Helppp! Lymph on wild-collected Clowns  05/19/08 I bought two tomato clown fish about three weeks ago (actually one is a cinnamon clown fish), their names are Cinnamon and Julius. I'm new at this salt water thing and I'm already learning a lot which I should have researched before I bought the tank. All our levels have been fine for pH, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, and our SG and temperature. Anyways, when I bought my clowns, they looked okay in the store and then when we got them home we noticed a small white clump on Julius's bottom fin. <This is a non-specific viral complaint... Lymphocystis... environmentally-mediated...> It started to grow larger within a couple days so we started researching online. We added Melafix to our tank <... worthless... worse than worthless> and contacted the Wet Web Media Crew. We sent a picture but they couldn't diagnose it and they told us that Melafix doesn't work. Julius continued to get worse so we set up a quarantine tank (which I know we should have done first). We put the clown in the small quarantine tank and used Cuprix which is a chelated copper medicine. <Copper is not efficacious here either...> We also read that we could try to pull off some of the white clumps which we tried but he still got worse. Now he has the white clumps all over his fins and his gills and our other clown is beginning to get white clumps in his mouth to the point where he can't eat. He has also developed one tiny white spot on his skin. I have them both in quarantine now and I don't know what else to do. We bought a Picasso Trigger before we realized they were sick also and right now he is in our 75 gallon tank away from the clowns. They were all together for a little while so I hope he doesn't get sick too. I'm going to send a picture of the clown with the clumps on him and one of the clown with the clump in his mouth. Any help would really be appreciated. Thank you, Heather. <Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm the linked files at top. Bob Fenner>

Lymphocystis - Chelmon rostratus 1/6/2008 Dear Crew, <Andy> Good morning. I'm sending you two separate messages, because they deal with separate issues and I know they might get sorted among different Crew members. <Ok> Here's the first! I purchased a Chelmon rostratus, not only because it has always been one of my favorite fishes but also because I have about 10 or 15 Aiptasia growing in my display that I'm hoping it will eat. The butterfly has been in my 30g QT for 7 days now. <I would move it to the main display> When I purchased it, I made sure it was eating at the LFS. For the first 2 days after I brought it home, it ate well--frozen Mysis and blood worms. After day 2, however, it stopped eating. I had done my research on the fish beforehand, so I knew these fish can be finicky eaters. So, I got on WWM to research what others have done in similar circumstances, and I discovered that what I am experiencing is not uncommon and that the advice has been to get some live rock in the QT to get the fish to graze the worms, etc. on the rock. It just so happened that I have a few pieces of LR that were not supporting other pieces of LR and that host some Aiptasia, so I decided to throw 2 pieces in the QT. I placed the first piece in (which had about 8 Aiptasia) and went back for the second. By the time I got back to the QT, all the Aiptasia were gone. I thought, "this could not be." Sure enough, though, this morning they are still gone (along with a very pretty orange feather duster that hiked in on the rock--oh well). The Chelmon has pretty much denuded my LR of any worms, etc. So . . . Thanks for the advice! <Welcome> ANYWAY, my question really relates to 2 masses on the tail and pectoral fin of my Chelmon, shown in the attached photos. Based on my research, I believe that the fish simply has Lymphocystis, but would like your concurrence. <I do agree> If so, I won't hesitate to put him in the display after the 3-4 week QT if all else goes well. If it's something else, then I'll proceed accordingly. <I would place this fish now... this is much more an "environmental" or stress condition than a type of pathogenic disease... Won't be "catching"...> Thanks as always for your time/help. Andy (Although I realize (think) that 15 Aiptasia is not an infestation by any stretch, I am trying to figure out why they are appearing. <Some cellular material must have been introduced at some point... likely on/with LR, but could be algae...> I have cut down feeding to once per day--usually frozen Mysis or blood works, or Formula 1 flake. I employ a 30g fuge with Chaeto, DSB and LR. I run Phosguard in the sump. I have tested my display water, my RO/DI water, and my storage water for phosphates and silicates--I have two test kits--a Seachem (color never matches test strip) and a Salifert (really hard to read!). No silicates are present. The Seachem kit shows 0.1 phosphates (or 0.01, can't remember the scale) in all three sources; the Salifert shows 0, so I'm befuddled). <No need or use... Bob Fenner> Re: Lymphocystis - Chelmon rostratus 1/6/2008 Thanks, Bob. I presumed that everything needs a long QT period, but it seems that with the Copperband 8 days is enough as long as it isn't showing other signs of disease/reason to keep in QT? <... please re-read... "I would..."> I don't understand your last response, "no need or use" re my phosphate kits/readings. Would you mind explaining? Thanks again. <These readings for soluble PO4 are in agreement within the limitations of the test gear. B>

