Tomato Clown with Lymphocystis

[Otters]

Thank god I saw I spotted it in my QT tank, today I check out my fish and it has started to developed Lymphocystis on the tips of his fin and tail fin. I am going to aquarium right now, so I need the correct treatment that is needed to cure this.

The fish has been eating brine shrimp and pellet food, I am starting to buy the food on Leebca food guide right now. The water condition are 8.2 pH and the rest everything 0. He has been in there for 3 weeks now.

Another question would the treatment affect the longnose hawkfish I have in there?

[leebca]

Lymph is a viral disease. It is one of the few marine fish viruses. It is like the human common cold virus -- always around; waiting for an opportunity to get a foot hold. Most fish have it; few show outward signs of it until they are stressed.

No known cure if it is Lymphocystis, but I’ve known the Neon Blue Goby (Elacatinus oceanops) to actually eat it off of some fishes. This is rarely fatal IF the aquarist takes positive action. Fishes that are weak or not getting the proper nutrition or are under considerable stress (or a combo of these) usually get this infection.

Remove as much stress from the fish as you can and be sure to be feeding it properly (you're working on the latter and that is good). Get it on the right nutrition with vitamin and fat supplements. Check the water quality. Make more frequent water changes if necessary AND make sure you check for ammonia and nitrites. Keep both at a zero reading. Keep the pH steady and in the correct range -- check pH daily.

Lymphocystis is contagious, however the other fish may not show signs of it. It all depends on the source of the stress(es) and the condition of the other fish.

Remember that part of the stress can be space stress. You don't mention the size of the QT.

It isn't a good idea to quarantine more than one fish together with another. The other fish could be a source of some or all of the stress that is bringing out the Lymph.

The fish will recover on its own if it is provided with the proper nutrition and the stressors are reduced or removed.

Good luck!

[Otters]

10 gallon QT tank, it's more than 20% of my main tank

[vaporize]

Guys (or gal), you won't believe how fast you can eliminated this virus.

Previously I was discussing with Lee about my t.r. clownfish having this virus on them for 2-3 months already and Lee mentioned that it is the stress and poor water quality that caused this disease. I tried to do a few big water changes and the lump got smaller but never fully gone.

During a recent movement (have to move the quarantined fish... yeah it's not totally disease free but i figure it won't kill the fish) to another tank. Within one night, the cotton ball thing is gone from the fish, and yes the new tank has much better water quality. So just improving the water quality and a healthy clownfish will fight it off.

[leebca]

ALWAYS glad to hear of a recovery!