Fish Health - Lymphocystis

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Lymphocystis

Lymphocystis on fish

Lymphocystis infected Koi

Lymphocystis

Lymphocystis

Carp pox

lymph on fish

Lymphocystis around the mounth

Lymphocystis on fin
lymphocystis on pectoral fin
and not the main ray is quite rare


Lymphocystis is a virus (herpes). It is mostly seen in goldfish, but getting more common in koi. It was thought that it invaded through external damage, but now it has been found to be a spore taken in through gills or ingested.

These tumors are of many shapes, and koi forms differ from goldfish and seem larger on shubunkins. Why this is so I do not know.

I have seen this problem in the best well run koi ponds, as it has nothing to do with water condition or fish health.

The remedy sold for treatment (generic acriflavin) is a complete waste of time.

Lymphocystis is a giant single cell tumour which may produce one tumour on a fish or a dozen - I am afraid its down to luck.

I have seen fish cost £6.00 to £22,000 with this problem in good water and others in ponds you wouldn't put your mother-in-law in (well some may)!

I do have a treatment for this problem, but will leave the fish scared and takes up to six months to heal.

What to look for is best described as a small cauliflower, which gets larger - I've seen one as big as a hens egg.

In the early stages it is the same colour as the fish's skin, but with time turns red or purple as seen in photo.

Lymphocystis around the mouth is quite uncommon - see bottom photo.

There is far more to this problem that I can describe in these few words. For more info contact me.

Bio bandage This treatment is not the same but very similar to product no1, to which you add alcohol.