Tropical Fish Forums

[menagerie mom]

One of my cardinal tetras has developed a white growth coming from or just behind one of its gills. It is not the fuzzy, cottony look that I would expect with fungus, but looks more like a large white grain of sand protruding from the body. It is currently about the size of the fish's eye, though is larger than it was yesterday. I found another cardinal tetra dead in the tank a couple of days ago but no indication of what was wrong. These fish range in age from 2 to 5 years, so wonder if some of them are just getting old or if something else is at play here.

Here are the details of my set-up:
20 gallon moderately planted tank with flourite substrate set up for about 5 years
Regular(ish) weekly to bi-weekly water changes
DIY co2
7 cardinal tetras - a couple are at least 5 years old
8 amano shrimp
7-10 cherry red shrimp added 3 weeks ago
pH 6.4
Nitrates 0-5
Nitrites 0
Ammonia 0
Tempurature 79 degrees

I am not able to get a good photo of the growth - sorry. Suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help.

[KhiaraFish]

Have you considered ich? That would probably be what I'd think it is, from your description. Has anything changed recently in the tank, or in the environment around it besides the shrimp being added?
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Please, oh Please can someone help me!?

My fish mugged me and stole my wallet!

[menagerie mom]

No, I am sure it is not ich as the growth is much larger and is the only one. I think it might be a tumor - the body of the fish is now showing some lumpiness in the belly near the growth. Poor fish!

Thanks for you response.