Ich vs. lymphocytis

[amc78cj7]

A week after setup of my new tank I introduced a damsel. The tank had already cycled once by that time, although ammonia levels were still a bit high. That combined with the drive and move certainly added stress to the fishes life.

After a few days these white spots started to appear. Mainly on the edges of the fins, but also a few on the body. I would describe them as being small and rough, about the size and shape of the grains of sand on the base of my tank. I have included pics if they help. I had fist thought it was ich, but a few others suggested it may be lymphocytis. Hopefully you can help me determine which. For the past hour the Damsel has been in a glass trap within the tank. I had planned to return him tomorrow to the reef shop's quarantine and begin the 6 week recovery from ich. Please let me know if you think that is necessary. As of now he is the only fish in the tank and I have not begun adding corals, but do have several inverts living in there.

[CAVINCA]

i dont think your tank was cycled if the "ammonia levels were still a bit high" thats probably why your fish was so stressed. i recommend finishing your cycle before adding anything else. JMHO

[Paul B]

Definately not ich. Hard to tell from the picture, maybe a fungus

[leebca]

From what I can see, although not clearly, it is Lymphocystis. It's a viral infection. The pathogen is usually around waiting for a chance to get a foothold on a stressed, undernourished, or otherwise ill fish.

[amc78cj7]

Originally Posted by leebca

From what I can see, although not clearly, it is Lymphocystis. It's a viral infection. The pathogen is usually around waiting for a chance to get a foothold on a stressed, undernourished, or otherwise ill fish.

What is the recommended course of action? Should I just leave him in the tank (as I have read) until it works it's course? Do I need to decontaminate the tank before I add anymore fish (such as the 6 week / no fish rule for ich)?

[CAVINCA]

For ich id take him out and QT him. then leave the Display Fishless for 8 Weeks. Then Qt ANY fish before you add him to the display.. Honestly i dont think your cycle is done, and you shouldnt have a fish in there anyways. imho

[leebca]

Lymphocystis
No known cure if it is Lymphocystis, but I’ve known the Neon Blue Goby (Elacatinus oceanops) to actually eat it off of some fishes. This is rarely fatal IF the aquarist takes positive action. This is a virus and usually hangs around the fish. Fishes that are weak or not getting the proper nutrition or are under considerable stress (or a combo of these) usually get this infection.

Remove as much stress from the fish as you can and be sure to be feeding it properly. Get it on the right nutrition with vitamin and fat supplements. See this post on nutrition:
Feeding Marine Fish and Marine Fish Nutrition

This disease is easily transmitted. Although not a reason to stop everything, it would still be a good idea to bring the stressors under control before introducing more livestock. This problem will go away on its own IF you take the above recommendations to heart. After it does go away, then I would resume stocking and other plans you may have for livestock.

No need to decontaminate or let tank go fallow. Like I mentioned before this virus (like the human common cold virus) is pretty much everywhere, waiting for an opportunity to affect a stressed fish.

[amc78cj7]

Originally Posted by leebca

Lymphocystis
No known cure if it is Lymphocystis, but I’ve known the Neon Blue Goby (Elacatinus oceanops) to actually eat it off of some fishes. This is rarely fatal IF the aquarist takes positive action. This is a virus and usually hangs around the fish. Fishes that are weak or not getting the proper nutrition or are under considerable stress (or a combo of these) usually get this infection.

Remove as much stress from the fish as you can and be sure to be feeding it properly. Get it on the right nutrition with vitamin and fat supplements. See this post on nutrition:
Feeding Marine Fish and Marine Fish Nutrition

This disease is easily transmitted. Although not a reason to stop everything, it would still be a good idea to bring the stressors under control before introducing more livestock. This problem will go away on its own IF you take the above recommendations to heart. After it does go away, then I would resume stocking and other plans you may have for livestock.

No need to decontaminate or let tank go fallow. Like I mentioned before this virus (like the human common cold virus) is pretty much everywhere, waiting for an opportunity to affect a stressed fish.

Thanks. I showed the pics to a local aquarist at work and the first words out of his mouth were Lymphocystis also. I'll check water quality tonight and will be heading to the reef shop after work to see what they have for nutrition. I also need to add a bit of calcium to my water as the purple coraline algae appears to be going away (bad). The piece next to the fish in the fourth picture was covered in purple a week ago. Salinity was 1.024 this morning and the temp is at 80.4 degrees.