Lump on Fairy Wrasse Head

[asingleton527]

I noticed a small white dot on my orangeback fairy wrasse on Monday. It started out as what looked like one small white dot on his head and I originally thought it may have been sand on him. I have monitored as the week has went on, and that white spot has now grown to cover half of his head and it makes it look like a large lump with white surrounding it. This is the best photo I could manage because he tends to shy away when I go close to the tank. Any idea what this is?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

It could be an internal bacterial infection that is erupting to the skin’s surface. Do you have a QT for it?

There is also a rare internal fungal infections that can cause this sort of lesion. Known as Icthyophonus hoferi, there isn’t any treatment.
Jay

 

[asingleton527]

I have a 30 gallon to set up for a QT. What is the best treatment for it if it is a bacterial infection?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have a 30 gallon to set up for a QT. What is the best treatment for it if it is a bacterial infection?

Kanaplex would be a good choice. Furan-2 might also work, but it might damage your biofilter.
Jay