White spot on Zebrasoma flavescens

[Briniel]

Hello,

my yellow doc has some kind of white fuzzy spot on its tail. I've checked search and FAQ, but don't know what it is. It looks like a small, fuzzy ball. I know the picture isn't the best, I'm trying to get better ones but maybe someone can give me a hint in the meantime.

Thank you!

 

[skibum9884]

Check out Lymphocycstus. Looks like that could be it. Nothing too serious if that's what it is.

My other thought would be bacterial, but if it hasn't spread or gotten much bigger I'd doubt that.

Hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

[JHemdal]

Try spelling it this way: "Lymphocystis" and perhaps add "virus" to the search. If any of the search results suggest that you perform some invasive surgery, or add chemcials to your aquarium, look for another link. This is a self-limiting problem, and will go away on its own.

Jay

 

[Briniel]

Thanks for the help. From pictures on Lymphocystis it seems like a tumor, not like the fuzzy stuff my doc has. I hope it's not the virus because from what I've read it does disappear with time but only because the tumor opens and the virus is released into the water column where it will attack new hosts... not good.
I'll see whether it spreads. Apparently there's not much I can do except reduce stress and feed a lot.
If anyone has more info or another idea, please let me know

 

[JHemdal]

There is always the chance that it is something else - pictures are often not clear enough to see needed details, but I'm certain this is Lymphocystis. Yellow tangs are well known to come down with this when first captured.

It may get worse before it gets better (spreading to more of the fish's tail) but on the end of the caudal fin like that is the least dangerous area for it to be (worst is the mouth because it can inhibit feeding).

It probably won't spread to other fish, but that chance increases if you go and try to cut the growth off - this is actually just a mass of giant sized cells infected with the virus, cutting the cells releases the virus into the water.

Jay

 

[Briniel]

Thanks for the help guys. The spot got a bit larger over the last days (not by much) and then was gone completely this morning. In hindsight my guess is that the tang had a wound that got infected with mycosis (is that the right word?) but I can't be sure. I'm very relieved he's healthy again (much more active, too) and hope it stays that way