Strange Growth on New Fish

[dabossinokc]

I purchased a Desjardini about two weeks ago and he was picked on a bit by my purple tang when I first put him in the tank and no he wasn't put in a QT tank first. Things have calmed down now in the tank and I believe territory and dominance has been established. My new tank buddy was doing well and still is, but a few days ago I noticed a small ball like growth off of his pelvic fin about 1cm in size. It appears to be lavender in color but who knows under all the light I see it under, and I don't even know if color even matters. Also it doesn't seem to be attached to his main body its just attached to the pelvic fin. Now the cleaner shrimp are cleaning him several times a day because he will prod them to clean quite frequently, but they haven't picked at this region thatI have seen. Any ideas on what this is and how I can help my new tank buddy get rid of it? Here is a few pics, Notice how in the 2nd picture you can see two seperate growths attached to each pelvic fin? One is bigger than the other.

[leebca]

Well. . .Color does make a difference. I would expect what I'm seeing to be white, not lavender, if it was a common viral infection.

It seems like the Desjardini was harboring some sort of fungal or viral infection. Without proper diagnostics and more information, I'm unable to differentiate between the possible conditions.

Both viral and (true) fungal infections are uncommon in marine fishes that are healthy and well nourished. These types of infections tend to be opportunistic. That is, they tend to get a foothold on a fish that is significantly stressed (including nutritional and space stresses, not to mention the issues with tank mates), or injured, or both.

The Desjardini, in general, is a hardy fish and most of them can 'hold their own' in a debate over territory and dominance. But the time in the quarantine would have bolstered its health so it could better debate the dominance issues, and get rid of any opportunistic microbes it may have come across in the capture/handling process.

Look closely at all the other fishes you have. Do you see any signs of this condition on any other fish? If not, I'd lean towards the opportunistic side of the possible conditions.

Treatment requires separating the fish into a hospital tank and providing a lot of medications. Those meds are pretty potent and not the same ones found in common antibiotics, nor in the prepared foods laced with antibiotics. These kinds of meds cannot be administered in a display aquarium.

Cleaner shrimp will not usually be interested in cleaning this off of the fish. They are interested in eating dead tissue, mucous, and some parasites, which this kind of condition doesn't match.

If you choose to leave the fish in the display tank, the condition may never spread to other fishes -- or it may over time. The Desjardini may recover on its own if you provide immune boosters (Fish Immune Boosters) and the proper, optimal nutrition (Feeding Marine Fish and Fish Nutrition). However, the risk to the other fish's health and the affects on the Desjardini's health or life are unknowns.

[dabossinokc]

My wife already thinks I am nuts as it is with my care level for these aquariums, If I set up a hospital tank she is probably going to go over the edge. So its not an option and I feel horrible because I am the kind of guy that would go to this extreme to help any animal. I don't see any signs of this on the other fish. So should I just take the fish out of the tank and take it back to my LFS? They will take it back. Or should I roll the dice? Here is what I am feeding currently.A mixture of fresh red algae(In the tank 24/7) and about ever 4 days or so I feed emerald green cubed food, Has a mixture of everything with just the right combo of fats and vitamins from what I have read. I feed krill once a week and throw a bag of brine shrimp in twice a month. I feel that I have the right mixture for the correct diet.Please tell me if I am wrong.

So you think the fish picked this up on its way to my tank then?

[leebca]

Well, it's a hard decision. If I was in this same position, I would not want to risk my other fishes. (Choosing the less of the evils, so to speak). So, I would at least separate that fish from the rest (if that means having to take it back to the LFS instead of hospital, then so be it).

Your foods show some diversity, but need broadening. I would also include supplements as noted in the reference I provided. Brine shrimp? Never. Gut loaded brine shrimp now and then only.

These fish, like most tangs and angelfishes need a variety of algae (red, green, yellow, purple, etc.). You also need a 'strong' source of spirulina in one or more of the foods.

Given the additional information and the feedings, the decision puts me more towards getting the fish out.

Opportunistic bacteria, fungi, and viruses are always present. They are just waiting for a chance -- for conditions to become favorable to live and further multiply. They are slow to take hold because the natural defenses of organisms, like a healthy fish, are very resistant to them.

The fish likely had these microbes early on but they now, because of the conditions presented to the fish at this time, had a chance to multiply and infect. These microbes are in your tank now and before the fish arrived.

[dabossinokc]

I have confirmed it is grey in color. I looked very closely at all other fish and no signs of this same infection. Also I confirmed that the emerald entree I am feeding has spuralina in it. They all love it! My LFS only sells the red algae, Is it possible to get fresh algae in other colors on the internet?

[leebca]

Several Internet sources carry various dried algae, including eBay. Try some of the sponsors of Reefland. Drs. Foster & Smith, Marine Depot and others may offer the variety you seek.

[dabossinokc]

Update....

The growth has fallen off of the fish and I am curious if this is a good sign or basically he just brushed off the growth and it is going to just keep growing back?

[leebca]

Keep watching.

[dabossinokc]

Both of the growths have now fallen off and the fish seems to be in better health. Thanks for your advice!