Growth On Swordtail Tail

Saw this growth on this female swordtail’s tail, it’s the black spot.

Is this something that will cause her a problem or is it fine left alone?

Thank you

 

Can you describe the symptoms? That looks like normal coloration. How old is it?

 

That’s what I thought hence I didn’t notice it sooner. She’s fine otherwise, just has a growth on that big black patch on the tail. I included the 2nd photo in hopes that it would show up better but it doesn’t quite do that

 

Are you talking about the little bump of the top of her tail?

 

The bump is growing on the biggest most pronounced black spot on her tail.

 

It's a tumor / cancer unfortunately -the black coloration on swordtails and platies carries cancer genes. The black swordtails with metallic green color in their scales (and no black on fins) are safe, but most of the others with black coloration will eventually end up with tumors This is why you rarely see solid black swordtails around, and mostly just the black-green and tuxedo types.

The normal black color in the males swords are fine, and wagtails (black fins only) aren't affected either -it's the patchy / spotty black color on fins or solid black on bodies, particularly 'bumble bee' platies that you'll see these tumors pop up as the fish gets older.

 

It's a tumor / cancer unfortunately -the black coloration on swordtails and platies carries the cancer genes. From memory, I think the black swordtails with metallic green coloration (and no black on fins) are safe, but all the others with black coloration will eventually end up with tumors

The cancer is melanoma.
Black in the fins of any swordtail is not the best.
Many swords with black on the body can be fine but once the black travels to fins the chances of melanoma [same as in humans] increases.
Several colleges in the US use swordtails to study melanoma in hopes of finding a cure for people.
It should not really spread on fish or be contagious , but it will also not go away.
Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center : Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center : Texas State University
https://www.ohio.edu/research/communications

 

Thank you both for your info. It’s actually quite interesting in itself.

So I’m just leaving her to go on as she is then

 

Unfortunately I have a tank full of tuxedo sword tails (black/orange) with multiple cancer tumors. Seems more prevalent on the females' tails. Those with growths have very stunted growth and are developing curved spines. Approximately 40% of my swords have this. Thank you for the two links coralbandit and allllien. Very informative studies. Makes me feel better in a scientific way.....