Mainly Clownfish Lymph
Dear Robert,
I have come for your help again. After some reading and stuff, I must agree that rather than having ick, my clowns are most likely sick with Lymphocystis.
All are alive so far and eat like pigs, but I read in several books that Lympowhatever is a viral disease and has no cure. 
<Mmm, no "direct cure"... like virally-mediated conditions in humans (like warts) there are steps one can take to effect apparent remission. Please read here on our site: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm>
I also read, and I quote
"The disease is not usually fatal, but it is of course infectious and there is no cure.
Depending on circumstances, it is usually best to destroy the infected fish....". What circumstances are they talking about? Isn't it a bit drastic?
<Mmm, this is too drastic, too negative... Lymph/ocystis is generally not "that" infectious... Have seen it "cured" on many species of fishes... As you will find by reading the FAQs where I've sent you, by improved water quality, nutrition, prising clumps from fishes...>
I've never killed anything intentionally (well, that's not entirely true) do I have to? What are the consequences of having all fish get this thing? I mean if I let them live and add others. None seem to be bothered by it so far. (perhaps the "so far" is the answer to this one)
<No need, reason to kill specimens...>
Of three clowns that I have all were infected. After I put them together with LTA (Macrodactyla doreensis), one no longer has the growth (he had the smaller clumps), another has gotten worse (got new clumps and some of the old have grown, some have become smaller) and the third one seems to have remained unchanged (actually he just got there, 2 days ago, moved from copper-safe tank with two old and one new growth). Is there a chance that the first dude is cured?
<Yes... with improved immunity no less>
I did read somewhere that apparently Macrodactyla D. is "the cure" for Lympho.. even if the fish is just placed with the MD without making a clown-anemone bond.
<Anything that improves the life of the host will delimit the viral component... an important lesson here... Please read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mardisease.htm>
None have actually bonded with MD. The sicker one sometimes comes by and rubs himself against the stem (foot) of the anemone. Do you know anything about the magical powers of Macrodactyla Doreensis or it is just me, reading too much into it?
<Mostly the latter... as I state, the "balance equation" is tilted more toward "health" with a more "complete" positive environment... the Anemone is part of the equation>
A follow-up: In the 10g (everyone is there temporarily), the anemone seems to be doing OK. It finally got up and is now standing attached with her disk (not foot) to a rock next to it. It also started to feed by itself ( I used to have to stick food directly into her mouth as she dropped it otherwise).
We are still waiting for 55 to cycle with rock. Is it normal to have zeros in ammonia and nitrite after only 3 weeks? Could we have finished cycling?
<Likely finished>
Tests show 8.0-8.2PH, Nitrite=0,amo=0, nitrate<20. (should I test for something else?) 
<Perhaps alkalinity, and the biomineral calcium>
I did do a massive water change once toxins reached zeros, so that should explain nitrate, which I did not test before the water change.
Oh, and is there any reason why my water smells like vinegar, or something very similar to that. 
<Results of dying, competition of live rock constituents>
I did however go wild (following the dosage) on additives, such as iodine (Kent), calcium (Seachem), strontium & molybdenum (Kent), trace elements (CombiSan and Kent) and Carbonate Alkalinity (Seachem) for the rock. I forgot to add iron.. oops. Are those elements in any way harmful to fish, considering the dosage is correct?
<Better to under-dose, be careful about mixing, matching manufacturers products. There are some semi-toxic mixing possibilities>
Well, I think I should leave you alone for now...
Thanks a bunch
Oksana
<Study where I've sent you, and the links beyond. Bob Fenner>

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 Regards. AdamC.>

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>

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

Scrape Off Fish Warts?? (4/19/04)
My large French angel appears to have warts <lymphocystis> under his mouth and some on his fins, the pet store recommended I scrape them off with a razor blade or it will get worse.  Is this proper treatment, I thought if I left it alone, kept quality water, and fed him well that it would go away on its own.  What do you think? <I agree with you. The risk of injury during the process and the risk of causing a bacterial infection in the wound created by  scraping are too great in this large, beautiful fish. Like human warts, lymphocystis does not appear to be harmful and usually clears on its own eventually. Excellent water quality and optimum nutrition will hasten this. Steve Allen.>