Lympho on Copperband butterfly   12/2/07
Hello, Thanks for all of the help in the past and the great site. I will try and keep this short. I have read through the Lympho FAQ's and couldn't find what I need. I received a copperband from LiveAquaria.com about 2 weeks ago, I put him in my 20 long quarantine and after a couple of days I noticed the white clumps developing on his fins. They have spread to his tail and even some on his body. He eats extremely well, only mysis though (I have noticed in the past that I only have luck getting Copperbands to eat "white" food, anything to this?)
<Don't know... but interesting speculation>
which I soak in Selcon. I have read that there is no direct cure for this and that good water quality and food are the best medicine, there is also a cleaner goby with him but I don't see him clean him though. My question is, would you keep him in quarantine until it goes away or would you put him in the display?
<I would do the latter... This viral complaint is "not that infectious" and yet, won't begin to self-cure unless the Chelmon is "in a better place">
The only fish in the display are a tomato clown, lawnmower blenny, and very expensive juvenile chevron tang.
<Oh! Just wrote a piece for this Ctenochaetus sp.... one of a few while am out in HI... "in spare time"...>
Thanks for all of the help.
Merry Christmas,
Jeremy
<I do hope the frenatus clown doesn't go after your Butterfly. Only experience will tell... do remove/float the clown in a plastic colander for a few days if apparently so. Cheers, BobF>

Re: Lympho on Copperband butterfly  12/18/07
Just wanted to let you know that the Copperband is looking great now. He is still eating and seems to be happy. I removed the tomato clown just in case, as I had seen it chasing the chevron and noticed the fins on the chevron looked "nipped". He is still eating great so I assume they will grow back. Any reason to think it was caused by anything else?
<Mmm...>
Only a few small crabs, lawnmower blenny, and butterfly with him in the tank. Looking forward to reading your article on the Chevy tang on the website. Have a great Christmas.
Jeremy
<Will download after it runs in print... have attached here for your perusal. Cheers, BobF>

Mixing medications... Lymph related to env. stress, Cu exp.  10/27/07
Hi
<Hello there>
I was hoping that you can help me figure out necessary treatment for my Juv. Queen Angel. I have 125 gallon that I have had up for the 18 months. I recently removed all my fish to a hospital tank and started treatment with CopperSafe for ick. I am 10 days into treatment and all fish seem to be responding well except the Queen Angel. She has kicked the ick but in the last couple of days she has showed signs of what appear to be cauliflower like white growth on the tips of her fins and mouth.
<Ahh... likely the virally related condition Lymphocystis>
I was wondering if this is environmental because of the CopperSafe.
<Yes... very likely a contributor here>
I have performed regular water changes making sure to replace the CopperSafe and am now wondering if I need to add an antibiotic or wait and then add carbon to remove the CopperSafe.
<I would wait>
I did perform a fresh water dip when I first noticed but feel that I don't want to add additional stress. She is eating well. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Queen Angel Dad
<Likely the Lymph will recede, disappear with the improved environment, return of the Holacanthus to its main display. Bolstering immune systems with supplements (e.g. BioVit)... HUFAs, AAs, Vitamins... is encouraged. Bob Fenner>

Lympho on coral beauty... reading   9//15/07
Hi crew!
I've diagnosed my newly acquired coral beauty with lymphocystis. He's been in a QT for 3 weeks and the 2 spots came up 2 days after I brought him home.
<As with warts, other viral growths, involvements, including with our own species... there is a stress factor...>
I've been following the advice with doing water changes using my main tank water (every 3 days). I'm feeding him mysis shrimp with Kent's garlic also put live rock in the QT for munching. These spots still are not going away.
<Mmm, won't with this treatment regimen...>
I gotta laugh at trying to scratch these spots off
<Spots? Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm
and the next Related FAQs file linked above>
....there's no way....he's a feisty fish!!! Just trying to net him to put him in the QT made a mess! Question is: should I keep waiting for these to fall off or is he ok to put in the main tank? How long can he stay in the QT for the Lympho before it becomes detrimental to his overall health? Thank you for your time and knowledge!!! Jennifer
<Read on my friend, read on. BobF>

Lympho ~ Tusk fish   8/15/07
Afternoon,
<David>
Just a quick question on Lympho as I did not see the answers in your FAQ's. My Harlequin Tuskfish originally had a small cauliflower like white growth on his left side fin and Bob and I agreed it was definitely Lympho. This was left alone and after about 3 weeks it fell off or was scraped off by the fish. Within about a week or so, the growth reoccurred in several small masses on the same fin and then again in two large clumps on the tailfin and small signs of growth along the side of the fish. Just got back from vacation for past 10 days to find pretty much all the major growths have fallen off or have been scraped off, but I can now see what appears to be even more smaller growths all over the back of the fish... Would you expect this? I'm worried it will keep coming back more and more until perhaps finally the gills are involved....
Thoughts? Suggestions?
David Brynlund
<These viral complaints can be persistent... as in humans... all other life... Many models of cancer, aging... relate their involvement... I would do your best to boost the "immune systems" of the host fish/es... HUFA, vitamin soaked foods, the occasional application of same to the water, along with iodide... See WWM re. Bob Fenner>

