Ram cichlids

[esoxlucius]

Slight problem with my rams. Two of them have developed small white growths, which seem to be growing very slightly as time passes. Is there a standard treatment I can use which would cure this?

This tank hasn't been set up that long really but it's already settled down nicely. Parameters are spot on. The temperature is slightly higher than your bog standard com tank as rams like it on the warmer side. They are feeding well too.

I dosed the tank with levamisole a couple of weeks ago as a precaution against worms, as one was looking a bit skinny.

Now these growths, anyone any ideas? kno4te

 

[kno4te]

Could be lymphocystis. Viral in nature. No treatment. Could be induced by stress from tankmates.

 

[esoxlucius]

Could be lymphocystis. Viral in nature. No treatment. Could be induced by stress from tankmates.

There are no tankmates, just three male rams in a hex tank. They get on well with very little confrontation. They're always out and about and are very inquisitive. Maybe stress from the original move when I brought them home from the store has brought it on?

I'll just try and do my best for them in the short time they have left then, or could they live for some time with this condition?

 

[1 2many]

Can you get another pic? It’s hard to determine if the growth is fuzzy or bumpy similar to a wart.
If it is in fact Lymphocystis the best way to treat it is very clean water and additional filtration if there’s enough room.

 

[esoxlucius]

Can you get another pic? It’s hard to determine if the growth is fuzzy or bumpy similar to a wart.
If it is in fact Lymphocystis the best way to treat it is very clean water and additional filtration if there’s enough room.

The growth is definitely warty , a clean edge as opposed to furry or fuzzy. Water is already spot on in this tank, filtration is fine.

I'm going to have to just wait it out I think, see how things develop. They may get lucky , or they may not.

I have read that, on the whole, the ram species can be extremely delicate, even more so if the fish are not from a strong gene pool to start with.

One thing I have no clue about in this hobby is fish illness. Ich, I can cope with, but anything else and I am really really lost.

 

[1 2many]

The growth is definitely warty , a clean edge as opposed to furry or fuzzy. Water is already spot on in this tank, filtration is fine.

I'm going to have to just wait it out I think, see how things develop. They may get lucky , or they may not.

I have read that, on the whole, the ram species can be extremely delicate, even more so if the fish are not from a strong gene pool to start with.

One thing I have no clue about in this hobby is fish illness. Ich, I can cope with, but anything else and I am really really lost.

Given the description it’s more than likely Lymphocystis. Playing the waiting game might be your best bet. Provide constant clean water. And it is possible for your fish to recover but it will take time.
Yes you are correct rams are rather sensitive and are often subject to poor breeding practices. This leads to undesirable/unhealthy fish being reproduced and sold. As always purchase from a reliable distributor Even if the price is a little more the fish is likely worth it.
Good luck! If you notice anymore ailments or illnesses post them.

 

[The Morning]

Any updates today?

 

[esoxlucius]

Any updates today?

No change. There's not a great deal I can do by the sounds of it, other than keep the water pristine, which I am doing. Going off their activity and eating behaviour you wouldn't think anything was wrong. I expect things will start going downhill over the next couple of weeks, depending on how aggressive/damaging these growths are.

It's a shame really, this tank is starting to get a nice natural look to it now. My java moss is settling in and I've got some nice patches of algae growing on the wood and back panels too.

I'm in unknown territory so i'll just try and enjoy them whilst I can, and hope the clean water aids a miraculous recovery.

Whatever happens I'll revisit this thread with news.

 

[Niki_up]

No change. There's not a great deal I can do by the sounds of it, other than keep the water pristine, which I am doing. Going off their activity and eating behaviour you wouldn't think anything was wrong. I expect things will start going downhill over the next couple of weeks, depending on how aggressive/damaging these growths are.

It's a shame really, this tank is starting to get a nice natural look to it now. My java moss is settling in and I've got some nice patches of algae growing on the wood and back panels too.

I'm in unknown territory so i'll just try and enjoy them whilst I can, and hope the clean water aids a miraculous recovery.

Whatever happens I'll revisit this thread with news.

Do you happen to have an IAL on hand? They like tannin stained water and the tannins will add their own beneficial properties to the water

 

[esoxlucius]

Do you happen to have an IAL on hand? They like tannin stained water and the tannins will add their own beneficial properties to the water

I can get some easily enough but because I'm keeping the water as clean as i can would the tannins have time to build up to beneficial levels if i'm doing small daily water changes? Do those leaves leech enough tannins to compensate for my water changes?