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.>

- 'Stuff' on Unicorn Tang -
Hi, I have a unicorn tang which has some type of white material on the outside of the gill. <Sounds to me like Lymphocystis.> I think it might be a secondary bacteria infection I just finished medicating the tang for ich which is gone. He is eating and swimming normally and is also very alert and swims up to the glass when I am near the tank. He's not scratching against any objects so I don't think its a parasite. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do I was thinking about some antibiotic that I can soak the food in. <Lymphocystis is pretty harmless, and will go away on its own... not to worry. Some pictures of it here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm  Cheers, J -- >

- Lymphocystis Problems -
I recently bought a Keyhole Angel Fish, put it in my QT tank and thank got I did because it came down with something. It had started flashing on the piece of PVC pipe I had in there for it to hide in, one of it's fins was clamped to is body and some cotton-like growth started growing on it's dorsal fin. I called the LFS and they said I should treat it with a product called CLOUT. To make a long story short it helped with all the problems except for the growth on its dorsal fin, that looks like it is spreading to its tail. So I called back to the LFS and asked them and they said to do a good water change and add some aquarium salt and it should go away on its own.  Well I did that and it doesn't seem to help. Should I treat with CLOUT again? 
<No.> 
Do a freshwater dip? 
<No.> 
Wait a couple days to see what happens? 
<Yes, but wait a couple of weeks, perhaps longer. The white cottony growth is Lymphocystis, which will go away on it's own.>
Try another medication? 
<Try good nutrition to promote good health.> 
Any help you can give is appreciated. (P.S. boy am I glad I took up the practice of using a QT tank). I sent the best picture I could of it's dorsal fin, it doesn't stay still to long. I think it is camera shy.........:-)   Thanks, Mike
<No worries, pretty sure this is lymph and will go away in time.  Cheers, J -- >

- Lymphocystis Question -
Hey Y'all,
<Hello to you, JasonC here...>
I know you get a lot of questions about Lymphocystis, and I have read most of the postings in the disease section of the web site. 
<Ahh good... that you've read I mean ;-) > 
I have a cardinal that my husband got for me 3 days ago which he didn't look closely at when he was picking it out and didn't quarantine before he put it into my tank (I was at school at the time). 
<Ask him if you can pour sugar in his gas tank while he is at work - is a very similar act.> 
It looks like he is carrying a small cotton ball around in his mouth and I had a question about "curing" this incurable disease using cleaner shrimp or golden neon cleaner gobies or some other maintenance type fish. 
<Not unreasonable.> 
Is this a feasible option or should I just wait for the lymph to go away as has been recommended to other people who have written to you with the same problem? 
<Well the keyword here is MAY, as in: cleaner shrimp and cleaner gobies 'may' have a beneficial effect on Lymphocystis. Then again, they 'may' not. Just no guarantee either way. I've seen the same shrimp both clean it and ignore it, so I just can't predict.> 
I have good water quality (except for slightly raised nitrate levels that are in the process of coming down) and I don't want to risk the health of the other 4 fish in the tank as I can't seem to catch the cardinal to quarantine him (and I thought these were supposed to be slow moving fish). 
<Only when they want to.> 
Your advice would be appreciated.   Thank you,  Andrea
<Cardinals can be caught, but you need to be very subtle - what has worked for me is three nets, two people. One to hold the catch net, and then you use the two net handles to slowly herd the fish into the big net. In the mean time, lymph isn't really a contagious disease so you don't need to worry about that, but... talk to your husband because all the risk has already been taken. Removing the cardinal would be useful for treatment purposes, but anything it was carrying is likely already in the tank... too late. I'm sure your husband was well-intentioned, but you need to quarantine everything you bring in. Keep your eyes out for scratching, other signs... these also 'may' present themselves in your other fish, or not.  Cheers, J -- >

Lympho-Maniac?
Hi, I have an angel fish with what I think to be is Lymphocystis on his lips and is unable to eat anything. What should I do?  Thanks,  Kerrie
<Well, Kerrie, Lymphocystis is not entirely understood. Some people believe that it is an environmental malady, brought on by water conditions, diet, or even stray voltage. It is rarely fatal, and usually goes into spontaneous remission without any intervention on the part of the aquarist. I'd just continue with excellent environmental conditions, good food, and patience. Hopefully, it will clear up with minimal intervention on your part....Hang in there! Don't go too crazy...just maintain common sense husbandry practices and keep the fish as happy as possible. You can read up more on this malady on the WWM site. Regards, Scott F>

