Possible disease or Injury

[mrodr3254]

Hey everyone! So I got this little guy here on 5/29 and when he arrived he acclimated very nicely to his new tank. He’s the only fish in my 14 gall nano tank. After about 10 days of having him, he started to develop these white lumps on the side of his face. I was convinced it was brooklynella but all the research I’ve been looking at said that brook kills in 2-3 days. It’s been almost two weeks that he’s had this issue. I’m unsure if maybe it’s lympho, flukes, or maybe just injury. His favorite place in this little cave I made out of the live rock, so I’m wondering if maybe this is new to him and he keeps bumping into it. He still has full energy, no labored breathing, eats like crazy, so I’m unsure on what to do here. I’m afraid to treat with a formalin bath if it’s not brook and risk killing him, but his condition hasn’t improved appearance wise. I’m open to all suggestions and input!

 

[edsbeaker]

Hi there. Let me tag one of the fish medics to help you out.
@Jay Hemdal
@vetteguy53081
@MnFish1

They will be along to help!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey everyone! So I got this little guy here on 5/29 and when he arrived he acclimated very nicely to his new tank. He’s the only fish in my 14 gall nano tank. After about 10 days of having him, he started to develop these white lumps on the side of his face. I was convinced it was brooklynella but all the research I’ve been looking at said that brook kills in 2-3 days. It’s been almost two weeks that he’s had this issue. I’m unsure if maybe it’s lympho, flukes, or maybe just injury. His favorite place in this little cave I made out of the live rock, so I’m wondering if maybe this is new to him and he keeps bumping into it. He still has full energy, no labored breathing, eats like crazy, so I’m unsure on what to do here. I’m afraid to treat with a formalin bath if it’s not brook and risk killing him, but his condition hasn’t improved appearance wise. I’m open to all suggestions and input!

his can be goider which offers lumps and cysts like this but I do see some mucus buildup associated with brook and the clown is also quite thin.
Has it been eating?
If brook plays a role, you will also have noticed lethargic behavior, refusing to eat and heavy breathing. I believe a video under brighter white light will be of help for assessment

 

[MnFish1]

Brooklynella is common in clowns - so certainly something to be aware of. That said. the presentation is a little off. Are the lesions getting better or worse - or changing locations. I would watch how it's eating and other symptoms. I'm assuming you didn't quarantine the fish. I would watch for any worsening - as you try to feed it well - make sure your parameters are excellent. If you start noticing thickening of mucus or ANY changes a brooklynella treatment would be warranted. If the area reddens, and extends - it myhave become infected - and a broad-spectrum antibiotic would be in order.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hey everyone! So I got this little guy here on 5/29 and when he arrived he acclimated very nicely to his new tank. He’s the only fish in my 14 gall nano tank. After about 10 days of having him, he started to develop these white lumps on the side of his face. I was convinced it was brooklynella but all the research I’ve been looking at said that brook kills in 2-3 days. It’s been almost two weeks that he’s had this issue. I’m unsure if maybe it’s lympho, flukes, or maybe just injury. His favorite place in this little cave I made out of the live rock, so I’m wondering if maybe this is new to him and he keeps bumping into it. He still has full energy, no labored breathing, eats like crazy, so I’m unsure on what to do here. I’m afraid to treat with a formalin bath if it’s not brook and risk killing him, but his condition hasn’t improved appearance wise. I’m open to all suggestions and input!

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I think you can rule out Lymphocystis and flukes. As said, it isn't presenting like typical Brooklynella. It could be an injury, but a solo clown really isn't going to injure itself unless it got startled and ran into something.

A clear video may help us diagnosis this.

I don't think that formalin is the way to go just yet. It has human health issues that makes it unsafe to use in a home. Ruby Reef Rally Pro is milder (but less effective).