[dndbenson]

I have a swallow tail angel that I have had for about 5 weeks now. It seems to be very healty, eats well and is very active. It has white bumps growing on its find and was worndering what it might be.

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!


Diagnosis is our first step. You will have to help out on this.

The photo isn't very clear nor close enough. From this distance it has the appearance of Lymphocystis. 'Lymph' (as it's sometimes called) is a virus infection. The white clumps have been described as 'clumps of irregular shapes,' and 'cauliflower like' in appearance.

Have you done any comparison to what you see on your fish to photos of fish with Lymphocystis? Here is a link to a photo of a fish with Lymph:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm

Do you think we have a match?

There is no known cure if it is Lymphocystis, but not to worry, it is rarely fatal. It's like a human common cold. There are some steps you should take, however. As an aside, I’ve known the Neon Blue Goby (Elacatinus oceanops) to actually eat it off of some fishes.

What this disease has in common with several other (human) viruses (we think) is that it is around the fish most of the time, but can only get a foothold when the fish is stressed. Sort of like our common cold.

The fish usually overcomes it on its own, but you need to help it (like we help ourselves during the time we catch a cold).

Do things aimed at removing stress and strengthening the fish's ability to resist the virus. These are some examples:

Provide the best environment.
Make sure its water is of the top possible quality.
Separate this fish from any other fish or invert that is bothering it.
Feed the best and correct foods. See this post: Feeding Marine Fish and Fish Nutrition
Soak foods in fat and vitamin additives.
Put beta glucan in the food while it is recovering (to help immune system)
Clean up tank and perform maintenance.
Review all possible sources of stress and manage them (e.g., size of tank too small; bio-load in system too high; organisms releasing toxins; decaying matter; etc.).

That's about all you can do. It is rarely fatal. It can be contagious, like our cold, so putting the fish in quarantine is not an unusual move, but it isn't imperative you do this if you take care of the stress source(s).

Let me know if you think it is or isn't Lymph. Thanks!