Is it Lymphocystis?
>Dear Crew:
>>Greetings, Marina finally back online here.
>I have a 5" Raccoon Butterfly fish and a 4" Lemonpeel Angel in my 20G QT. I bought them out of the same tank at an LFS 5 days ago. The butterfly had been there for several weeks and the Lemonpeel for a couple. Both were eating fine. A couple of weeks before I bought it, I noticed a 1mm fleshy white mass at the tip of one of the dorsal fin spines of the butterfly. A few days later, it was gone. Now, I see another, and the Lemonpeel have several. The Butterfly is fine and eats heartily. The Lemonpeel swims around fine and acts normal other than not eating any of the various foods I have tried. I am convinced that the spots are Lymphocystis.
>>They very well could be Lymphocystis.  If so, there is really nothing you can do about it.  However, you must get that Lemonpeel eating.  Was he eating at the shop?  If so, let's hope it wasn't brine only.  Try some fresh bloodworms, and if you're not doing much in the way of water changes then I will suggest strongly you begin a regimen of 30-50% every day to every other day.  20 gallons is a small space for fish of this size.  I would also offer the angel Mysis shrimp, as well as finely chopped squid, clam, octopus, and the like to see if that will stimulate his feeding.  Also, please to a Google on our site for Lemonpeels, it will search us specifically.  Best of luck, and accept my apologies for the late response!  Marina

- Pimple on my fireball? -
<Greetings, JasonC here...>
Do you have an explanation? <Uhh... 42> I have a new Fireball pygmy angel and noticed today that it has a what I'll call for lack of a better term (a whitehead like pimple) growth on the chest area, however, it seems fine with respect to eating and behavior. Any cause for concern? <It sounds to me like Lymphocystis - a viral problem that typically takes care of itself.> I do not have digital camera to provide any pictures unfortunately. <No worries.> Also, I have a cleaner shrimp and it has molted three times in one month. Normal, or cause for concern? <Do be cautious about your iodine additions... that is if you are adding any.>
Thank you in advance.
P. S. My water temp is 80deg., sal 1.021 with all other water parameters being normal. Lighting is 48"PC left on 8hrs daily on 50gl tank. <Sounds good.>
--- Steve Sung
<Cheers, J -- >

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, Microsporidium, 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, Microsporidium, 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>

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

Re: flagfin angel with bad Lymphocystis and something else
Hello, I have a 4 in. flagfin angel, had him for a couple of months now eats great acts perfect, etc. But I went on vacation and when I came back it had some Lymphocystis on his bottom left fin. I thought it would probably go away, but it's now bigger and all around it there is red. Is this a bacterial infection? Is whatever this is deadly? How can I get this away? Thanks!
<The redness is likely on indirectly linked to the Lymphocystis. At this point I would check your water quality, do what you can to improve same, boost nutrition with supplements added to the fish's foods, and consider placing a cleaner organism. Should the virus spread to your other fishes, do write back re other possible avenues of action. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

Lymphocystis?
WWM Crew,
<Scott F. here today>
Your site is the best.  I have a 90 FOWLR tank- aqua-c remora hang-on skimmer, Eheim canister, powerhead, 50lbs liverock.  I have 2-yellow tailed damsels, 1 yellow tang, and 1 threadfin.  salinity 1.021, temp 78f, ph 8.3, 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites.  Tank has been setup now for 6 months.   All fish doing well.  My question is about the threadfin- he is 3.5 inches long, I have had him for 3 weeks now, Methylene blue dip, no quarantine-sorry (will be getting the quarantine tank setup for X-mas).
<Ok- no scolding for you this time! At least you did the dip- so I know that you're on the right track!>
On the rear upper fin above the black eye spot-appears to be a growth (maybe lymph-appears cauliflower like) this spot is where the "thread is suppose to grow from.  He currently does not have the thread, I am hoping this is the start of it growing and not viral or bacteria related? John
<Tough to tell from here. If it is Lymphocystis, it's rarely damaging or fatal, and it often "self-heals" without intervention on the part of the hobbyist. My suggestion is to keep a close eye on this fish, continue to supply excellent water quality and food, and be prepared to take quick action if it should turn out to be something more virulent. Read up on the FAQs on the wetwebmedia.com site to confirm what you may be dealing with. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

