What is this on my CBB?

[TomRep]

Can anyone identify this thing? It was NOT on the fish when I got him. i looked him over really well in the bag and saw no flaws with him. I noticed this about 2 days after he was in the tank. it started off looking like some gra fuzzy thing, almost like a piece of mysis was stuck on him. now, however, it appears to be a hard object, like a shell forming or something. the fish is acting fine, it doesn't seem to bother it. the only time it does seem to bother it is when my shrimp hops on him to try and clean it off him. Fish is also eating well. thanks ahead of time for any ideas.
tom

 

[RicksReefs]

it's likely that it's Lymphocystis.
it can spread and eventually kill the fish or it can disappear in a few weeks leaving the fish back to normal.
when it's on the finnage, I usually just cut it off and add an anti bacterial/fungal med to the QT water.

 

[sl-atl]

I've heard anecdotally that garlic (in food) will help clear it up- if it is Lymphocystis. In my experience it will go away on its own once the fish settles in and recovers from whatever stressors caused the outbreak. Since it's a virus I haven't tried any 'real' meds myself.

Those are really great photos, by the way- wish I could take pics of my tanks like that!

 

[TomRep]

Thanks for the input. turns out when i got home from work today, it was already gone. thanks for the comments on the pictures! I didn't really realize they were that great until everyone started commenting on them! I used a Nikon D40 with the kit lens. It probably helps that everytime I go to the tank, the CBB comes over to "greet me"!
tom