Pink Growth On Tail Fin Of Black Widow Tetra

tintin

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Hi,

I've just noticed this today but not sure how long its been there. Can anyone suggest what it might be from the photo and if it's treatable?

2738410191_6491d04fd2.jpg


No other issues with other fish and the tetra appears to be feeding swimming normally. (Note the 'vein' that appears to stem from the tail end to the growth.)


Water parameters:
No3 - Nil
No2 - Nil
ph - 6.8
 
Well I would say that yes, it does look like a small pink cauliflower. A quick search only came up with one result that said Lymthocsystis is a virus. Does that mean off-the shelf meds would help?

TT.
 
Nope meds don't work on virus.
You need to issolate the healthy fish, as when the growth burst in will infect the other fish.
Get you some more info.
Taken from this link.
<a href="http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases.htm" target="_blank">http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases.htm</a>
Lymphocystis



Symptoms:

Fish infected with Lymphocystis will present with clusters of whitish, berry-like growths on the skin and fins. These "clusters" may resemble small clutches of eggs or cauliflower (hence, it is sometimes called Cauliflower Disease). They will be clearly visible and may even become extremely large. This disease often affects the fins first.



Cause:

Viral infection. The virus will eventually kill the fish if it is unable to mount a strong enough immune response as the virus rampages through the fish’s tissues, destroying its cells.



Treatment:

As with all viral infections, there is no suitable cure or efficacious treatment; however Quick Cure claims to be helpful. I have also heard of people who trim the fish's fins, followed by several baths in Malachite Green. Fortunately, this disease is uncommon and in some cases, infected fish are able to recover quickly without treatment.

Lymphocystis is highly infectious. When infected cells from the fish’s skin or fins burst the virus is spread throughout the aquarium and can remain contagious for periods of up to two months. Fish not showing symptoms should be removed from the aquarium and placed in quarantine, away from other fish, for at least 60 days. Note, remove uninfected fish, not the other way around because the aquarium has become contaminated. The infected aquarium should be emptied and thoroughly disinfected before returning any fish to it. Do not use soap to clean the aquarium.
 
How depressing. Isolating the healthy fish isn't an option as we're talking a 58 gallon tank with 40 other fish to worry about. Even if I can get hold of some Quick Cure from the US, I have shrimps, etc that aren't compatible.

Without sounding defeatist, I can't help thinking my only option is to euthanise - before the growth bursts. Would I be right? If so, this isn't something i've done before. Can someone advise the most humane way please.


TT.
 
Its a nightmare I know.
You could issolate the sick fish instead of the whole tank.
Then do water changes of your main tank.
I would give the fish a chance before you decide to end its life.
If you do decide to end the fish life.
A bucket of very cold water then add ice cubes till its freezing cold, add the fish it should take about 30 seconds.
Leave the fish a while to make sure its passed on.
Other options are cloves oil, hammer to the head.
 
OK. Well this is a bit odd. In chasing the fish with a net to get it out of the tank, I think the growth fell off. Well thats what i'm hoping, anyway.

I'm going to do a vac and some water changes now and hope that nothing happens in the next 2 months.

TT.
 
Yes I would get the growth out of the tank if its fell off.
How does the tail look now the growth gone.
 
By some fluke I managed to find the growth. Intact.

The tail looks ok to me. But then, they're always a bit ragged on Black Widow tetras, aren't they?
 
Ok, fingers crossed and good luck.
 

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