What Could This Lump Be?

[CTlovesKS]

I done this thread in Catfish forum but people said I would have better luck here...

Well the catfish is in my boyfriends tank along with 4 other synos, and a upset down catfish. Also 3 Gaint Danio 3 Goruamis some mixed tetras 1 huge humbug catfish. And corys... Its a 4 FT bowed front tank and its not over stocked. We do water changes every week about 25% to 50% depending how dirty the tank is... Its got 3 pieces of big bog wood and loads of plants...

The catfish that is the concern is unsex, still very skinny and small (Not fully grown or fatterned out yet) It is got a lump that seems to be getting bigger and bigger every time we notice him. It doesnt seem to be effecting the way he swims or for eating. His life is like he didnt have this on his side. Though I have noiced since having the 'thing' the other catfish pick on him more... We netted him today but he seemed to notice what was going on and get away from us without any problems. He lump seems to be bigger one on side than the other...

We do not have a spare tank to put him in, and we could can meds for him if needed, but would mean putting the meds in he main tank with everyone else.

Here is a big to see if this helps. Might be able to get some more if needed.

Some new picture

 

[youngfisher]

Not a clue.
Is he acting normal?

 

[CTlovesKS]

Yes I would say he was acting normal. Like there wasnt a lump there. Also acting like the healthy catfish too

 

[youngfisher]

Hmm, all I can suggest is keep a close eye on him?

 

[minxfishy]

Can you feel the lump? Is it hard to the touch or feel like its full of puss for instance?

 

[CTlovesKS]

i have been keeping an eye one him, just to see how he gets one etc... (YoungFisher)

We netted him and I touched it, it general felt soft to touch like normal skin, not hard. The skin covering the lump was normal no scabby or hard spots

 

[Spishkey]

my Synodontis Eupterus gets a swelling in the same area after having a good pig out on food...but never to such a large extent as in the pic you posted.
if it keeps getting bigger without going down in between..perhaps it could be a tumour or growth of some description?

 

[CTlovesKS]

Well because he is the smallest he is always the one that puts up with the left overs lol, he should get there faster.

Its not over feeding or bloating, it couldnt be, as its too big for that. When the tank clears abit (After water change) I will take a newer pic...

If it is just a growth or tumor could we keep him alive, as it doesnt look like he is suffering

 

[Spishkey]

is the lump just on one side or all the way around the belly area?
i had a betta with a tumour...it took 3 months until he started suffering, when the time came i had to euthanise him. if he's not suffering id would just keep an eye on it. it could be an abcess? if that bursts its likely to kill him or get seriously infected...which would also kill him sorry

 

[CTlovesKS]

Left side looks like he is just slightly bloated... While the other side is more of a noticable thing etc... Have taken some more pics of him, Just trying to get them on pc at the moment lol...

It no need to be sorry. I just want whats best for him. My boyfriend and myself dont think at this moment that he his suffering, but will keep a closer eye on him

If can get phone+Pc to work did you still want the pics ?

 

[Spishkey]

yes please clearer pics always help

 

[CTlovesKS]

Added two new ones for you

 

[CTlovesKS]

Do you reckon still growth or something like that ?

 

[saz326]

looks like a cyst or a tumor to me.

Keep an eye on him and if the lump gets too big for him to comfortably swim, or starts getting scratched by decorattions or prevents him from behaving normally/hiding/moving - then you'll need to be brave and do the right thing. There are many posts on fish euthenasia here. Best work out what you wanna do in advance so you're ready.

It could be days, it could be months.

Sorry.

 

[CTlovesKS]

Well I have no problem with killing a fish if its too make them better - If you understand.


I know with a tumor you dont know how long he will last... Just hope for the best... Well keep you all updated with some pics and how he is getting on if you want. Maybe make a dairy out of it