White fluff on Coral Beauty gill

Leemcg · Mar 7, 2020

Good afternoon. Today while doing my water change, I noticed something on my coral beauty. It’s a single, fluffy spot by the bottom front of one of its gills. It’s much larger than a grain of sand and has a part that trails from it like a string, about twice as long as the fluff. Almost looks like mold with a string. The fish has been in the DT for over two weeks and only started to come out of hiding in the rock work a few days ago. It’s put swimming around, not rubbing or swimming into the flow, and eats like a pig. I was out of the hobby for a while, but it doesn’t look like I have, brook, or velvet, all of which I’ve seen before. The only other fish in the tank are two small clowns who show no signs of anything ( other than their normal craziness.) I’ve tried for over an hour to get a picture, but the angel is still very shy and stays in the caves if I’m too close to the tank.
Any idea what it could be? Parasite, fungus, infection? I’m stumped. Any help would be appreciated.
I tested the water before the water change and everything looks ok.
Salinity 1.025
Ammonia and Nitrites are at 0
Nitrate 5
PH around 7.8
Phosphate 0

Big G · Mar 7, 2020

If it is cottony or fibrous or cauliflower like in texture and white-ish, white-ish grey it's probably Lymphocystis. Usually a harmless virus unless it impairs breathing or eating. A strong immune system will help suppress the outbreak. Pristine water quality, low stress environment, healthy foods are the best treatment for the condition. Highly recommend you try adding Beta Glucan to the fish's food. Mix food + Beta Glucan + Focus ( a binder if necessary with the food you choose) + a bit of RO or tank water to get the consistency you want to work with.
Here's more info on Beta Glucan:

Feature Article: Beta Glucan As A Biological Defense Modulator: Helping Fish To Help Themselves

Wouldn’t it be great if there were one thing that we could give any sick fish that could help it? Aquarists dream of a “magic bullet” that could be used as a treatment for a plethora of problems.

www.advancedaquarist.com

Lymphocystis

Lymphocystis What You Need To Know: * This is a virus that many fish carry for life. The white nodules (cauliflower-like growths) can grow both externally and internally; so symptoms are not always visible. * There is no known cure for Lympho. However, feeding vitamin-enriched foods and...

www.reef2reef.com