SYMPTOMS

Large, (1-5mm) off white granular growths - often spherical and attached to any part of body or fins. Very rare in f/w fishes. Fish shows little signs of distress and often continues feeding normally. Surface appearance of cyst resembles small ball of cauliflower or raspberry. No increase in breathing rate is detectable.

Aquarists often come across this virus when their fish are stressed such as when put into a new environment and the virus is able to grow.

The fish starts growing small white pin-prick like growths on their fins or skin and this is often mistaken for Ich/Ick (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) in the early stages. It soon clumps together to form a cauliflower-like growth on the skin, fins, and occasionaly gills.

DISEASE :

DESCRIPTION/

MORPHOLOGY

LIFE CYCLE

IMAGE/S

KNOWN TREATMENT/S

MYXAZIN

Eventually the growths inhibit the fish's ability to swim, breathe or eat, and secondary bacterial infections usually kills the fish.

Usually the best cure is to simply give the fish a stress free life, a weekly bacteria treatment and the virus will slowly subside and the fins will repair themselves. This can take many months.

For help with dose rates and disease diagnosis in Discus, see our Forum...

PREVENTION

The Lymphocystis virus is present in almost all bodies of seawater and brackish water, so that any fish which suffer physical damage to body or fins may become infected. MORAL - handle fishes very carefully and prevent aggression amongst tank members. It is extremely rare for this disease to prove fatal as a primary cause.

References