Unknown Lesion Clownfish (pics)

[newstead]

My 3.5 year old Clownfish had a red lump over her left "nostril" in August. It healed in 2 weeks. Reappeared in exact same place 6 weeks ago. After a couple of weeks a clear bubble developed over it. She is eating and swimming normally, perhaps spending a bit more time in her corner. Her mate is normal.
Biocube 29
Parameters normal except nitrates run 10 to 25 due to heavy feeding of a sun coral
Only other inhabitants are nassarous snails and 3 astrea snails
LPS, softies and sun coral
I have posted on reef forums and taken pics to my LFS - no one knows what this could be.
No medications yet - just adding alternatively Selcon and Vitality to food (NLS pelkets, mysis, Reef Frenzy)

 

[newstead]

Another pic

 

[beth]

You have no choice for treatment in a display reef tank. Do you have a cycled quarantine? Hard to actually see the issue from the side view pic. It could be the other clown is nipping at her. Is it confirmed that this is the female? Are they mated? Clowns nips can be significant, even the occasion "love tap".

 

[newstead]

Thanks for the reply. Beth. I do have a QT tank but with not knowing whether to treat for a parasitic, fungal or bacterial problem I haven't treated her. My LFS said as long as she is eating and acting ok just try adding vitamons. But it has been almost 6 weeks and the bubble and lump are still there. You can see the clear bubble on her face, it covers a reddish lump. Her mate is very submissive to her - they have been together since they were 1 inch, 3 1/2 years now.
I think I am going to try treating for a bacterial infection, as I am scared if I don't do anything I may end up losing her. Am thinking the original lump may have been an injury and later developed an infection? Just can't find anything like this.... sigh.

 

[beth]

Yes, that is what it sounds like-an injury that has been covered over by the white bump. Before it was covered, was it raw in appearance? I'm still thinking that she got nipped by another fish. The problem is, if the wound has been covered over and healed, and what you are seeing is scarring, then there really is nothing to be done. Is it red? Is it growing?

See if you can get Seachem's KanaPlex (kanamycin). Personally, I have never used this medication, but have read a lot of positive results for treating a broad spectrum of fish ailments. I used to recommend Maracyn Two for Saltwater Fish, but I believe that med is no longer being packaged for saltwater. You can use Maracyn Two, however, just double the dose for the first two applications. Do small water change just before reapplication of medications.

I hate to recommend treating a fish that are not ill, but you may also want to include the mate in the quarantine tank. Separating them would be stressful for both, and the female is already stressed. When you transfer the fish, do not remove them from water. Get the fish in to a containment with water to make transfers to avoid injury, infection, extreme stress.

Use the highest quality food (preferably frozen or home-made), soaked in either Zoecon or Selcon.

 

[newstead]

Great suggestions - I was worried about stressing them with separation as they have never been apart. Will order the meds and start readying the WT. I feed frozen Reef Frenzy, mysis and NLS pellets on a rotating basis and will continue the vitamin soak.

 

[beth]

I strongly recommend the supplement I suggested. Keep us posted as you go. Good luck!