Lymphocystis… A cauliflower in the coral patch

By Steve Skinner

Lymphocystis is a benign dermatotropic affliction caused by an iridovirus. Lymphocystis typically confines itself to skin and fin areas which superficially affect the health of fish. Although unsightly, Lymphocystis is not life threatening unless interfering with proper gill function or overgrowing the mouth opening.

Usually the result of poor water conditions, Lymphocystis can quickly become a scourge on the affected fish unless steps are taken to alleviate the condition. There is no medicinal cure for Lymphocystis but it is easily treated otherwise. Commonly not all fish within the same system will become infected unless living conditions are quite substandard. In most cases, it will be confined to one or two fish depending on stock levels. There is no need to quarantine the fish otherwise.

First and foremost the living conditions must be improved. Increased water changes with well aged and aerated saltwater is the best first step. By reducing the DOC and other nutrient within the system, it will effectively starve the virus of the needed foods that sustain their growth. Once accomplished, the fish’s natural immune system in most cases will be able to heal the hypertrophied cells. Once the size of the node begin shrinking, you will know the steps you have taken are succeeding.

The next step is improving the fish’s diet and reducing obvious signs of stress. Proper nutritious foods are an incredibly important part of maintaining or improving fish health and their natural immune system. With proper nutrition, an otherwise healthy fish will be able to heal itself of more simple infections without much interference from the hobbyist. That does not mean they don’t need a little helping hand. Enriching foods are the easiest and most effective means aside from natural food sources. With the many manufactured foods available, they become an easy alternative to healthier choices. Adding elements such as Selcon® , ZoeCon® or other vitamin supplements high in HUFA’s and essential lipids; boosts the immune system much like a human taking a chelated multivitamin. Beta Glucan (if available) is also a proven and powerful anti oxidant immune booster.

Reducing the stress of the fish within the main system is also important. Stress is not the direct causal effect but in many cases a strong contributor. Much like any animal, continued stress reduces the natural immune response allowing health problems to arise. Overstocking, cramping/stunting, overfeeding, improper foods, fish aggression, poor water chemistry and the hobbyist themselves are all contributors. In other words, keep your hands out of the tank unless it’s necessary. Only by maintaining a stress free environment can a fish live a long and healthy captive life.

In extreme circumstances where the nodes are affecting the gill or mouth, light surgery might be required. If so the fish must be carefully removed and the nodes cut away. Using a very sharp knife or scissors, the node can be removed by cutting or carefully scraping larger areas away. It is not necessary to remove all the damaged cells, just the areas impeding proper gill function or eating. Not for the squeamish either. It is advisable in these cases a proper quarantine be set up and cycled prior to surgery. After the surgery is completed the affected fish should be placed in the QT where it can be observed for secondary infection. If infection sets in, simply treat with Maracyn II at double the recommended dose added every day for a full seven days. Foods can also be soaked in the Maracyn II after it has been properly pre-dissolved in tank water. Taking a few teaspoons of the med, soak the foods for an hour or so prior to feeding. This will help speed up the recovery time. In the absence of Maracyn II® , Furacyn® (nitrofurazone) can be used at a single dose of 30mg/gal for 3-5 days.

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