ID White Patches

AaaRr · Mar 4, 2019

I have a two Aiptasia Eating Filefish that have white patches on their fins. I do not believe it is ich. I've had the fish for ~5 weeks. First two and a half weeks there were no signs of these white patches. Once I noticed them I slowly raised copper (copper power) to 2.5ppm. I bought a hanna tester to confirm the copper level vs the API test kit. The copper has been at 2.5ppm for at least two weeks now.

Is this some kind of fungus? Some of the larger patches seem raised and not completely flat.

Sorry for the poor picture quality.

K-Philly · Mar 5, 2019

This one was kind of tough due to the paler colors of your fish. However, after examining and examining I think I caught on to something that might help us make a diagnostic. So, while looking at your second picture I noticed the eye of the fish appeared to be cloudy (Unless that is the quality of the picture). This is another symptom associated with Ich or flukes. Both can go undetected for some time, Ich especially in the gills. It makes sense that you didn't notice symptoms for the first two weeks. However, the stress that the fish probably naturally went through from acclimating to a new environment probably weakened their immune system some. Which is where we are now beginning to see our symptoms. As long as they are not swimming into the current of a powerhead, I think we can eliminate velvet for now. To my understanding that is a unique symptom to velvet, plus velvet can kill very quickly. Your fish are still alive obviously.

The ich can possible be a secondary infection to flukes. You said they were raised in areas, and I somewhat feel like that would be more a symptom of flukes. What are their behaviors? Rapid breathing, hiding (sensitivity to light), flashing, scratching, etc?

Also, I have read that these fish can be shy or aggressive towards their own species (Liveaquaria). You have two so they may be stressing each other out, weakening their immune systems as well. That is just what it states on Liveaquaria however, not my own. I will post a link that should help you diagnose better.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/fish-disease-index-pictorial-guide.199/

ngoodermuth · Mar 5, 2019

The spots on the fins look to be lympho, which is viral (so no cure except time, proper feeding, and clean water)
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lymphocystis.257461/

I do however, think it's a good idea to finish out the full copper treatment as a preventative. I also proactively treat for flukes and intestinal worms in all of my fish.

AaaRr · Mar 5, 2019

I thought it could be lympho but was not sure. I did read more about it and that is my best guess for what is on the fins.

With the two recommendations you I will treat for flukes. As well as intestinal worms, although I do not think they have intestinal worms just from observing them.

They are not showing any obvious signs of the normal symptoms. No flashing, scratching, riding the power head. One is rather shy and the other is very outgoing. They appear to be getting along and not fighting or showing any aggressive tendencies. Both are always happy for during feedings.

I will finish treating with copper and treat for flukes and intestinal worms and if they still seem good introduce them to the main tank.