HELP : My catfish large growing growth on his face

[le4col]

Hello everyone, I would love any help that would fix this nasty growth on my catfishes face,it had a mark on his face ever since I bought him from the shop it was only small the size of a sesame seed and now it just keeps growing to size of piece of corn and is affecting his eye from the inside. all the other fish are fine, they are all tropicals in a 6ft tank with 2 filters, I have tried a all remedy medicine and salt that hasn't worked, sorry the photo is not good but the bugger won't stay still long enough. but any help of a medicine or a name of this nasty fungus would be really great thanks.

 

[Delapool]

Hi, I couldn't pick up much from the photo. Is it just a growth around the eye (not the mouth) and nothing else? And you've tried parasites, fungal and bacterial treatments plus the salt? I also assume water specs are ok? Hopefully some-one can pick it better and get some ideas going, the only other treatment option I can think of is hydrogen peroxide - this was passed across for a bacterial infection but I've read it can be used for fungas as well. I'll see if I can find the dosage rate just in case.

 

[le4col]

thanks for that, what it is is the white section at the front the catfish is the fungus. and it started as eg. looked like one of his feeler tentacles were broken off and it was hearing in that spot but then over time it has grown rapidly. I will look up your sesugfestion and give it a go, I've tried ich white spot remedy, multi purpose cures and rock salt. I will try and get a clearer pic, but if anyone can help that has had the same fungus please help, he's a friendly little fella, really don't want to loose him. thank you

 

[Alan79]

I was reading something about hydrogen peroxide treaments today in this thread.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/hydrogen-peroxide-and-its-utility-130482.html

Another use for H2O2 is in the treating of sores and wounds in fish. Yes I know, you heard me, wounds. As some of you know I am a ponder and keep several large koi. Occasionally they get hurt, parasites etc. and get open sores on their bodies. When this happens I generally spot treat with straight up H2O2.
You can treat smaller fish by:
1. Netting the fish
2. In the wet net hold the fish such that it cannot flop around and the wounded side is facing up.
3. Using a pippete or dropper spray a stream of H2O2 into the wound to clear it of both debris and infection. This treatment should be coupled with an all around antibacterial as well.
EDIT: Avoid using this on extremely small fish [under 4 inches]. One would only have to imagine the gill damage if any of this got in there. Also avoid using this on extremely injured fish, this will only irritate the fish more and cause more harm than good.

Basically you would have to drop the hydrogen peroxide straight on the growth which might be a bad idea given the growth is near the eye.

 

[Delapool]

Yes, pretty similar - I had 1to 3ml per gallon. I could find anything on baths, etc. Trying to find other notes.

Edit: 8ml per gal I have but believe that was for an empty tank.

 

[le4col]

thanks a lot yeah the growth close to the eye but also seems to be inside the mouth and pushing eye forward. I will try some spot treatment to try and make it smaller aswell, I don't want to stress him out more than he is because he constantly swims now and 2 weeks ago he sat on the top of the filter. it is not a red color or looks infected, just looks like white puffy fleshy growth I am still trying to get a good photo, thanks for the info about the ratio mix will look for some thanks for the help everyone

 

[Delapool]

Best of luck with it. I should of mentioned that was on a 3% solution as well.

 

[Alan79]

thanks a lot yeah the growth close to the eye but also seems to be inside the mouth and pushing eye forward. I will try some spot treatment to try and make it smaller aswell, I don't want to stress him out more than he is because he constantly swims now and 2 weeks ago he sat on the top of the filter. it is not a red color or looks infected, just looks like white puffy fleshy growth I am still trying to get a good photo, thanks for the info about the ratio mix will look for some thanks for the help everyone

I just googled growths on Plecostmas and found this

Plecostomus Diseases | Animals - PawNation

Fish Fungus

Fungal growths look like white or grayish growths on the pleco's body, resembling cotton balls. This is a fairly common disease caused by water molds called oomycetes. Often it occurs as a secondary infection to a skin problem. For example, scrapes on a fish's skin provide a breeding place for the fungus. Low water temperatures and infrequent water changes help the fungus multiply. A fungal infection needs medical treatment because it spreads quickly and can cause a secondary fungal infection. Ask at a specialist fish store for the appropriate treatment.

And after googling treatment for fish fungus i found this page which has some suggested remedies.

Aquarium Fish Fungus

Treating Fungus, Fin Rot and Mouth Fungus Simultaneously
Fungus, fin rot and mouth fungus are all opportunistic infections that can occur when fish are stressed or injured. In some situations, fish may contract more than one of these diseases, and distinguishing between them is often difficult.
Fortunately for the aquarist, there are numerous medications available that will treat all three maladies equally well. Combinations of formalin and malachite green are particularly popular and will treat a range of fungal and bacterial pathogens, but as stated earlier, such medications can be harmful to certain types of livestock, so they should always be used with care.

Hopefully this is helpful.

 

[le4col]

That sounds spot on thanks! yeah I got him from the pet shop with the mark on his face and thought it was a scar and he is injured as he looks like it was born with a bended spine but will go today and try find that fungus treatment and hopefully works. it's nasty as hell this growth so I would love to nail it gone. thanks you all agin and will try this and hopefully will be all good. cheers

 

[jlk]

In your last picture, it does not appear like a fungal infection. Fungal growths appear like threads or patches of hairs- a 'fuzzy' appearance. Is this what you are seeing? Based on your picture, this growth appears fleshy rather than fuzzy but perhaps it looks different in person?

 

[le4col]

this growth isn't how you described it looks like a solid piece but only started as the size if a sesame seed, it isn't fluffy like fin rot or like a burn, I just don't know anymore, the last pic is exactly what it looks like in person. thanks

 

[jlk]

How are your parameters? Water change schedule? I suspect its either a viral disease (lymphocystis) or a tumor (fibroma or sarcoma). Unfortunately, there are no meds to treat either case.

If its lymphocystis, its caused by an iridovirus that causes cell enlargement. Treatment is supportive management- pristine water conditions (0,0, less 10) and a nutritious diet that supports immune function to help the fish fight off the virus. It will typically will run its course and eventually fall off. There will likely be a scar. It is transmissible among like species (ie, pleco to pleco) and although not fatal by itself, secondary infections that can accompany it may be if not treated.

If its a tumor, you can consider having an aquatic vet remove it if it is interfering with his quality of life (ability to eat, swim, breath) though it may return. Only a vet can positively diagnose either case with microscopy. Hope this helps a bit!