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Attached is a photo of a pleco posted by an aquarist in a Chinese fish forum seeking curing advices. As per the photo, the spine of this pleco has swollen up, and there are many large transparent tumors on the spine. As mentioned by the aquarist, i) the belly of this pleco is normal (no swelling), ii) he experienced the similar case 1 month before. (A pleco got the similar symptoms, and it finally died 1~2 weeks from the day the symptoms started to become obvious)

http://tinypic.com/4lp08i

As per my limited knowledge and experience, these symptoms are not the symptoms of bacterial disease or fungal disease. May be the symptoms of viral disease, mutation, and/or parasites.

I really want to help to save this lovely pleco. Any advices???

What are the water parameters and most important the TDS/conductivity?
It seams to have large problems with his osmotic exchange...has he been moved recently from another tank?
Using salt?

Janne

Many Thanks! Now I am asking the aquarist about the salinity of his tank water.

Interesting. I saw that disease for the first time on a Corydoras last year.

This was really the case as Janne described. Now the pleco is recovering in a hospital tank where the water in it is fresh water, no additives.

Thanks!