White Stuff

[mntlblok]

Between the bridge and the western end of the fishing pier at the Blue Heron Bridge dive site were a couple of little Lane Snappers last Sunday that had this white stuff on them. Fungi? Eggs? Bad living?

Kevin

 

[designbysue]

Reminds me of "ich" (think that is the spelling) - a fungal infections I used to see in my aquarium from time to time.

 

[mntlblok]

Reminds me of "ich" (think that is the spelling) - a fungal infections I used to see in my aquarium from time to time.

Ichthyophthirius multifilis or Ich. Had never heard of it. Apparently a protozoan "infection". Didn't see any pics that looked like this, but it *is* white.

Kevin

 

[designbysue]

The salt water version is Cryptocaryon irritans but i couldn't find any pics that show it as intense as what your photo shows. Maybe you could post it here Saltwaterfish.com - Saltwater fish forums and reviews It is a site for aquarium fish, but maybe someone would know there.

 

[Scuba Monkey]

I would guess it's a Lymphocystis virus. FA181/FA181: Lymphocystis Disease in Fish

 

[designbysue]

That looks closer - interesting that the article says it clears up on it's own - I figured these fish were goners.

 

[mntlblok]

I would guess it's a Lymphocystis virus. FA181/FA181: Lymphocystis Disease in Fish

*Way* more than I wanted to know about *any* fish disease, but it *was* kind of interesting. Noted:

[h=2]"Can lymphocystis be confused with any other diseases?[/h] Yes. In early stages of the disease, the nodules may be relatively small and may be confused with the parasites Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich, freshwater white spot disease), Cryptocaryon irritans (marine white spot disease), digenean trematodes ("grubs"), or heavy infection with Epistylis (a stalked, ciliated, protistan parasite). Lymphocystis nodules may also be confused with epitheliocystis (an intracellular bacterial disease), clumps of fungus, or mucus tags. Some skin neoplasias (cancers) may also be confused with lymphocystis.
Because of the potential confusion with other disease agents, diagnosis of lymphocystis should be accomplished by a qualified fish health professional to rule out these other potential causes."

Kevin