My Plume Tail Platy seems to have a weird growth?

Question

My beautiful plume tail platy has developed a weird growth on the top of her head (just one). If almost looks like a blob of whipped cream. It's kinda of stringy looking and it's white. It looks nothing like ick, it looks more like it is coming out of her head then growing on top.

I couldn't find anything that resembled it when I searched online.

She is in a 55 gallon tank with about 10 other platys, some serpae and glowlight tetras, a rainbow shark, a red spotted shrimp and two african dwarf frogs and a sailfin pleco (yes i realize the sailfin pleco will out grow this tank, and i am prepared for it)

The water seems to be fine, ph, ammonia, temp, nitrates are all normal.

Anyone have any ideas about this?

She is eating and swimming as voraciously and energetic as always.

Alison b - In my experience people who work in pet stores do not always know what they are talking about. In fact sometimes they give out very wrong information

Answer 1

Ally - does this look like what you're dealing with? http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/anchor_worms/

There have been a few questions on here about a swordtail with these. First thing I thought of when you said "stringy". It may or may not have the two "bubble-like structures (egg cases) at the tip. These are usually under 1/2 inch.

Since these release eggs into your tank, you'll have to treat the entire tank if this is it. Copper-based parasite medications are what's worked best for me, although I've seen potassium permanganate recommended quite a bit. You can remove the adult from the fish with tweezers - just grab near the base and pull with gentle, consistent force so you don't break it.

Answer 2

it seems like a paricite. Get your fishy into a hospital tank, so that it does not spread the worm-y thing. And WATCH to see if your fishy is beginning to act wieird (twitching not eating exc.) If it appears to be moving on it's own and appears to be coming out treat the fish, the hospital tank, and the origional tank with a paricite killer ( which is available in most places which carry fish. Try to get it at a place that specilizes in fish because usually the staff in those places are really helpful and will help you because they care about the fish NOT the money). Make sure to read the "medicine" bottle and follow ALL directions carefully. I would also keep an eye on your fishy firends to make sure that they haven't contracted it also.

Answer 3

Sounds to me like some sort of external parasite. Move the fish to a hospital tank if you have one, and I'd say to treat the tank with an external parasite medication like Maracide or CopperSafe. You'll need to make sure it's a parasite before you do that though.