My 6" Venezuelan pike has Lymphocystis, just as I suspected.
"Lymphocystis is a viral disease characterized by multiple creamy-white nodules on the skin and fins. It is probably the most common viral disease of ornamental fish. Caused by an iridovirus, the disease has been identified in over 100 species of fish. The disease is most common in recently purchased/shipped fish, and is more prevalent in brackish and marine species, as well as some New World cichlids. The disease is frequently self-limiting (resolves on its own) although affected fish should be isolated. The viral particles cause a marked enlargement of the dermal connective tissue cells resulting in cells up to one thousand times their normal size."
It's no wonder my pike has been acting and eating normally. Lymphocystis has an extremely low mortality rate, and most fatalities are caused by secondary infection of the Lymphocystis lesions, rather than the virus itself.
Does anyone have any experience with this disease? I think I'll just keep up the water changes, salt and good food.
"Lymphocystis is a viral disease characterized by multiple creamy-white nodules on the skin and fins. It is probably the most common viral disease of ornamental fish. Caused by an iridovirus, the disease has been identified in over 100 species of fish. The disease is most common in recently purchased/shipped fish, and is more prevalent in brackish and marine species, as well as some New World cichlids. The disease is frequently self-limiting (resolves on its own) although affected fish should be isolated. The viral particles cause a marked enlargement of the dermal connective tissue cells resulting in cells up to one thousand times their normal size."
It's no wonder my pike has been acting and eating normally. Lymphocystis has an extremely low mortality rate, and most fatalities are caused by secondary infection of the Lymphocystis lesions, rather than the virus itself.
Does anyone have any experience with this disease? I think I'll just keep up the water changes, salt and good food.
