White spots/growths on Hippo Tang

[clhardy5]

I have this blue hippo tang - going on 4 months now. He/she's been heathly, fat and growing like a weed - still is. He did have a small injury from a coral/anemone burn - but it healed and was in a different spot. Anyway - Over the last couple of days he's developed this white growth thing on his tail. He is not flashing, and is still eating, and swimming happily in the tank. None of my my other fish (tangs included) have this issue. Just wondering what this is, and should I treat? I don't have the best picture - this dude is FAST and I have a hard time with the focus. Here's the best one so far....I'll try to get a better one once the lights to the aquarium are a little brighter. I've also included a video which you can see the growth on. Any ideas?

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[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I can’t tell, does this show on both sides of the tail? It seems to be just on the left side from what I can see....
Jay

 

[SantaMonica]

Have not see that before. They always got the white specs on the body.

 

[clhardy5]

I can’t tell, does this show on both sides of the tail? It seems to be just on the left side from what I can see....
Jay

Both sides.....I'm wondering if it is just his 'spikes' sticking out a little? Is that a thing?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Both sides.....I'm wondering if it is just his 'spikes' sticking out a little? Is that a thing?

The tail spines sometimes get injured when tangs are netted, but that wouldn’t be the case here, also the spot seems further back. Unless additional symptoms show up, I’m stumped!
Jay

 

[clhardy5]

The tail spines sometimes get injured when tangs are netted, but that wouldn’t be the case here, also the spot seems further back. Unless additional symptoms show up, I’m stumped!
Jay

Thanks. I'll keep an eye on him. So far he's eating well, swimming like normal, and none the other fish seem affected. If anything changes, I'll post an update. I really appreciate your help!

 

[ChaosAquaculture]

I have this blue hippo tang - going on 4 months now. He/she's been heathly, fat and growing like a weed - still is. He did have a small injury from a coral/anemone burn - but it healed and was in a different spot. Anyway - Over the last couple of days he's developed this white growth thing on his tail. He is not flashing, and is still eating, and swimming happily in the tank. None of my my other fish (tangs included) have this issue. Just wondering what this is, and should I treat? I don't have the best picture - this dude is FAST and I have a hard time with the focus. Here's the best one so far....I'll try to get a better one once the lights to the aquarium are a little brighter. I've also included a video which you can see the growth on. Any ideas?

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It’s a bit tricky to see, but it looks like a white nodule on the tangs back fin. If more nodules show up, or if he loses weight as he continues to eat I would suspect lymphocytes. For now all you can do is keep an eye on his weight, and for any more abnormal growths.