Melanarus weird bumb on side of head

Fink · Jun 18, 2023

Hello R2R folks. I've tried doing some research but I can't figure out what this bump on melanarus might be. I'm thinking it's probably just an injury from diving too violently into the sand and hitting something on the way, but I'm not sure...

If it's not clear from the picture, i'm talking about the spot just behind the yellow markings, high up near the start of the dorsal fin.

ISpeakForTheSeas · Jun 18, 2023

I’m not sure - maybe one of the #fishmedic has some thoughts?

Jay Hemdal · Jun 18, 2023

Sorry - the picture isn’t clear enough to see what might be up. Getting good pictures is tough. White lights helps. Sometimes videos have better focus.

Is the fish showing any other symptoms or is just the bump?

Jay

Fink · Jun 18, 2023

Jay Hemdal said:
Sorry - the picture isn’t clear enough to see what might be up. Getting good pictures is tough. White lights helps. Sometimes videos have better focus.

Is the fish showing any other symptoms or is just the bump?

Jay

Thanks Jay, I did a bunch more research and hit up the thread on Lymphocystis here on R2R. It looks like that's what it is (the bump has since turned kind of white-ish but still isn't bothering him). I haven't had this guy very long so i'm thinking something stressed him out about this weeks tanks maintenance and it flared up.

Jay Hemdal · Jun 19, 2023

Fink said:
Thanks Jay, I did a bunch more research and hit up the thread on Lymphocystis here on R2R. It looks like that's what it is (the bump has since turned kind of white-ish but still isn't bothering him). I haven't had this guy very long so i'm thinking something stressed him out about this weeks tanks maintenance and it flared up.

It most likely is not Lymphocystis though. That viral disease usually causes growths on the fins, usually not the body. Also, Lymphocystis growths are pretty distinctive looking - like gray cauliflower.

This may just be a minor bump.....

Jay