Any Ideas On What This Is And How To Treat?

[reefbobc]

I have a Flame Hawkfish that has developed some type of growth on his nose (see pic) that might be a fungus or? It looks almost like a small piece of Mysis is stuck on his nose. I'd like help figuring what it may be and some ideas on treatment.
Thanks!

 

[reefbobc]

Here is the picture finally!

 

[leebca]

Just a little too far away for me to get a good idea of what it looks like. There are several possibilities including, but not limited to: tumor, viral, and bacterial.

Can you get a better photo -- up close and clear? Thanks.

Tell us more about the fish -- how long have you had it, its diet, other tank mates, etc.

 

[reefbobc]

Thanks for the response Lee. Here is a better picture. I have had the fish about 1 month. I also have a pair of clowns and they never have bothered each other. He eats pellets and Mysis. His eating and activity levels don't seem to have changed so far.

 

[returnofsid]

MUCH Better picture!! I'm sure Lee will be able to work with that! In the meantime, while awaiting Lee's advice, give that fish a tissue!! lol

 

[reefbobc]

I thought about just getting some tweezers and picking those boogers off!

 

[returnofsid]

I thought about just getting some tweezers and picking those boogers off!

Something like that, might end up being Lee's suggestion. However, it'd probably need to be followed by some type of topical medication/anti-biotic. Maybe a Qtip with iodine or something. Since I'm not sure about this, I'd suggest awaiting Lee's advice, before doing any "booger picking." lol

 

[leebca]

It has the general appearance of being viral. Best not to remove it unless you are prepared to perform surgery on the fish.

Usually these things appear when the fish is in less-than-perfect water, or not receiving the best nutrition, or both. I'd say for sure the best nutrition is not being offered.

This is national Frozen Food month (no kidding). Our fishes deserve frozen foods. You should be sure to read this post: Different Marine Fish Food Forms.

Also, lace the food with fresh vitamin and fat supplements. You'll find a list of same in this post, along with other good ideas on better food choices: Fish Health Through Proper Nutrition.

With improved nutrition and being sure the water quality is tops, the fish should recover or at least show signs of recovery, in a few weeks. If things get worse, the moving into quarantine and surgery would be the right course -- if you are able to perform surgery.

 

[reefbobc]

Thanks for the advice and I was just kidding about the idea of surgery!