PlanetCatfish.com

Good Day everyone.
I just joined as I have a common pleco that is growing something on its fins. My books say it is a harmless tumor that will most likely not do anything to it but I have my reservations. It (I have no idea if it is male or female) is very active and eats like crazy. I would just like to know what it has and if the thing is harmful.

I am trying to figure out how to attach a photo so that anyone can see... I shall try this...



Finally... (30 minutes later) Anyway, if anyone can help me, I would be greatly appreciative.
Sean

I think it is lymphocystis, a viral infection for which there is no effective medication. If you keep your fish heallthy, its immune system will eventually overcome it.
You might want to quarantine it (if you have other fish in the tank) as it is infectious.

Thanks Silurus. I do have two types of tetras and a cory with it as well. Could it be a water stress related problem? I have been having trouble with keeping my tetras and cory's. I had a couple with dropsy and had to put them down. All my tank testing comes out positive on all categories. I don't understand what my troubles are. I am trying just about everything to keep things going smoothly.

Thanks for your comments.

Lymphcystis appears to be something that breaks out now and then and does not seem to be related to water quality. Just your bad luck, I guess.

Has the fish been moved recently. You often see infections in this area on plecos when they are handled roughly and get their fins entangled in nets. I agree with Silurus, a healthy environment and good diet should see your fish through.

Jools

Hi Jools. No, he hasn't...well I guess you could say so. He is new to the tank. I got him about 3 weeks ago. This has been going for about a week and a bit now. Maybe the fish guy roughed him up a bit when he was taken out of the store tank. My wife picked him...hmmm, I shall jsut have to watch I guess. It is getting bigger.

Also, I keep reading that pl*cos love cucumber. Is it the rind they like or the insides??? I tried once to give him some rinds but he just turned his nose up at them. Just curious...

Thanks for the comment. Later...

Plecos usually like the insides more than they like the rinds. They will eat the rinds if there is nothing else to eat, but if you put whole slices in there, the insides go first.

Silurus wrote:pl*cos usually like the insides more than they like the rinds. They will eat the rinds if there is nothing else to eat, but if you put whole slices in there, the insides go first.

While this is generally true, you find some of the wood "eating" plecos actually start on the rind first. Could be habit, could be they prefer more of a chew. Common plecos, Ancistrus and the like tend to site in the middle and eat the softest parts first.

Jools