Lamarck Angel Disease, viral    7/14/2009
Hello,
Thanks for all the information you all provide. I have been using your site for about 8 years.
<Ahh! And WWM is coming up on its 15th year anniversary... Got a solicitation for red and gold stickers for the event>
I have a Lamarck Angel with fluffy white patches on her fins and mouth area. She has been in my tank for about 1 week. Before going into the main tank, (one week in q. tank) I noticed she did have a spot on her dorsal fin. It looked like it was rubbed. Of coarse, once I added her to main tank, it bloomed. There's a "glob" below her mouth and a few more globs on her dorsal fin. I see smaller spots appearing on her pectoral fins as well. My tank is a 155 bow, with quite a few butterflies and a few other angels.
I have some cleaning inverts and about 180lbs of live rock. The tank has been set-up for 5 years in the current location. I use a skimmer, and some bagged media in the sump. Should I try to yank her out and dip her?
<Mmm, no... I wouldn't... This is likely the viral/stress syndrome labeled Lymphocystis... You can read re: http://wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm
and the linked files above>
As long as the other fish are not stressed, this should not infect them, right?
<Likely so>
She is eating everything I give her. Mysis, Formula 1&2, and blackworms, flakes and some algae. My SG is kinda low at 1.020-1.021 ish,
<I'd raise this... to Near Seawater strength>
pH 8.3-8.4, trace nitrate <20ppm.
-Becky
<And supplement foods with a HUFA, vitamin prep... see WWM re... Bob Fenner>

Blond Naso Growth: Lymphocystis 7/15/2009 First, thanks for all of your help. You guys are a great resource. <Thank You.> I just picked up a Blond Naso and it has a white cauliflower like growth on its fin (see pic). It is in the quarantine tank right now. Please advise what you think the growth is and how I should treat it. Thanks again! <It looks to by Lymphocystis. You can read about it here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/viraldislymph.htm This should clear itself in  time.. Mike <MikeV>

Lymphocystis on six line wrasse   5/17/09
Hello,
<Greetings, Christine here>
I have a Six Line Wrasse with a cauliflower looking growth between his right eye and snout. It has been there for months, doing more research shows it may be a Lymphocystis. I thought it was a tumor and just kept an eye on it. My water parameters are Ammonia 0, Nitrates 10ppm, Salinity 1.025. Nothing wrong with its tank mates (2 Kent clowns, Niger Trigger, Zebra Moray, Orchid dotty back, Yellow Tank) From what I have read it would typically go away after several weeks but it's been there for months.
I now feel I should quarantine it, what is your take?
Thanks
Tom
<"Cauliflower-like" does sound like lymphocystis, and considering the very slow progression of the growth that or another virus is likely. Cancerous tumors and viral growths are physiologically quite similar in some ways, so
without extensive testing you may never know, but that is ok. In either case, there is no medication you could give to change things, so the treatment path is the same: supportive care in the way of solid nutrition, varied foods, vitamin supplements like Selcon and VitaChem, and good water quality. Beta-glucan as a supplement in the food may be helpful as well. I wouldn't bother taking the fish out into quarantine as it offers no benefit: there's nothing you can do in a hospital tank that you can't do in the display (as long as the other fish are leaving him alone), and
stressing him by moving will be detrimental. Plus, if there is anything contagious about the growth, all of your other fish have already been exposed. Keep an eye on it and continue as usual.
--Christine> 

Lymphocystis?   3/9/09 Just need a quick clarification. Is this Lymphocystis or some sort of tumor? <Almost assuredly Lymph> If it's a tumor, what treatment would you suggest? <Mmm, none... just good care, feeding, time going by... see WWM re> This is on the fin of a Flame Angel. Also thought the pic may help others diagnose their own fish:) Thanks much!!! <Thank you Scott. Bob Fenner>

