Common Name:  Lymphocystis, Cauliflower Disease

Pathogen/Cause: Lymphocystis spp. (A DNA Iridovirus).

Physical Signs: Viral infection that causes cells to become megaloblastic, thus forming small tumors (bumps or growths), often along the lateral line or the pedicle, where the fin meets the body. The tumors sometimes take on the appearence of tiny cauliflowers, thus the name.

Behavioral Signs: Lethargy, general symptoms, may affect balance and swimming control if along the lateral line.

Potential Treatment: Frequent water changes and reduction of ammonia and nitrites in water may reduce stress to help the fish battle the infection and shrink tumors on its own. Interestingly, cyprinids & catfish which have been studied appear to be resistant.

Other Notes: Watch for secondary bacterial infections. Often attacks large fish fed with live foods. Cichlids are especially susceptible. Please check World Cichlid's page on HITH/HLLE which has much more detailed info, theories, and potential treatments of this disease. Also, Dr. Barb's Flippers and Fins Site has some more info for curious minds.

Common Name:  Solid tumors of unknown cause

Pathogen/Cause: Not fully understood in fish or man. Many oncoviruses may be suspect in turning off genes involved in tumor suppression. In fish, just as in other animals, may be benign or malignant (cancerous).

Physical Signs: Growing mass of tissue, can occur on almost any part of the body.

Behavioral Signs: Usually not overtly affected unless the tumor is very fast growing internally, or obscures vision, feeding, or swimming.

Potential Treatment: None for most fish. Seek veterinary help for large and/or expensive fish. Surgery often the only cure, though rarely will shrink back on its own.

Other Notes: Not much known about the fish oncology at this time. Watch tumor closely for fast, uneven growth of tumor. If it keeps the fish from feeding and/or swimming, consider euthanasia.