Re: Lympho ~ Tusk fish   8/15/07
Thanks for the quick response Bob...
<Welcome>
Better to treat the whole 200g tank or catch this fish again for quarantine?
<No... leave in place... "it's the system Dave">
What's your experience been with that SeaChem Garlic additive along with the Focus or Mez... (I forget what it is...)??
<Not a fan... though I cook with quite often>
From reading your info, it seems as though this virus is more common in clown fish??
<Somewhat, yes>
In rearranging my tanks, would adding my two False Percula's to the same 200g tank as my Lymph'd Tuskfish be a bad decision???
<Mmm, no... though might get eaten>
I've read two sources... One says it is contagious, the other indicated it wasn't?
<Not very cross-species-wise>
David Brynlund
<RMF>

Sick Clowns
07/28/03
Hello Crew,
<Hi Amanda>
I have had two TR true Percs in QT for almost three weeks.  Yesterday I noticed the beginning of small bumps. It appears like ich but it is clear and very difficult to see. The spots are on the body below the front most dorsal, I cant see any spots on the fins. I started lowering sg today from 1.025 down to 1.022. Temp is at 80. I figure I will continue to lower the sg-but how low?  Could this be bacterial or fungal? I have yet to read anything stating that ich can be clear, so I am leery of treatment based on that presumption.  The fish are swimming and eating. Can you please advise appropriate treatment?
Thank you for your help!
Amanda
<Ananda spotted this one in my box and has the following advice: "That sounds exactly like lymphocystis. QuickCure is supposed to help...according to the bottle. I started that treatment too late to save one of my fish, but if she gets to it early...."
So, I would  follow her advice and begin treatment now. Here's more to read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/infectio.htm, and look for lymphocystis on the sites search engine, that'll bring up a lot more FAQs for you to read as well. Good luck, and our hopes are with you.>

Banggai Cardinal lip growth    5/7/07
Hello folks,
I have 130gal FO tank a variety of compatible fish and most all seem to be happy and healthy. I have wet/dry filtration and skimmer and water quality is good.
<Not useful... need real data>
One of my Banggai Cardinals has a couple of strange looking growths on its lower lip.
<Likely "lymphocystis"... a semi-strange environmental/nutritional/viral condition...>
They look like warts and are similar in color to the fish.
They do not look like anything I have been able to find on any site about fish diseases. The fish seems to be fine, it eats well, hangs out with Banggai #2 and chances the Banggai #3 off into hiding. None of the other 20 or so fish have any sign of any such growth. Any ideas?
Thanks,
David Austin
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm
and the linked FAQs files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: Banggai Cardinal lip growth  – 05/07/07
Bob and Crew,
Thanks very much for the response and the great job you are doing. It is hard to imagine how you have the time and patience to deal with all of us.
I think your suggestion of Lymphocystis is correct based on the articles and photos you referred me to. I tried removing the growths from the fish with no luck. So if he is not too traumatized by that effort perhaps the disease will run it's course and he will be okay. Meanwhile, it is back to working on water quality and good nutrition.
Thanks again,
David Austin
<Thank you for your kind words. If there is room (and likely no predator problems) I do encourage you to add a purposeful cleaner organism as well... Perhaps a Lysmata species... will help clean off... and greatly reduce the element of stress... very important here. Bob Fenner>

Questions regarding quarantine and lymphocystis   1/30/07
Hello again, I really appreciate all of the advice and dependable information.  Actually my fish do too as they are alive and well.
<Ah, good>
  I have two questions I need your advice on.  First, I am going to close down my 75 gallon FOWLR and transfer a Niger Triggerfish, Assasi Triggerfish and a Tuskfish to a 125 gallon FOWLR tank.  The 75 gallon had an ich outbreak about a year ago that I managed well and have not had a problem since.  In treating the ich outbreak the tank remained in a fallow state for 30 days.
Question 1 is do I need to quarantine and or dip the fish before transfer to the 125 gallon to manage the risk that there may be a low level of parasite activity that has not affected the fish?  
<I would do the dip/bath... FW, pH-adjusted... enroute to the new digs>
These three fish will be joining a Kole Tang and a Flame Angel in the 125 gallon so I want to minimize any potential problems.
<I understand>
Question 2 the Assasi Triggerfish and Tuskfish will occasionally have white patches on their fins that I diagnose as lymphocystis.  I make this diagnoses based on the appearance that the white patches seem to be inside the transparent fins of the fish and not discrete grain like spots that protrude from the fins.  The white spots are more patch like and larger in size then the ich that I have encountered in the past.  I realize the description is terse, but that is how I would describe it.  I don't treat and have no concerns as they come and go intermittently.  Can you provide any help with the diagnoses?  Thanks again.
<Mmm, might be virally-mediated... but could also be protozoan (there are some microsporidean, sporozoan infestations that appear as this... are wide-enough in their expression to show on diverse Orders of fishes...) and even a few worm possibilities. In all cases I would NOT go so far as to venture into test-treating this... I'd ignore and focus on elements of bolstering resistance through nutrition, and providing an optimized, stable environment. Bob Fenner>