K these seem larger than normal spots for ick. I have done 2 fresh water dips for 5 mins and it did nothing to them. I have tried over 40 pics that dont show anything. I will keep trying. As for the tank everything checks as good as one can ask. 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 0-5 nitrates, ph seems to be a little high at 8.3-8.4 ish. Now this tank has only been running for about 2 weeks so not sure if there would be any problems chemical wise from pipe glues etc. Ill find my digital slr since it will be faster and clearer than my phone pics. These spots have been here for a week.
white spots on a lionfish
- Thread starter hotwire73
- Start date
Aquarist007
New member
I just emailed Tmz and brought this thread to his attention. He should be able to diagnose.
Hi Scott,Good to talk to you again.BTW check out my thread in the URS local forum on my system. entitled My 600gal puddle.
It's hard to tell from the picture . It doesn't look like velvet (amyloodinium)at all . If it was crytocaryon irritans it would not have been there for ten days.
My guesses are some form of fungus or lymphocystus. The later is a viral infection with no known treatment that is rarely lethal and usually heals with good nutrition and water quality. Fungus or other skin based infestations should respond well to a formalin bath. I use a product called Fomalin 3 and admisnister a 45 minute bath in a bucket of tank water with a small power head or airstone for aeration during the dip.There are alternative anti fungal medications out there but I have used the formalin bath without ill effect and with good results. Following the manufacturer's dosing recommendations is important. Not all formalin products are of the same strength, some are 37% formaldahyde and some like formalin 3 are only 3%.At the proper strength it will not harm fish in my experience.
It's hard to tell from the picture . It doesn't look like velvet (amyloodinium)at all . If it was crytocaryon irritans it would not have been there for ten days.
My guesses are some form of fungus or lymphocystus. The later is a viral infection with no known treatment that is rarely lethal and usually heals with good nutrition and water quality. Fungus or other skin based infestations should respond well to a formalin bath. I use a product called Fomalin 3 and admisnister a 45 minute bath in a bucket of tank water with a small power head or airstone for aeration during the dip.There are alternative anti fungal medications out there but I have used the formalin bath without ill effect and with good results. Following the manufacturer's dosing recommendations is important. Not all formalin products are of the same strength, some are 37% formaldahyde and some like formalin 3 are only 3%.At the proper strength it will not harm fish in my experience.
Aquarist007
New member
as always you are a gentleman and a scholar--can you post the link to your tank build--would love to see it.
Here's the link. I finally figured out how to do the picture thing. This is just a start.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1470923
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1470923
I don't know what it is but the formalin should have killed any fungus or external parasite. It may be a mild case of lymphocystus which can heal on it's own with good conditions and nutrition. At his point I would leave the fish alone and wait a bit to see it it gets worse.
Stop dipping the fish! I don't think it is an external parasite. It looks to me that each white spot is attached to a fin ray and not to other tissues. Internal parasites can manifest in this way. I would treat the fish in quarantine with praziquantel. It is safe and easy to administer. You can actually add it to food, but it is easier to get the dose right if you add it to the water.
Your fish is probably weak by now from the dips and the formalin. Try to feed it some uncooked prawns and add some Beta glucan to the diet to assist the immune system. If you have to move the fish again then try to catch it in a plastic bucket so it doesn't have to be exposed to the air. You are going to have to be alert to the possibility of a bacterial infection because of your use of formalin with the delicate long fins of the lionfish.
Terry B
Your fish is probably weak by now from the dips and the formalin. Try to feed it some uncooked prawns and add some Beta glucan to the diet to assist the immune system. If you have to move the fish again then try to catch it in a plastic bucket so it doesn't have to be exposed to the air. You are going to have to be alert to the possibility of a bacterial infection because of your use of formalin with the delicate long fins of the lionfish.
Terry B
