Is this a tumor?

[Steve_B]

We have had him for around 5 years. He had a small barely raised spot there and it was like that for years. All of a sudden it turned into this.
Any ideas on this kind of thing? He has a name, “cow head.” My wife and I are so fond of him, we are really worried now. He has such a personality, He eats like a horse, seems like he can never get enough food. I don’t let him eat until he won’t stop, he never stops eating. I use RODI water; it’s just him and a Coris wrasse with no symptoms of anything in this 70 gallon corner tank. The tank has just 1piece of a cast coral replica and wet dry filter. Yea I know, that is too small a tank for a fish that will hit 18” in the ocean. It’s a long story, but he is about 5-6” nose to end of tail. We got him as a tiny little guy without my researching the size they can reach. Duh, I did something stupid like I have done many times before. I guess I just don't learn my lesson.
Anyway, I think my bad decision making is beside the point. I have been keeping saltwater fish for a lot of years and have never seen this kind of thing. The water parameters are all correct.

Any info would be greatly appreciated,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/StevieBBB/160_6042.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/StevieBBB/160_6057.jpg

 

[BettaGirl]

Some fish can get cancer of their pigment cells but that lump doesn't look like the stuff I've seen. As long as the lumps aren't spreading and his behavior doesn't change I wouldn't sweat it. However, if you start to see a decline or the lesion worsen you can take him to a vet for a biopsy and potential removal of the lump.

 

[Steve_B]

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately it reminds me of a person that may have a mole for years and then years later becomes cancerous. I hope that isn't the case here. We would feel so bad if he had to be put down. Your kind words are appreciated. I hope it just flattens back out and he will be OK. We do have a vet here in the Chicago area that will help with fish disease. If it gets worse I'll consult with him. I suppose it's possible to take a scraping and see what the tissue looks like under a microscope, if necessary.

 

[rnscross]

i dont think it is a cancerous tumour as it is growing outside of the body and generally tumours will grow internally to ensure they get enough nutrients to grow, id be more inclined to say its probably viral infection in which it has hijacked the fish's cells to grow into a lump. have you tried medicating the fish with anything? whilst it is still eating, and healthy it would probably be better to treat now than when it deteriorates (if ever). I'd be looking at a bacteriocidal and fungal treatment first. especially if you really like the fish.

 

[Steve_B]

I have no idea where any kind of infection would come from. These 2 are in this tank for probably 5 years minimum and I have 2 clowns it a small tank elsewhere in my house. I have had them for many years as well. There hasn't been a new fish in either tank in at least 5 years. No live brine shrimp, nothing that isn't frozen or dry. It would have to be either dormant in the fish or in frozen food. Neither one seeming possible to bring this on.

Viral, where would that come from?
Based upon those facts, the more that I think it is a tumor.

BTW/ I didn't come on here to talk about this like I'm a MR. know it all and already ansewred my own question. I'm looking tor alternatives that may explain his condition.

 

[wjgeese]

(in heavy Austrian accent) "It's not a tumor!"


sorry, couldnt resist

 

[ReeferBill]

Tumor ?

Tumor ?

IT looks like Lympcyctis , I found a picture of it after googling Pictures of marine fish diseases.Good Luck!:fish1:

 

[Steve_B]

(in heavy Austrian accent) "It's not a tumor!"


sorry, couldnt resist

thanks Arnold

 

[Steve_B]

IT looks like Lympcyctis , I found a picture of it after googling Pictures of marine fish diseases.Good Luck!:fish1:

Thanks,

I wish it was. I've had many fish over the years with LYMPHOCYSTIS and it's nothing like this. The thing about lympho, in my experience, is that it will just disappear if water quality is high.