Ich or injury or something else??

California_dogs · Mar 25, 2023

Hi all! So I have had this fish for about two weeks now. I noticed these white almost “bumps” on its head in the past 2 days, they seem to be the same size and are staying in the same place. I have seen it “argue” and be territorial with my clownfish and royal gramma before. Is this ich and something I need to treat or should it go away on its own?
Thanks!

MnFish1 · Mar 25, 2023

Do you also see bumps on the tip of the dorsal fins? Was the fish quarantined? It looks key word looks like lymphocystis to me - which can also affect the body - often happens on new transport - and is a self-limited viral infection - which can be brought on by stress or water conditions. Any more information you could provide would be helpful. Mucus plugs can also be a possibility with tangs (which are benign) - I would watch carefully for symptoms - and report anything new. PS - it usually resolves (if lymphocystis - which many people think only happens on the fins but can occur not the body as well) within 6 weeks

MnFish1 · Mar 25, 2023

PPS - one way to tell if its Ich - (the spots to me look too large) - if they move around i.e. drop off and then 2 days later re-appear in a different place - is more of a disease issue (Ich)

vetteguy53081 · Mar 25, 2023

California_dogs said:
Hi all! So I have had this fish for about two weeks now. I noticed these white almost “bumps” on its head in the past 2 days, they seem to be the same size and are staying in the same place. I have seen it “argue” and be territorial with my clownfish and royal gramma before. Is this ich and something I need to treat or should it go away on its own?
Thanks!

While this appears to be lymphocystis. I do see a couple of similar dots on the body which can be same , or neobendendia flukes However the tail and fins look raggy and may suggest injury from aggression which comes to the question what other fish are in the tank, in particular tangs.
Also, pics are somewhat blurry and realy could use clearer pics under white lighting (please assure both glass and camera lens are clean.
What is current ammonia and nitrate levels?

Jay Hemdal · Mar 25, 2023

Is the tail fin really damaged, or is it an artifact of the photos? If so, That is a sign of serious aggression, but I don’t think any of your fish would have done that.
Jay