What is the title of your book? (and puffer lymph)
It looks to me like you have written a book on marine aquariums (from some of the emails)
<Likely you're referring to "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". Sold by fish shops, Amazon et al. on-line booksellers, many etailers:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marlinks.htm>
What's its title and where can I get it? I think I have two puffers with lymphocystis, 
<Very/too common>
but my fish have clear blisters on their fins, which is a little different from the descriptions I have read of lymph. Is there anything else this could be? 
<Chemical, physical "burns", secondary bacterial (though often labeled as fungal) infection...>
They look like clusters of bubbles in their fins.
<Oh, this IS likely lymphocystis. Look at pix here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm>
Thanks,
Brenda
<Be chatting, Bob Fenner>

Cauliflower Disease?
Robert:
I have a Cardinal Fish that appears to have Cauliflower disease. I have had my tank for about 8 weeks and added the Cardinal Fish two weeks ago. Attached is a picture of my fish (I know the picture doesn't show great detail but that was the best I could do) can you tell me if this is Cauliflower Disease? 
<Not from the images... but this condition (lymphocystis) is not uncommon on this species.>
From the research I have done, Cauliflower Disease appears to be the only fit. Also, from what I have read, there doesn't appear to be any real cure. I have done a fresh water dip and he appears to be breathing rather heavily right now. Do you have any advice? Can this spread to my other fish? Your help is greatly appreciated!
<Yes. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm and backwards through the links mentioned there. This is really an "environmental disease"... best "treated" by improving such. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Scott

Blue Tang
Bob,
Another question - I have a small (2.5 inch) Blue (Regal) Tang.
<Wow, this is small>
I have had it for about 2 weeks. It has some white fluffy like spots on it's body and fins. Mostly noticeable when the light hits him at an angle. Not too many, and it is eating fine, swimming fine. On a rare occasion will brush against the live rock. Best described as like the dandelion seed fluff that blows in the air. I am feeding the usual flake food, and Graze. I have read your articles in "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" regarding Ick, but also have read your advice on the website about Lymphocystis. 
<This is likely the latter.>
I am really not sure what this is or whether to treat it or not.
<I wouldn't "treat it" as such... simply maintain good water quality, boost immune systems with vitamins, iodide addition to foods, water... perhaps add a cleaner (oh, see you have down below)>
All my levels are at zero, PH is good, salinity good. I also have a Yellow Tang, two Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Flame Angel and just got a Cleaner Wrasse (bought it before I read your boycott article in your book - it will be my last one) and two cleaner shrimp. I think it and the Yellow Tang had some of these spots once before but they went away. Any suggestions?
<Just the above>
I bought your book a week ago and read it in two days 
<!>
(amazon.com is a great thing). Awesome material, I wish I had it before I even bought the tank. Should be a must read for anyone BEFORE getting into this hobby. Your knowledge seems endless.
<Simply many years of accumulation, tests, trying to "make known" what one feels should be...>
After reading the book, it gave a whole new perspective on being "conscientious", and changed my whole feeling of responsibility about keeping these animals. Thank-you.
<Thank you my friend. Our minds, consciousnesses have met, are confluent. Bob Fenner>
John Kummer

