Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Blugill with white round growth on side

Without seeing the infected fish, I think Cecil has this diagnosed correctly. Lymphocystis is a viral disease that appears as white to grey-white or pinkish warty lesions on fins or skin. Lesions appear granular or warty. I have seen them as almost translucent warty growths. The disease develops slowly. The hypertrophic cells or tumorous growths are NOT malignant. The lesioins can rupture to release large numbers of infected cells. The disease is contagious and over crowding of fish and or stressful conditions will likely make it more prevalant in a pond. Old infected cells or tissues are shed into the water where they sink to the bottom, thus it is best to remove infected individuals since they are carriers of the virus. Lymphocystis is self-limiting. Any fish living with the lesions for a few years without dying will slough the warty growth and remain free of the disease.