason I am writing everyone is because I also completely missed the attached photos when I replied and they are scary! The person described an Ocellaris with a white patch on it's tail that spread a bit. They thought it was Lymphocystis. They sounded pretty newbie with a young tank and reported a trace amount of ammonia. The fish was acting and eating normally. I replied that I doubted Lymphocystis because of the species and the location of the lesion and made suggestions for proper water changes. It sounded more like the fish got banged up a bit, so I also suggested that abrasions usually heal fine on their own with good food and improved water quality. However, when I did go back and look at the pics.... yikes! Whatever it is sure doesn't look like Lymphocystis, although it is understandable how they came to that conclusion. Whatever it is is pretty ugly looking, but doesn't look like anything I have ever seen before except for some pics that one of the crew (Jeni I think) shared with us of a puffer condition where spreading patches of the skin turns grayish until the fish perishes. If anyone is inclined to take a look, the original message is in the "emails with images" folder. I will be curious if anyone has any insight. Thanks! AdamC <Have looked at image, text... does look like some sort of tumorous growth... diag/prognosis, about the same as lymph... BobF> <<Adam, I've answered some queries quite similar to this, and in my research I did find that, while very uncommon, Lymphocystis can indeed occur on the body like what is pictured. In my own opinion many, if not MOST, instances of disease are more due to water quality, nutrition, and basic husbandry issues than anything else. Lympho is no different in this respect. Marina>>

Lymphocystis on A. ocellaris Part 3 4/17/05 Hi Adam, Thank you for the response. Unfortunately my clownfish's condition deteriorated rapidly, stopped eating and moving around, and finally passed away yesterday. <Sorry to hear.> Looking back if I did not diagnose the illness as Lymphocystis and treated with antibiotics right away, it might have made the difference. Anyway I guess this is part of the experience and how we learn. <I polled the Crew for input about your clownfish, and got a few replies. One indicated that there are occasions when Lymphocystis does occur as a body lesion. Another agreed it probably was not Lymphocystis, but has seen similar lesions which eventually went away without intervention.> I hope someone can identify the true cause of the lesions in the picture and recommend the appropriate actions. Not only I can learn the lesson and know how to deal with it next time, the information can be useful for other hobbyists as well. Best Regards, Damien Kwok <For all of the reasons you listed, I wish I had a more definitive answer. In the mean time, I would suggest that you don't add any new fish for a couple of weeks, just in case this was caused by a communicable disease. Best

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