Imperator Angel (Lymphocystis, John Donne's lament)
I recently picked up a small Imperator Angel approximately 4" in length. I purchased him with having Lymphocystis at the time, the shop owner was going to flush him, and he was doing well up till 2 days ago. I was feeding him Brine Shrimp soaked in Zoe and occasionally Formula Two. He has quit eating. He is in a 10 Gallon Med tank, with a simple over the back. I can add a sponge filter that has been floating in my sump for a while for just such an occasion. I read at FFExpress that perhaps a water change and live rock would help so I have done that. I am also shopping around to find someone who sells Ocean Nutrition Angel Food, I read it is mostly a sponge base food source. I knowingly picked up the animal ill, but I saved him from a flushing, what can I do to keep him alive?
<Place this animal in your main display tank... there is very little chance it will "pass" the lymph on to other fishes... and very good chance it will perish soon otherwise>
I have already spent quite a few hours simply staring at him in the tank and trying to talk him into eating, but I have has no such luck. I have a sincere problem about caring to much for Marine Fish. 
<Is there such a thing? I refer you to the writings of John Donne... "If a clod be washed from England's shore...">
I am always picking up sick fish and curing them. I am getting better all the time and I know that I am doing some good by saving just a few animals doomed otherwise. 
<Perhaps they are in turn saving you>
This is my first angel and I must say they are somewhat more difficult than I had expected. I thought a case of Lymphocystis would be a piece of cake to heal from all the information I had read, and I am still sure I can cure him if he would help by eating. All the water parameters are fine. 0's on Nitrate, Nitrite, and Ammonium. Ph is 8.3 and water is 79-80 degrees. Lighting is timed with 2 24" fluorescents. Help me Mr. Fenner. I have a great deal of respect for you and hope to meet you one day to express all you have done for me and my hobby. Your book is my favorite and quite beaten and dog-eared on the pages that the binding still holds.
<Do place this animal in larger, more settled quarters... soak foods with a liquid vitamin preparation and iodide... the viral infection it has is an environmental "disorder", imbalance... strengthen it psycho-emotionally by improving its environment, nutrition, and in turn it will cure itself internally. Bob Fenner>
Sincerely,
Joseph M Howell

Blue angel sick
Help!! My angel is sick and I can't diagnose.
<Nice pix... this is almost assuredly a case of the environmental/viral syndrome called lymphocystis. My pitch on it is posted here: http://wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm>
This is the first angel I have had. he is in with a chain link moray and 3 black mollies.
I am running a Fluval 304 filled with carbon and floss for mechanical and chemical filtration.
I am running a Merlin fluidizing bed for biological filtration.
<I'd pull this latter piece of gear... and try more/live rock, macro-algae culture, possibly a mud/sump/refugium... feeding sponge material, soaking foods in a vitamin and iodide preparation before offering...>
and I am running a Berlin ho skimmer. It looks like cauliflower to me but I haven't heard of cauliflower being in more than one spot. it doesn't look like white spot or velvet. my skimmer hasn't been working properly could that be it. I emailed red sea to ask how to fix it.
<This condition, "lymph" is treated/treatable by improving water quality, boosting the fishes health/immune system via nutritional betterment... and the use of cleaner organisms. You can read about all on our website (wetwebmedia.com). Bob Fenner>

Lymph, likely
My dear Robert:
We have corresponded before, when as a neophyte, I had a million ?'s.
<Hmm, I still do.>
I have an established (mixed reef) and have a green Chromis damsel, long time tank, no recent additions. one of the fish seems to have a (what looks like) a salt encrustation around the mouth parts. Seems to eat normally, and perform as always. I could use a hint.
<Likely a form of "lymphocystis"... a virally-mediated growth syndrome... variously linked to different environmental stresses. Please see the "Environmental Disease" and "Lymphocystis" sections/FAQs posted on our site: www.WetWebMedia.com... best to try improving water quality, soaking foods in vitamin prep.s, adding cleaner organisms...>
Your ever respectful aquarist .. Don Jones
<Be chatting. Bob Fenner>

Lymphocystis?
Hi Bob, your web site is kick ass, but had a quick question. I wrote two weeks ago about a crosshatch trigger and Brazilian queen that I purchased from marine center. I finally got the loony trigger to eat and is going well (strange triggers though!),
<Yes, even for triggers.>
the queen is doing well but seems to have some type of whitish growth on its pectoral fins, not ick or bacteria (I don't think), doesn't seem to spreading rapidly, and it has not affected the other tank mates. Is this lymphocystis, what do I do, and should I be alarmed? Thanks, tom
<Does sound like lymphocystis, and no to being alarmed... with good water quality, feeding (add Selcon to it before offering), this environmental disease ought to solve itself in weeks to months... Unfortunately, these fishes don't often "hold up their end of the bargain" in not eating cleaners... but if you've got the extra money to risk, you might try a Gobiosoma sp. goby in with them...
Bob Fenner>

