Dwarf Lionfish with spike showing, growing algae

[adsf430]

Can't find anything about this online. Just noticed it yesterday. The skin on one of his spikes has clearly retracted somehow and been torn off, it seems the exposed area has grown some algae. No noticeable changes in behavior. What should I do? Should I do anything? @Jay Hemdal

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

adsf430 Welcome to the Fish Disease Treatment and Diagnosis Forum!

The #fishmedic team and other knowledgeable members of our community will do our best to help you resolve your questions. Please provide as much of the following as you are able:

• Brief description of the issue you are observing and answers to the following questions:
  • How long have you had the fish with the condition?
  • Did you quarantine with medication when you first acquired the fish? (If Yes, which medication?)
• Current water quality measurements
• Clear photos of the issue taken using WHITE light and/or a short video of any behaviors (post in your response or on YouTube).

If you can help us by providing as much of the above info as possible, it will make diagnosing and providing recommendations for treatment MUCH easier! The Fish Medic team will get back to you as quickly as possible. In the meantime, other members of our community may also share their experience with similar situations and advice that they may have regarding your situation.

You may also feel free to provide a more detailed description of the condition if you wish to share more info than the above list.

Additionally, these links may be useful while you await a response:

• CURRENT QT PROTOCOL LINK
• HOW TO ASK FOR DISEASE DIAGNOSIS HELP LINK

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Can't find anything about this online. Just noticed it yesterday. The skin on one of his spikes has clearly retracted somehow and been torn off, it seems the exposed area has grown some algae. No noticeable changes in behavior. What should I do? Should I do anything? @Jay Hemdal

I've not seen that before, but it is clear that the algae is growing on the bare spine. I have seen algae growing on the skin of stonefish, and that doesn't cause them any issues.

Do you know how the spine got stripped of its skin?

Jay

 

[littlefoxx]

Is he eating and acting normal?

 

[adsf430]

I just noticed it yesterday for the first time. Have no theories, only one eel and one fish in the tank that don't appear to have gotten stung. Seems to be acting totally normal.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Can't find anything about this online. Just noticed it yesterday. The skin on one of his spikes has clearly retracted somehow and been torn off, it seems the exposed area has grown some algae. No noticeable changes in behavior. What should I do? Should I do anything? @Jay Hemdal

Appears to have broken off as they are clumsy swimmers which ive seen this on volitans as well as lions in a crowded tank