Bump on Clownfish? Help!

BrooksReef · Jan 23, 2013

heck is this?!

I had two clowns that were shipped overnight to me from Live Aquaria's Diver's Den. They had a LOVELY 48 hour trip in their bags, as they got stuck in the Memphis airport yesterday. They were delivered today safe and sound, but... I found this red, fuzzy bump on the females 'chin.' Any ideas as to what this could be?

SeahorseKeeper · Jan 23, 2013

It looks like it might be lymphocystis. It is a viral infection and will need to run its course. The best thing to do is maintain good water parameters, keep the fish well fed and keep the fish in a stress free environment. Is the fish in quarantine?

BrooksReef · Jan 24, 2013

Thank you for the reply!

She is in quarantine. Last night I thought I almost lost her. She was on the ground and her breathing stopped at one point. Today, she is happy as a clam swimming around. The only thing is, she is not eating. Do you think this is normal?

Kheebl · Jan 24, 2013

My clowns had the same looking thing happen to them except it was on the side by there gills. I lost 1 clown and the other one is in QT right now.

SeahorseKeeper · Jan 24, 2013

After going through that shipping ordeal, I'm not surprised the clown didn't eat. What foods are you trying?

BrooksReef · Jan 24, 2013

I have just tried frozen mysid so far. It's morning they seem just fine. The female's bump looks like it is decreasing in size.

SeahorseKeeper · Jan 25, 2013

The mysis is great. You can also try soaking the food in selcon or crushing fresh garlic and soaking the mysis in the garlic juice. It might help boost their appetite. Keep us posted of how the clowns do.

BrooksReef · Jan 26, 2013

They are both eating and doing well! Bump still there but reducing in size.

BrooksReef · Feb 14, 2013

Gonna bump this again. The bump reduced in size for a while, now back. Not really cottony anymore, it just looks like a large blister.

Jungy · Oct 23, 2023

any update on this? my clown just developed the same bump under her mouth. Seems to being doing fine so far but its only been 1-2 days at most since ive noticed this and i look at my fish everyday.