Lymphocystis
Sorry to bother you but....
<Never a bother>
I have a small freshwater tank with mollies, painted glass fish, albino cats, red-tail shark, barbs, and a reed fish. 2 silver mollies and a few of the painted glass fish seem to have small white spots on the fins that are neither fin-rot or ick, Someone from a local shop said it was Lymphocystis, which I thought was a marine problem not fresh. I think it is spreading to some of my other fish (at least the red-tail shark) and I'm looking for a cure. Please help me
<Please read over the section on "environmental disease" and "lymphocystis" including the associated FAQs pages posted on the Marine Index (as you're right, this is generally a saltwater viral involvement) on the site: www.WetWebMedia.com>
Thank You, Daryl Pruett
<You're welcome. Bob Fenner>

Sponges, Lighting, Lymph
Hello Again,
I read about the sponges like you told me and I think I am going to hold off until I upgrade my lighting next spring. Speaking about lighting is there a such thing as too much light? 
<Yes... too much, too soon...>
I am thinking about buying two 400 watt metal halides (20,000k). Would this be enough to support most corals?
<For how big, deep a system? What sorts of corals?>
I also have a problem with one of my butterflies. It started to have white clumps on its fins and began to spread on his fins and another butterflies fins. I removed him from my main tank and put him in my "hospital" tank. 
<Read the bits about "Lymphocystis" on the www.wetwebmedia.com site>
The other butterfly's clumps got better and I am not to worried about it reappearing because I did a big water change and I have a UV sterilizer. 
<Maybe some of the former, definitely not the latter>
The butterfly in the hospital tank has gotten worse though. I finally bought some copper yesterday but while I was at the LFS I received some conflicting information. One worker said it was ick and to use copper while another one said it was a viral infection. 
<The second speaker is correct... and the copper may well kill the B/F... Instead, place the fish back into a stable, large system with purposeful cleaners (e.g. Lysmata shrimp species, Gobiosoma gobies...) and they will nick off the "lymph" in time.>
I put the copper in the tank anyway and today he seamed to be doing a little better. I gave him a freshwater dip and some of the clumps came off. I also tried to pull some of it off with tweezers but it didn't seem to come off easy and I didn't want to stress him anymore. What do you think of this and should I continue to use the copper?
Thanks,
Jonathan Pac
<Read the above citation my friend. Bob Fenner, on the way out of Sydney>

Lymph
Hi!
Mr. Fenner, this is Bhaskar from Fairbanks Alaska. We corresponded once before. I have a couple of questions for you. 
First my Maculosus angel has Lymph nodes growing on one side of his body. It is actually pretty bad. Do you think they will go away on their own. I asked Gerald and FFExpress about cleaner shrimps and he said they would not eat away the growth. Do you think it will get worse. Anything I can do?
<Hmm, lymph "nodes"... maybe you mean the condition "lymphocystis"... principally attributed to viral causes... linked with stress, poor water quality... Cleaner organisms might help.>
The second question is: I have discovered my semilarvatus butterfly will only eat live Tubifex worms. I know these carry a lot of parasites but I am assuming these are freshwater parasites and will not affect the saltwater fish.
<Should be able to train this specimen onto other foods with time, practice. And little, very small likelihood of infectious or parasitic disease introduction into seawater... I wouldn't/don't worry.>
Lastly I am going to be purchasing a eight hundred gallon tank in the next three months. So you think I could put my six inch Maculosus with my eight inch emperor in that tank or do you think it is best to stay away from mixing large angels.
<800 gallons? Should be okay.>
As always, thanks for doing so much for the hobby. I am a fanatic. I have three "three hundred gallon tanks" right now and my wife needless to say is not overly pleased but this tank I am about to get will be the last one and I will take down two of the three hundred gallon tanks and have just two tanks. It is easier to maintain that way. Two is about all I have time for. 
<Tell her for me that they help keep the house warm, moist and livable for you...>
P.S. I bought your "conscientious marine aquarist book", do you have any more books in the works?
<Yes, many. One other is offered by Amazon.com currently... and a few more finished, yet not in print (big sigh), that you can see sections of on the site: Home Page , and out looking for publishers for others... Thanks for asking.>
Thanks again....Bhaskar. 
P.P.S. Since you have a world of knowledge I need to ask you an awkward
question. My wife thinks I am a fanatic and very strange and she keeps record of all the money I have spent on fish. So far I have spent seventeen thousand eight hundred in the last five years. Is this really excessive. I think a lot of people who are really into the hobby spend a lot more money than that. I would rather drive a old beat up car and come home to a grand aquarium than vice versa. 
<IMO, no... I've spent much more than that on many other much more "frivolous" pursuits in the last few years... Sushi-bar going, photography of a few types, travel hither and yon... A possible worthwhile insight: my wife and I have a combined account and separate ones of our own... Not encouraging deceit of any sort... but what is yours (plural) can be apart from what is both of yours singly can it not?>
Anyway.. thanks again...
P.S. I downloaded a picture of you and have it hanging on one of the tank hoods. And I have named the Maculosus Bob since it is one of your favourite fish. >>
<Hmm, thank you very much. Bob Fenner>

