HELP! Odd Growth on Tetra w/ Pics

[MissFishy]

I came home today to see one of my orange flame tetras with a really odd growth on his side. I've had him about a month, and ever since I've gotten him, he's had an oddly shaped body as you'll see in the pictures. His stomach is distended in an odd way. The growth looks like it could be some sort of flukes? Maybe a large ich spot(no other signs of ich in the tank ever)? I haven't introduced any new fish to this tank since the tetras, everyone else seems to be fine. Water params are all 0's across the board. What should I do with him? Should I set up a quarantine tank? Pictures are included, although it was hard to photograph. Any responses would be helpful, I've never seen something quite like this.

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

is it that white thing on the bottom that your asking about? Seems to be body fungus... not positive as my tetras had spots not growth...

 

[Lotus]

I would definitely recommend a quarantine tank.

It's not really clear in the pictures, but it does look like some kind of parasite that he has. Put him in quarantine, and perhaps treat him with a copper-based anti-parasite med. There's no guarantee he'll make it, as he does look in bad shape.

 

[MissFishy]

I know, I feel awful! I haven't had the time to sit down and examine my fish for a few days, so this must have popped up in the past day or so. I'll be putting him in quarantine, but I must say I'm not too hopeful...he wasn't eating tonight. I think my goal is going to be to keep the other fish from infection.

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

off with his head...lol j/k I feel bad for the sick fish but i would take same approach as you must for the safety of the others. I am working on determining if i have a sick loach right now so i feel your pain.

 

[MissFishy]

Well today the fish is still alive and actually looking better? The white growth seems to have either fallen off or who knows what and there is now just a sore in the area it was in. I raised the water temp to 85. He still isn't eating...but here's hope!

 

[MissFishy]

It drives me nuts when people don't update on fish conditions...but this little guy is doing about the same. He's picking at a food a little bit now, but still has some sort of sore on his side. I feel like such a good fish mommy.