Another ich question... perhaps   04/14/2008 Hi Crew, I know you don't get tired of these... an ich question. On Friday I picked up a latticed butterfly and put it in a QT. All appeared to be fine. Saturday it had 3 spots on its tail fin... and I know it's ich. <... maybe> Since researching WWM I know they are sensitive to chelated copper. I did do a fw dip with meth. blue for 4 min... fish was extremely stressed. I had Cupramine on hand but didn't have a Seachem test kit. I found one in town, went and got it. Came back and dosed as directed. Tested the tank and got no results. According to the FAQs on WWM this is not too uncommon. Here's the problem. I have no way of testing this copper within the 48 hours as recommended... any suggestions on another way to test? Also fish seems a little stressed, would it be prudent to filter the copper out and try another method, formalin dips or 50% water changes every other day for 2 weeks, to combat this? Thank you Jennifer <I would hold off on treatment period... this may well not be Ich/Cryptocaryon... are the spots located directly over the fin rays? Possibly these are just reaction sites from rough netting... A well-resolved picture would help... Bob Fenner> Re: Another ich question...  - 04/14/08 Hi Bob, Update: Sunday I did a 50% water change (using main tank water) and am currently using a PolyFilter to get the copper out. I would have sent pics but they are too small to see in the pic, not to mention the little bugger wouldn't sit still. 1 of the 3 spots is gone. The spots are not on the fin rays they are on the very edge of the fin. <Both telling... this is not Cryptocaryon> At what point do you think I'll know for sure it's ich and what would be your recommendation for treatment given that latticed butterflyfish are copper sensitive? <... posted... In general, best to use quinine.> Is Cupramine ok for this fish? <IF it had something for which Copper is useful to treat...> I have researched this disease to death so I am quite familiar with its' lifecycle and the treatments. I just don't think this fish was doing well with the Cupramine, stationary in the corner, heavy breathing. Since the water change moving around more and normal respiration. <Thank goodness> And FYI on the SeaChem test results.. according to SeaChem if there is a lot # on the powder reagent then that is the problem. <?!> They have revamped their test kits. Thank you Bob Jennifer <And you Jen. BobF> Re: Another ich question...  - 04/15/08 Dear Bob and I say dear because if you don't think this is ich I'll sing your praises even more than I already do!! In all of the research that I have done I have yet to see that the spots needed to be on the fin rays but it does make sense. The 2 remaining spots are gone. She hasn't scratched that I've seen but I try to stay out of the room to keep her stress level down. <Good point, practice> I shall continue with water changes to keep up water quality. She hasn't eaten since I brought her home but seems interested in picking at tank wall and floor. <What they do> I've put mysis shrimp in the clam shell as suggested on WWM but nothing. I'll try other tricks. <Fresh/er live rock...> Thank you again Bob for all of your great advice!! Jen <Welcome! BobF> Re: Another ich question... – 4/15/08 I wrestled with the live rock idea because if it was ich meds would kill...well you know the rest. However, she did eat some shrimp. By the way I did see those 2 spots after all on her tail (had to press my face against the glass), which now makes 48 hours. Thanks again, Bob! Jennifer <Jen, can you send a well-resolved, close-up pic? BobF> Re: Another ich question...  4/16/08 Bob, I don't know "well resolved" these photos are but it's the best I could get. It was stressing her out. The spots have gotten a little bigger. You can see them at the very edge of her tail. I did another 50% water change siphoning the bottom. Just out of curiosity if quinine is so effective and is safe for sharks why isn't it the cure most recommended overall? Thanks Bob. Jennifer <Mmm... this is almost certainly NOT Cryptocaryon... on the basis of placement, size, and the lack elsewhere on the body. What it is... likely... is Lymphocystis... a viral-environmental-stress complaint. NOT treatable by "medicines" per se, but ameliorated via environmental improvement, enhanced nutrition, alleviating/lowering stress overall. Do know that this species of Butterfly is NOT easily kept in captivity... Bob Fenner> Re: Another ich question...  4/16/08 Bob, That is great news!!! I've dealt with Lympho before.. you actually helped me through it with my coral beauty. He's thriving in the display tank. I'm sending another pic for better clarity. I took my book (your book) into the LFS for reference and I was positive this was a Latticed Butterflyfish. If not then what is it? Thank you. Jennifer <... is a Raffle's... see here: http://wetwebmedia.com/Goodchaetodon.htm This one is dangerously thin. I would move it post haste to permanent quarters... with plenty of live rock, other feeding. B> Re: Another ich question...  4/17/08 She started eating mysis shrimp yesterday.. couple times a day. I put a well algae covered piece of live rock in with her today that she's picked at some. Thanks for all of your help and reassurance!! Jennifer <Ahh! Good news... and yes to there being a few common names for this Chaetodon species. Cheers! BobF>

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

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>

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.>

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

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>

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.>