Could this be ich or lympho?

Inverts like shrimp (with a hard shell) can carry ick into the display but not lymph. So yes, your shrimp could have brought it in if they were not QT'd prior to introduction.
 
Inverts like shrimp (with a hard shell) can carry ick into the display but not lymph. So yes, your shrimp could have brought it in if they were not QT'd prior to introduction.

That's my worry, this fish has had lymph before though
 
@melypr1985

Lymph is not fatal unless an infection sets in. I think it needs to run its course. After you get more pictures itll help, as it may still be a parasite. I would have some Kanaplex on hand to treat an infection if the lymph breaks open. I think lymphs can be internal too though. Im not really sure if fish with this virus can live As long as fish without this virus.
 
@melypr1985

Lymph is not fatal unless an infection sets in. I think it needs to run its course. After you get more pictures itll help, as it may still be a parasite. I would have some Kanaplex on hand to treat an infection if the lymph breaks open. I think lymphs can be internal too though. Im not really sure if fish with this virus can live As long as fish without this virus.

typically fish with the virus will live a long and normal life. It's comparable to a cold sore in humans.... we all have the virus inside us and typically people who are effected by it most often will have a cold or some other illness that makes it easier for the cold sore to pop up. People who arn't normally effected by them (meaning it's rare for them) have a stronger immunity to them. That's all very simplified of course, but a good parallel to draw. Lymph is only dangerous if it grows over the mouth or gills (sometimes the eyes) and prevents a fish from eating or breathing properly.

This is all conjecture until we get a better picture to look at of course or some symptoms to go along with it. Ick, for example will cause heavy breathing and scratching or flashing, sometimes lack of appetite. Lymph will stay in one place for an extended period of time and get larger. You can always just wait it out for a week and see what happens with it. You'll either see more dots, this dot will drop off, or this dot will get larger.
 
Inverts like shrimp (with a hard shell) can carry ick into the display but not lymph. So yes, your shrimp could have brought it in if they were not QT'd prior to introduction.

I didnt think lymph would be. How often do you run into lymph in the store? I think my clown goby has lymph. It broke open on his side behind the left pec. Never really bothered him and is healed up for awhile now. Next time it occurs ill document. I use vitachem and selco booster soaked mysis since then.
 
I didnt think lymph would be. How often do you run into lymph in the store? I think my clown goby has lymph. It broke open on his side behind the left pec. Never really bothered him and is healed up for awhile now. Next time it occurs ill document. I use vitachem and selco booster soaked mysis since then.

Pretty often actually. Mostly in butterflies and angels, but I see it in other fish as well. They look ugly for a while and don't get sold until it goes away (people are scared of it). We feed with vitamins in the foods as well. Keeping good clean water and feeding with the vitamins (like you are) will help it go away and keep it away.
 
Ive heard of problems from internal lymphs that cause pop eye. Can you validate?
 
Ive heard of problems from internal lymphs that cause pop eye. Can you validate?

I haven't heard of it causing pop eye and I think I've only seen one case where internal Lymphocystis was involved. I can't remember how we determined that... I think the fish was cut open after it died and they found it. I doubt I could find the link at this point, but I'll look.
 
I haven't heard of it causing pop eye and I think I've only seen one case where internal Lymphocystis was involved. I can't remember how we determined that... I think the fish was cut open after it died and they found it. I doubt I could find the link at this point, but I'll look.

Thanks a lot for answering these questions. Ive got to hit the sack. 5am comes too soon :)
 
I agree that it is all speculation at any point short of bringing out the microscope. In my experience, probably less extensive then a lot of people, I stand by my belief that you are dealing with lymphocystis. I have some first hand experience dealing with this in the past. I feel that if it was cryptocaryon it would be more widely spread and not isolated to a single spot on the tip of a fin, which is very common with lymph. I also feel that looking at the left pectoral fin in the first picture that it appears larger than I have personally seen a cryptocaryon reaction. Also knowing that the particular fish carries the lymphocystic virus is certainly also a large factor in trying to determine the cause of the reaction.

It is a good idea to QT everything wet that goes into our tanks.

The advise that steve and mel have given is sound. No matter what it is it is a reaction to stress of some kind. Watching water quality, feeding high quality food and watching temp swings are all important in dealing with a stressed fish.
 
UPDATE: the one spot on the fin was the only spot. I turned of the lights for extra time to reduce stress And the spot is gone.

Keep watch. If the spot returns in a week or two (and maybe more than one) it's not lymph. It doesn't have to be a death sentence, so try not to freak. Just keep an eye on him and see if it returns.
 

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