Copperband Butterfly - Lympho

[jrobison]

Hello, I received a Copperband Butterfly a little over a week ago. Order # A2584086. It seems to have developed lymphocytis (sp.), (on most of its fins and tail). It has been in a 20 gallon quarantine with a neon goby. Both are doing well and eating great. So far it has only eaten mysis. Just wondering what treatment you would recommend. I don't feel comfortable putting it in the display like it is. Thanks for the help.

 

[dfs/la2]

Jrobison,

Thank you for contacting us regarding your order. We apologize for the condition of the Copperband Butterflyfish. Upon researching this disease there are many conflicting opinions. We have found the following information to be reliable in the treatment of this disease. Lymphocytis is caused by a virus that enters through the blood stream or tissues of the fish via broken skin or other wound. The time from the initial infection to the first visible sign of the disease can take from one week to one year.

The mortality rate for this disease is quite low and our recommended treatment is to leave the fish alone. Given time the nodules will fall off even though this may take a month or longer. Unfortunately there are no reliable treatments for viral infections. Providing and maintaining a healthy environment and reducing or removing the stressors on the fish are the best cure. We have credited you in full for the cost of this fish on your account and please keep us informed of his progress. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you have any further questions please contact us at 1-800-334-3699.

Stacie R.
Technical Support
Drs Foster and Smith

 

[jrobison]

Thanks for the help. I will keep him in quarantine and try and keep him happy until he is better.

 

[jrobison]

Just wanted to let you know that I had emailed Bob Fenner at wetwebmedia.com and he recommended putting the fish into the display. After about 2 weeks in the display all of the nodules have fallen off and the fish is doing great. He is in with the chevron tang I got from diver's den about a month ago, who is doing great too. Thanks for all of the help. Merry Christmas.

 

[dfs/la2]

jrobison,

Thank you for the update on your Copperband Butterflyfish. We are pleased to hear that it has recovered well, and wish you a safe holiday season.

Tina C.
Live Aquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith