Large white spot/pustule on tail of Goby. Thoughts?

[ReefHunter006]

Large white pustule, at the bottom of his tail fin, only one I’ve seen on him so far. Appears to be eating fine.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I've not seen that on a mandarin fish before, but that sure looks like it could be a xenoma; a pustule of protozoans caused by Microsporidians or Myxozoans (These always confuse me, I don't know which is which). A positive diagnosis would require sampling it and looking under a microscope. However, there is no effective treatment for either of these issues. The only treatment is supportive care - feeding the fish well, keeping good water quality and hoping for the best.

Jay

 

[ReefHunter006]

That’s unfortunate to hear. Thanks for the information though. The only recent additions were some bumble snails so I guess it must of hitched a ride with those.

I assume all other fish are exposed at this point as well so removing them isn’t going to solve anything. Might actually save me from decimating my corals since catching them is a pain.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

That’s unfortunate to hear. Thanks for the information though. The only recent additions were some bumble snails so I guess it must of hitched a ride with those.

I assume all other fish are exposed at this point as well so removing them isn’t going to solve anything. Might actually save me from decimating my corals since catching them is a pain.

Actually, these protozoans are VERY species-specific, each type only infects certain limited species of fish. I think that any other fish in the tank (aside from other mandarins) are most likely safe from this issue.

jay

 

[ReefHunter006]

Thanks Jay, really appreciate the help.

Actually, these protozoans are VERY species-specific, each type only infects certain limited species of fish. I think that any other fish in the tank (aside from other mandarins) are most likely safe from this issue.

jay