Purple Tang
Bob
I have a purple tang in a 120 gal reef set up. It has whitish, tuft-like growths on its fins, around its eyes and belly. In reviewing your book, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, you mention Lymphocystis as looking "white-to-grayish cauliflower-like clumps". That's what this resembles. In reviewing Martin Moe's Marine Aquarium Handbook, he lists a couple of possibilities, one of which is Lymphocystis. The other is Saprolegnia, which he states can have a cotton-like tuft appearance or as a thin whitish coating on the sides of the fish. I can not see a whitish coating on the sides of the fish at this time. No other fish show any signs of this condition. The Tang is behaving normally except I have seen it do a shimmy kind of movement. No darting or scraping it's body on things. Can I assume that this is Lymphocystis and let it run it's course? Or should I remove the Tang and treat it. And treat it with copper, malachite green, or ?
Thank you for your prompt responses to my previous questions .
Rob Peters, Palmer, Alaska
>>
Do doubt this is Saprolegnia or any other true fungus... very likely is Lymphocystis... and would let it go, try some cleaners, or if already capturing the specimen for some purpose, endeavor daubing on a mercuric compound (like for owees for children) with a cotton swab... to speed on "recognition" of the virus by its host.
Bob Fenner

Re: A real mess
Thanks for the speedy reply, Bob. The growths on the fish are whitish and tumour like- almost like a fungus but not fluffy.
I'll get to work immediately on your other recommendations.
Thanks again, Patrick 
>>
Ah, good to hear this... and does sound more and more "environmental" in cause to me...
Speed on my friend. 
Bob Fenner

I recently purchased a small Valentini puffer through FFExpress (it's my first fish for a new 55 gallon tank) that I'm currently quarantining in a 10 gallon tank. He has a great appetite and seems very healthy, except that he arrived with what appears to be lymphocystis on his tail fin. I have him in low salinity quarantine (1.015 SG) but I don't think that helps with lymphocystis (??) Otherwise, no other diseases or problems for two weeks. Question: should I just keep him in quarantine and hold off moving him to the main tank and getting more fish until it's gone? He's small and the clumps aren't too big and I think it would be stressful and difficult to try to remove them. What should I do?
>>
Lymphocystis can be a tough problem to deal with. On the one hand, it isn't generally very infectious, nor fatal, on the other, it is very persistent. In your case, the species in question, Canthigaster valentini, and your statements about its obvious health (this is generally a hardy species), I would actually manually remove the lymphocystis on the way to placing the specimen in your main tank... and then dump and clean the quarantine tank to remove the virus.
Here's how to effect the removal. Carefully net the puffer, and hold it is place (careful, they bite) with one hand in the wet net. With your other hand, use your thumbnail and middle or forefinger nail to pinch and pull off the lymphocystis toward the rear and off the end of the puffer's tail. If you'd like, you can daub a bit of mercurochrome, Merthiolate or Merbromin solution (intended for human cuts) with a cotton swab on the area... but do this quickly. Then simply place the puffer in its permanent home. It is very likely that you will never see the lymph again.
Bob Fenner

