Long fin black skirt tetra

[BCastle]

Hello, I am new to this forum, so I’m sorry if I’m not posting this on the appropriate category. I noticed a lump on one of my tetras about 2 hours ago and since then I’ve been trying to research what exactly it could be. I’ve had these fish for about 3-4 years now, and they’ve been fantastic, no problems. I’m worried that I’ve noticed this lump too late. Does anyone know what it is or if it’s treatable?

 

[OrionGirl]

It looks like a tumor or cyst...Anything changed in the tank? New fish, live foods, etc?

Truthfully, though, fish get many of the same ailments we do. It it's a tumor, a skilled aquatic vet could remove it, but at the cost of several hundred dollars, and it will likely return in a few months. It's a touch call to make, but if that were my fish, I would monitor, be sure it's eating ok and not being bullied, and leave it as is. When it gets to be too much, euthanize. No point making it suffer.

 

[BCastle]

It looks like a tumor or cyst...Anything changed in the tank? New fish, live foods, etc?

Truthfully, though, fish get many of the same ailments we do. It it's a tumor, a skilled aquatic vet could remove it, but at the cost of several hundred dollars, and it will likely return in a few months. It's a touch call to make, but if that were my fish, I would monitor, be sure it's eating ok and not being bullied, and leave it as is. When it gets to be too much, euthanize. No point making it suffer.

Nothing has changed in the tank, which is why I was so surprised to see it! I will monitor it over the next few days and think about euthanizing if it comes to that point. Thank you for your suggestion!