clownfish question

[thanew]

ok.. I have this small percula clownfish and he seems to have some growth of some sort on his lips... it looks almost like ich, but it seems more concentrated.. tank levels are as follows: pH: 8.1 NH3 - 0, NO3 - 0 NO2 - <5 temp - 79

I mean he still has his spunk that clownfish have, but its sort of strange looking at him and seeing the white growth / fungus ? on his lips...

is this a parasite of some sort?

-thane

[quarryshark]

Doesn't sound like a parasite. Could be a mouth fungus but more likely is Lympho.
Here is some reading to help you ID.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lymphfaqs.htm
A pic would be helpful.

[captivereefs]

probably lympho. I have actually noticed that alot of the tank raisd clowns around my LFS all have lympho lately? I wonder if it is something in the aquaculture facility?

If a mated pair it can also be caused by "grooming" the rock. If the smaller of the two is the one with the problem, it's most likely an injury from aggressively courting the female. Good water quality and a nutritious diet should help it heal on it's own.

Cheers
Steve