Adult Black Veil Angelfish

Question
Hi Chris,
I have been raising and breeding various angelfish as a hobby for a few years now, and all has been fine.  However, about a month ago, I noticed the side fin on one of my adult black angels appeared frayed.  But the strangest thing I noticed is that at the point where the fin joins the body, there appear to be some type of strange growth.  It even looks like 4 round nodules about the size of angel eggs!  But they aren't, since they have been there for a month now.  Otherwise, the angel swims and eats just fine.  I am concerned, and am not sure if this is viral, bacterial, or whatever, and do not now how to treat this weird malody?  Your imput would be greatly appreciated.  Thanking you in advance...Bruce

Answer
Hi Bruce;

It could be just scar tissue on the ribs of the fins, but it could also be a virus known as "lymphocystis". It causes pearly or cauliflower-like nodules or "tumors" to form on fins and sometimes on the face and gills affecting breathing and feeding. It isn't curable but it can be managed to reduce the symptoms. You could do an internet search to see images of the disease. Here is a web page with info about it;

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Lawler_Lymphocystis.html

Here's one picture;

http://www.fishbase.org/diseases/DisPic/LymphoD5.jpg

It's really hard for me to say what it could be without actually seeing it. If you could get a photo, upload to an image hosting site and send me the link I could take a look.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins