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About a week ago a noticed 1 of my albino buenos aires had developed (the most plain and simple way to describe it)a bump right above its pectoral fin. It seems to be healthy and having no problems. Any ideas on what it could be and is it anything that could possibly be spread to others in the tank.

Always difficult to diagnose a "bump"...

Could be a small tumor or a subcutaneous parasite.

Keep watch for any emerging "worm".

--garyroland.

So would it be in my best interest to quarantine the fish in another tank and treat it for a parasite or just leave it alone and see what happens?

You can leave the trop in the same tank...

If any sign of an emerging parasite appears then transfer the trop to a hospital tank and treat with a parasite med.

--garyroland.

What color is this lump?

Is it the same color as the rest of the area or is there a discoloration. If it is discolored, describe it.

What is the shape like? Is it perfectly round or is it irregular.

Does it look like is under the skin, or something external?

How fast is it growing?

Doesn't hurt to quarantine, but make sure you use as much aquarium water as possible to lessen his stress for the transfer. Make sure the fish has fake plants to make it feel secure and/or a cave. Keeping stress at a minimum is critical to helping them to heal.

Lumps can mean anything from a tumor, to pussy infection, sporzoans (not good), and parasites.

Jungle Labs has just released two new medicated feeds that I found at a local chain store (PetSmart). One is an antiparasitic (levamisol, praziquantel, metronazidole), the other is antibacterial (sulfa & nitrofurazone). The pellets can be crushed for smaller fish. I would email Jungle and ask if the two can be dosed simultaneous. I don't know if the anti-parasite will help for a fish with an embedded parasite, but you can always ask.

Go to Jungle Labs and send them a message through their website. You should get a response in 2-3 business days.

Last edited by Cory_Di at 30-Oct-2004 17:04

The lump looks to under the skin it is best described as oval shape and is slightly discolored(almost looks to be a little pinkish).It's size hasn't changed any. But I've noticed the fish is spending all its time at the top of the tank and seems to rapidly be loosing weight.

The concern I would have is that if this is a pussy, infected boil type thing, it could burst and send bacteria throughout the tank where others can get sick. Ditto if it is sporozoan or some type of parasite.

I would isolate and see if the fish will accept medicated food. I found the new Anti-Bacterial feed by Jungle at PetSmart. That is, if it will eat at this stage. If it is an infection, antibiotic taken orally will be his best shot. If it is sporozoan or a parasite, or a tumor, then obviously, he won't respond.

While the fish is on medicated feed, I would also treat with Parasite Clear Tank Buddies. It's a waterborne anti-parasitic, but I don't know that it would work on parasites under the skin.

The last thing you want is for such a fish to expire in the tank. Others will naturally feed on it (life in the big sea and an easy meal). Whatever it is can spread to them, unless it is a cancer.

If the fish is several inches, use a rubbermaid bin. Transfer him with as much tank water as you can spare, without depleting more than 25%. Replace the tank water with same temp water. For the rubbermaid bin, add same temp water over several hours if needed, to ensure a very gradual acclimation. You don't want to stress him with too drastic of change in water. Put a fake plant or two, and an airstone (use a check valve unless pump is higher than water level). Keep him in as warm a room as possible and even insulate the bin with a blanket to keep temp from dropping too quickly. Use a lid to prevent suicide.

Best of luck



Last edited by Cory_Di at 31-Oct-2004 20:50

It is possible that your fish has either Fish Pox, which is harmless and just looks ugly, tuberculosis, or a malignant tumor.
If the fish is wasting away, I think TB would be the likely culprit. I would put this fish out of its misery. 1 teaspoon clove oil in a small container of water. Mix well add the fish and wait at least 15-20 minutes for death to occur. Remove the fish from water to ensure death is complete.
Anyway, if it looks nasty and the fish is wasting, suspect something nasty. Euthanize this fish ASAP. It would suck for it to infect your other fish.
TB, and Fish Pox are contagious, cancer is not.


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Well I've got it quarantined in a 10 gallon tank and have treated it with parasite clear tablets. I've called the petsmart and they have the anti bacterial/parasite food.So I'm going to pick some up and see how it works. Thanks to everyone for all your help so far.

Keep us posted. We always hope for success stories. I'd be interested to know if this fish is still feeding.

If at any point the fish appears to be suffering and in distress despite your best efforts, I would help him along.

I too recommend the clove oil method, but it must be shaken vigorously in a small amount of water to mix it well. Clove oil can be purchased through a health food store and is used as a fish anesthetic. They don't quite like the "taste" of it, but in a matter of seconds they fall to their sides and lose consciousness soon after. While they are on their side and still respirating is when surgical procedures are done.

However, you must follow through with freezing a couple hours in a small amount of water, or decapitating to ensure death. Fish, who may appear dead from clove oil and placed in fresh water (like after flushing) can come out of the stupor. Overdosing is difficult. Gills flared or completely stopped indicate death, but I have still followed up with freezing. I'm lucky that I've only had to do this in the winter when I was able to place the container outdoors after they were "out".

Well unfortunatly I'm sad to report I got home from work today and found it laying in the bottom of the tank on its side.So I placed it in a bag with a little water and put it in the freezer. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Well, you did the right thing. Letting him expire in the tank is the worst thing you can do because it increases risk to any fish that begins feeding on him. Sometimes they start picking on them before they die too. And, any internal parasites are known to leave the host in search of a new one once they die.

Sorry for your loss.

Are all other fish ok?

Don't buy or add new fish for at least 6 weeks after a such a death. You need to make sure whatever it was that got this one is done and over with before exposing a new fish. Immunity lowers on the fish being transferred, as well as the established fish any time a new inhabitant is added (change=stress).

All the other fish seem to be fine and showing no signs of any problems. I did however go ahead and treat the tank for parasites and did a 20% water change. Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it.