Lipstick Tang Cyst ????

Lesley · Jul 1, 2014

HI,
Introduced this lipstick tang into tank about 4 months ago. Was a small fish and our hippo tang took a dislike to him straight away. Within the first few days he stabbed (cut) him with his spike.
Well after a few days the feuding was over.
But the cut has now developed into a cyst type of wound. (looks like a whitehead pimple that needs squeezing)
Does anyone know if this will disappear or may become a problem ?
He eats,swims and play normally ?
I just thought after 4 months it may have gotten better ?

Reefing Madness · Jul 2, 2014

Naiad · Jul 2, 2014

my guess would be a viral infection. Like a wart. The virus moves into a wound infects a small amount of tissue and is contained by the immune system. If it is not spreading or getting larger and the fish is acting normal I would leave it alone. I would think a bacterial infection would spread and fungus is rare in marine environments. Do you run a uv sterilizer?

Naiad · Jul 2, 2014

To research try looking up lymphocystis virus. It is the most common one seen. Can't say for sure it is the exact virus your fish has without a fancy biopsy test but it will give you the general information.