Dear Bob,
> I recently purchased a French angel and after a week the bottom fin has a very small deterioration and white puff or slime. My pH is 8.2, nitrates and ammonia are zero. The angel is in a tank with a powder blue tang, a porcupine, a Harlequin tusk wrasse and a squirrel. I have a hard time identifying the problem and would hate to have this progress. Should I medicate with Formulite II or Maracyn II or should I observe. I did a 25% water change Friday just to be on the safe side. Will this go away on its own or get worse? Thanks for your help. Len
>>
I definitely would take a "wait and see" approach here... as this is a very hardy species in general, and likely a physical trauma of some sort that will clear up on its own... I would absolutely not treat the tank with any of the listed materials... even if the problem is viral... it will not prove fatal, and is best treated after it progresses a bit. There are not many options for availing yourself of biological cleaners due to the other fish livestock mix... So I would hold off, maybe soak the animal's food with a vitamin preparation before presenting it... and try not to worry at this point. It should resolve itself.
Bob Fenner

Maculosus angel
this is prolly a very stupid question, but seeing as how I am so paranoid with my fish, here goes...
yesterday I saw on your Q&A bulletin the question about the queen angel w/lymph. It occurred to me that my maculosus angel came with two white lumps on its tail fin whose description match your description of lymph. Now, I have had the fish for 6 weeks. Four weeks ago, the white patches just disappeared (I ignored them in the first place, thinking that it was just a small discoloration). Nothing appears to be wrong with the fish or any other fish in my tank. I'm not too concerned about the angel, but I would like to know if I should avoid fish with lymph at all costs or if its kinda ok to get them if everything else checks out. I am currently interested in getting a juvenile passer angel that I know has a little lymph but has been in the store for over a month and a half and seems to be otherwise fine (full bodied, feeding well, etc.) any thoughts? Thank-you once again for all of your invaluable advice
- Yaron Aronowicz 
>>
What to say? If it were me, I WOULD avoid specimens showing signs of lymphocystis... as this "disease" is indicative of some previous insults... and possibly a poor genetic predisposition.... Not really catching, but not attractive, and can be very hard to resolve... months, many. Bob Fenner

Hi Bob, I've learned a lot through the daily Q&A. Thanks.
My question concerns my Passer Angel. About 2 weeks ago a white substance appeared to be growing out of the dorsal fin. It increased in size for a couple of days and then was gone (fell off I guess). A couple of days later this process seemed to repeat. This time the white stuff appeared to be growing from between scales on the fish's sides (non-symmetric areas on either side). After a couple of days they were gone.
Two days ago the dorsal fin became affected again. A portion of the fin appears to be swollen and discolored/faded. The white substance looks like it's coming back along the top edge of the fin in the swollen area.
The fish's behavior seems normal, eating and swimming fine, aside from occasional (not frequent) scratching. Is this the 'Lymph' noted in today's  Q&A? I did a freshwater dip and tried to wipe away the substance. Tested  water and all checks out.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Chris
>>
May well be lymphocystis... I would try to not overreact... wait a few weeks to see if something substantial becomes of this "growth"... catching, manipulating the animal is too stressful to be done casually.
Be chatting, Bob Fenner

I have a beautiful queen angel and its the only fish in my tank with ick (it has big white chunks on its fins). I have been adding a medicine to my tank for 4 days with no improvement (the medicine is called "Quik cure"). how long does it take for results? should I move the fish to a hospital tank? how would I go about setting up a hospital tank and what kind of filtration should there be? I really don't want to spent that much money on setting up another tank? could you also recommend a brand of medicine? my friend had a similar problem and cured it by catching the fish every day and dipping it in this medicine, but that seems like too much trouble.
>>
Big white chunks on your Queen (Holacanthus ciliaris) Angel's fins? Doesn't sound like ich at all (stop using the QuickCure... it's toxic, and won't treat this problem). This is very likely an incidence of "lymph", or lymphocystis, a viral-mediated "white, clumpy growth, mainly on the fins".... and is best dealt with via the use of biological cleaners (that don't like QuickCure either). What I would do:
1) Leave the fish in the tank... as you're right... that it would be too stressful to manipulate it.
2) Get and place some biological cleaners... like Lysmata wurdemanni, or Gobiosoma gobies, or even a juvenile Hogfish (Bodianus rufus or B. pulchellus) that will pick off the lymphocystis... but this will take time... probably a few months...
Alternatively, oftentimes there are cases of "lymph" where catching the affected specimens, pulling off the nodules (with your fingertips), and possibly freshwater dipping them in the process, brings about a quicker resolution (elimination of the lymph).
If any of this isn't clear, please do write back... and good luck. This problem is rarely fatal, just unattractive... and long lasting.
Bob Fenner