Lymphocystis ?

[steelersfan]

My female Watanabei has this white patch (cauliflower looking) on her side of the body. After doing some research, I believe that it might be Lymphocystis. I could be totally wrong, but it is my best educated guess. It is very difficult to get a good picture of the spot, but I gave it a try. By looking at the picture, do you think that I might be correct in my assumption? Also, the fish does not exhibit any heavy breathing, and she loves to eat. At no point, has she tried to rub her side on a surface. I have been feeding her NLS pellets and PE mysis, soaked in garlic and selcon.
Should I do any thing differently? If it is Lymphocystis, do I just need to let it run its course?
Since this is new to me, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gwynhidwy]

It looks like it could be lymphocystis. In my experience it more commonly starts on the pectoral fins, but you might look at this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1685870
and see if the growths on that fish look similar to the one on yours.

If it is lymphocystis all you can do is feed well and keep water quality high and the fish will likely recover. I have read that lymphocystis can be life threatening, but I've seen many fish that have it and all have recovered.

 

[steelersfan]

Thanks for the link Gwynhidy!!! After looking at those pictures, it looks very similar to my fish. My fish only has one spot on her. The water quality has not been an issue, but the male Watanabei has been chasing her quite a bit lately. I am not sure why he is chasing her, but it esclated as he started to lose some of his male coloration. I will continue to feed appropriately, and hopefully, she will improve with time.