Puffer with growth

[Nickintex]

My red eye puffer has developed a cauliflower-like growth under his dorsal fin. He has stopped eating as well. I have a very bad feeling. :(

[Somefishguy]

looks like some kind of fungus or perhaps columnaris

[Nickintex]

On close inspection, it's not as hairy or as fibrous in appearance as I would expect fungus to look like. His dorsal fin also seems to be pushed slightly forward. I'll try some melafix and pimafix. I know there's not much you can use on puffers, as they are scaleless.

[Zulaab]

FishProfiles.com - Disease Profile <-- link

Fish Disease and Treatment <-- link

Viral Diseases

Lymphocystis
Symptoms: Nodular white swellings (cauliflower) on fins or body.

Lymphocystis is a virus and, being a virus, affects the cells of the fish. It usually manifests itself as abnormally large white lumps (cauliflower) on the fins or other parts of the body. It can be infectious, but is usually not fatal. Unfortunately, there is no cure. Fortunately, this is a rare disease.
There are two suggested treatments. One treatment is to remove and destroy the infected fish as soon as possible. The other treatment is to simply separate the infected fish for several months and hope for remission, which usually does occur.

[Nickintex]

He still hasn't eaten. I offered him some bloodworms, his favorite, but he is not even looking at them. :(

[Nickintex]

I think his days are numbered now. Still has not eaten a bite. I'm thinking about euthanizing today or tomorrow. :(

[fishboyt]

I think his days are numbered now. Still has not eaten a bite. I'm thinking about euthanizing today or tomorrow. :(

:(

[imagirlgeek]

I think his days are numbered now. Still has not eaten a bite. I'm thinking about euthanizing today or tomorrow. :(

DON'T DO IT! You don't know what the growth is exactly, so you can't make any assumptions that he won't get better. Can you get a closer pic?

[Complexity]

I found this article which might be of some interest.

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Lawler_Lymphocystis.html

Of special interest is this part:

"The viral particles in the water can go on to infect another fish of the same or closely related species. I suspect the virus can also become dormant and remain viable in sediments for years."

If the virus can become dormant and remain viable, as the author suspects, you will need to take special precautions to not let it infect another fish in your other tanks and will need to work to sterilize the virus from the entire tank before adding another fish.

[imagirlgeek]

Nick, you can always 'make' him eat. Edmlfc fed Annabelle with a syringe while they were going through the ICP treatment. I think that's the only thing that kept her alive long enough to get through the treatment. And if it's Lymphocystis, you've got a few weeks yet before the growth goes away.

Please don't give up on him.

[Complexity]

Another excellent article:

http://www.vet.uga.edu/VPP/clerk/Kurkjian/index.php

It is possible, based on what I've read, that the virus will run its course and the fish will survive. Since the lesions are on its back and not on the mouth or gills, it's possible for your puffer to survive this. Apparently, it only rarely attacks the inner organs of the fish.

Something I forgot to mention about the article above it the list of Differential Diagnoses at the bottom. It wouldn't hurt to double check those diseases to be sure you got the right diagnosis.

[Complexity]

Nick, before you euthanize your puffer, send this guy an email. I have found university professors will frequently respond to emails like that. Send him the picture you took, and if you can get even better ones, show them to him, as well.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/microbiology/faculty/Bowser/

On his page, he says, "General interests include infectious and non-infectious diseases of fishes and strategies for fish health management." and "Our laboratory operates the Fish Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, a service laboratory providing disease diagnostic assistance to the aquaculture community, research community and fish hobbyist in New York State."

I think he might be willing to offer some help with this. I've written to professors from various universities about many things, and most respond. Given this guy's particular interests, I bet he'd respond to an email asking for help.

[Nickintex]

RIP. He passed away while I was at work. :(

[Complexity]

I am so sorry, Nick. At least he's not suffering anymore. :(

[Nickintex]

He had a good life before this. I had him for about 5 years. I always thought puffers were aggressive "in your face" kinda fish, but this guy was shy. Say "boo" and he'd hide. The geeks witnessed it. Thanks for the moral support guys.