Lymphocystis Virus

[APC]

Hi All,

I have a yellow tang...have had him for about 6 weeks now. He has a little white "thingy" on his pectoral fin. It looks like a piece of cauliflower. It is approximately the size of a BB. It has not gotten any bigger since it first appeard about a month ago. The fish is otherwise healthy, he eats like a champ, and is very active.

Based on my research on the web, I think it is a Lymphocystis Virus. Apparently there is no cure or treatment for it...but it may go away on its own.

Like I said before, the fish looks great, other then this lump. Do you all have any experience with this? Any advice?

As an FYI, my tank is mostly reef. I have one clownfish and this yellow tang. I bought him just to help keep Macro Algae at bay (And he does a great job by the way!). My main focus is soft corals. The reason I bring this up is I am not too worried about him infecting other fish...he pretty much has the tank to himself.

Thanks

Adam

[Bruce]

Ahh Lymphocystis Disease. Well...although this virus does cause tumors, they are benign. From what I know, there isnt much danger in losing the fish for this reason. Really the only thing I found bad about this virus is that if a commercial fish is infected it is cheaper...lol. I also read that the virus will finish and then the fish will be more immune to it. But the fish can catch it again. Good luck

[APC]

Thanks Bruce.

A quick update...I got home from my weekly business trip this week, and the tumor is gone! The fish looks great! So good news!

[coral reefer]

Is it something that cleaner shrimp can possibly help to eliminate? Like they are good at removing Ich from fish etc.!

[APC]

Not sure. It would have made a heck of a meal for a shrimp though. It was literally the size of a BB. Worth looking into though.

[BlackWhiteYellow]

I had a CBS he was very reluctant to help out but even if he did, Lymphocystis wasn't on his menu.