Goby with lumbs/bumps; please ID

[Floyd100]

This poor bugger arrived a week ago tomorrow. The first day, I noticed a couple of bumps on the back. These bumps seemed to have protruded from under the skin, so I thought it may have been related to stress.

Unfortunately, they've definitely progressed in severity, and this guy is now sporting between a dozen or two.

He was introduced to my quarantine on arrival. I've been trying to give him as nourishing and peaceful environment with good diet as I possibly could.

Any thoughts what it could look like? The closest I can come to IDing it is lymphocystis, but not quite...

Thank you for trying.

 

[Sk8r]

May be lymphocystis. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1931388

 

[Floyd100]

Thanks Sk8r for your quick response and link. Reaffirmed what I was researching as well. I'll try to keep him as well fed and as stable as possible and see if it'll run its course. This poor bugger must have been though a lot since being caught apparently in Sri Lanka.

 

[ThRoewer]

If it is Lymphocystis it is a rather atypical internal form. Though the lack of growths on the fins makes me doubt that it is Lymphocystis.

A more likely possibility would be some encysted parasites, maybe worms, something similar to black ich.

Tumors would be another possibility.

I have seen this before (many years ago) and it seems to affect primarily gobies, specifically yellow watchmen and clown gobies, but also others.

 

[Floyd100]

I've got to man up. That kinda freaks me out...

If you were in my situation, what would you do?

Btw; have been lurking on this site for the past few years, and even though I'm brand new to saltwater, I can not be thankful enough for all the contributors such to the likes of you guys. Really appreciate it, and someday hope to pay it back to other newbies/hobbyists.

 

[ThRoewer]

You got a few options:

1. feed him well, provide good water and wait and see...

2. try to carefully open one bump and see what's in it (you would need a microscope - ideally with camera - for this to make any sense.)

3. send the fish to someone like Noga for a professional diagnosis (likely means the end of that fish)

4. try some medications and see if it helps (not recommended without some idea what it might be)

 

[Floyd100]

Makes perfect sense. Thank you again!

I will opt for the wait and see method for now. The rapid rate of growth these bumps seemed to have developed may give me further clues sooner than later...

 

[ThRoewer]

One thing you can try is to boost his immune system by mixing some Beta-1 3-d glucan into his food.
I got these: Beta-1 3-d glucan 500mg 60 caps by Transfer Point
I tried it a few times and it may have helped as the fish got better. Though they may also have gotten better without it.
You need to decide if you want to try it or not. It's definitely a long shot.

 

[Floyd100]

Wow. Very interesting on the Beta option. Good alternative to consider. Seems to be a well recognized immune system booster...