Lump On Tiger Barb

[gta1628]

I know these pics suck, but does anyone have an idea as to what the problem is? About a few weeks ago I noticed scales peeling on it and now its a big white bump.

 

[Straydum]

fungi growth?

 

[gta1628]

Doesn't seem like a fungus to me. If I had to guess i'd probably say an ulcer or a wound. It started to look worse and then I saw the other barbs picking at it so I isolated the barb in a 10 gallon. I don't know how to treat it because I don't know what it is. So I guess its under observation for now.

 

[Puffdaddy]

Well there is really only three choices it can be, bacterial, parasitic or fungal. If it looks fuzzy or resembles cotton than it is fungus, if not rule it out. That leaves bacterial and parasitic. If the fish is darting around the tank or scratching it's self on decor and other objects and is accompanied with loss of appetite and activity it is most likely parasitic, if these symptom are not present rule out parasites. That leaves bacteria as the culprit. Now there are two types of bacteria gram-negative and gram-positive. Since you you are unsure exactly what the problem is, this should help narrow it down and then treat with a broad spectrum med. If you are still unsure with yourself just treat with melefix and primifix and see if there is any improvement.

Of course it is very hard to pinpoint the problem without a "skin scrape" and a microscope. Please also keep in mind that this is just a basic run down. Good Luck.

 

[gta1628]

It must be bacteria then. I suppose i'll start treating with melefix and see if it gets better. Thanks for the advice.

 

[-germ-]

Additions to the list of 3;
Viral, Environmental, Nutritional.
Melafix isn't primarily a bactericide, while it may have a minor affect with its antiseptic properties, you should look at a proper medication IMO.

 

[gta1628]

I gave 1 dose of melafix yesterday and the barb looks alot better. It has mostly healed and should be able to return to the other tank soon. It started to look better before I treated with melafix but it should help to heal faster.