Help with Tang disease

[drstevemiller]

Hi all
I purchaced a great 13" Naso about 3 weeks ago now and he's doing great. Only problem is that he has had some white plaques on his right side. He arrived with these and they have sort have gotten better/worse but simply won't completly resolve.

The largest is about 2-3 mm or so and is right below his gill. He also has a smaller one on his belly and some at the tip of his pectoral fin on the same side. He is eating like a horse ( Nori soaked in VitaChem and Garlic) and they don't seem to bother him. No other fish in the tank are affected.

From what I have researched, I figured they were either a virus or fungus - both of which should resolve on their own given a good environment/diet. Please let me know what you all think. He's in a 180 with perfect perameters and no other tangs.

I APOLOGIZE BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO UPLOAD PHOTOS. I'M USING A MAC AND CAN'T FIND AN APPROPRIATE PROGRAM TO COMPRESS MY PHOTOS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK FROM MY DESCRIPTION ALONE IF POSSIBLE.

Thanks!!!

 

[JHemdal]

Do the plagues appear raised, with an almost cauliflower look to them? Lymphocystis is a self-limiting (usually) iridovirus infection that can cause growths like those.

I went to Google images, and did a search, and came up with this image:

http://www.saltwater-aquarium-online-guide.com/image-files/cauliflower.jpg

External marine fungal infections are very rare. Bacterial infections are very common, but usually are much more active, getting better or getting worse much faster than three weeks.


Jay