coral beauty gasping 4 air!

[corky]

I just came home and found my coral beauty has a bump under his mouth(kinda like an adams apple). He seems to open his mouth real wide on occasion as if he gasps for air. I've never seen this and if anyone has any info. or suggestions please help! Thank you!!!

 

[corky]

he is only doing it once in a while (opening his mouth). Appetite still good. No other visible signs on any disease.

 

[mr . salty]

Lots of fish do this "open mouth thing" all the time. I have a couple that do it. I've read of people saying it's like a yawn reflex that flushes salt crystals out of the gills. I'm wondering about this bump.Can you describe it's size,and color?STEVE

 

[corky]

The bump is about 1/8" wide (coral is medium to large in size). Kinda looks like a pea split in half and glued to him under his mouth where you would find an adam's apple if he had one. The color of it is slightly brighter than his normal color (yellowish-orange). I don't see any erratic behavior. I don't see any spots anywhere. He is eating just fine.

 

[tjswanson]

As long as he still eats well, I bet the bump will go down. When I first introduced my sailfin, the emperor wouldn't leave him alone and the tang got a HUGE bump on his forhead and The bump went down after about 3-4 days. TJ

 

[mr . salty]

It really could be about anything from a simple bruise to a tumer. Don't know what to tell ya except keep an eye on it.STEVE