Small Orange Frogfish gasping and turning pale      8/14/12 Aloha, <And you> I have a small (less than 2 inch) frogfish (I believe Commerson's, but I've included a photo) <May be this species>  that is beginning to turn pale and exhibit very heavy breathing.  <Looks to be in a too-bright and plain setting... I'd tone down the lighting and give it a habitat of rock and more to get out of the light> "Cheeto" is bright orange and very small like his namesake, but I'm worried he isn't doing so hot.  His tank is mostly bleached coral and "live" beach sand, <Ah yes... typical "Hawaiian" due to laws> so the color change may be natural, but it seems to change inconsistently.  From what I can see, no growths or fuzz, just getting paler.  And really rapid, visible gasping. <Stress>   He is in a 10 gallon tank filled with sand and bleached coral/ Liverock collected here in Hawaii.  He has one tank mate - a small leaf scorpion, and they don't really seem too concerned with each other.  The water is seawater collected from the shore, and filtered through a Marineland C-220 canister.  A chiller kept the water at 74F, but I recently increased temp to 77F (what do you recommend?) <I'd leave it lower> Cheeto was collected locally in Hawaii, so I figured the local water was the best bet for him.  Nitrites are a little elevated, but not alarmingly high. <How high? Under 20 ppm I hope/trust>   I just changed 40% of the water, and will change out filter media in a day or so. Diet has been freshwater feeder shrimp, one or two about every two to three days.  So far, he won't take dead food, and the tidepool minnows here are just too big and fast for him.  From what I've read, the big three things I should be concerned about are: 1.  Nutrition - How long can he eat just feeder shrimp, and what else do you recommend for a frog so small? <Small, just born livebearers... check out the fish stores, perhaps they have some in w/ the adults they have up for sale>  What should I feed the feeder shrimp to cover his nutritional requirements? <High grade flake and/or pellet food/s>   2.  Water quality  - how super sensitive are they to nitrites, <All fishes are... should be 0.0>  and was 74 degrees too cold? <Not too cold, no... better for DO and more>  What do you think about using local water instead of mixing my own? <Is fine> 3. Disease - I'm really not sure if the color change is natural, but if it isn't, what do you think might bee ailing him? <Color change is definitely natural... what is bugging this fish is in a word "stress"... see above> The main symptom I know for sure isn't normal is the full body gasping.  He hasn't started agitated movements, or uncontrolled blow ups.  He is spending more time peeking out of the caves in the dead coral, as opposed to hiding in it.  That is another change. I've had this fish for about 3 weeks, and the symptoms are new.  Since it is time to change the filter media, I'm hoping that helps. I hope I can keep Cheeto around much longer, so please let me know what I can do to help the little nubbin out... Mahalo, Lee <Do (re)read through what is posted on WWM re Antennariids. A hu'i hou! Bob Fenner>

Re: Small Orange Frogfish gasping and turning pale     8/14/12 Thanks, Bob. <Welcome Lee> I'll lower the temp, continue to remove the nitrites, and ease back on the light.  Do you think the water flow from the filter may be too intense? <Not if there's decor to get out of the blast>  I know it is a pretty small aquarium for a C-220...  I also have a separate pump for the chiller (until my hose adapters come in the mail) which adds another source of flow.  Is it too much?  Do you think a bubbler may be counterproductive, or help with oxygenation? <Not necessary; and likely more stress> Also, with the color change, it looks like there may be faint bands on the caudal and anal fins.  Are Antennarius tuberosus commonly caught in Hawaii? Could Cheeto be this species? <Is found there, though I've never come across one (mainly dive on Kona, some on Maui, O'ahu)... this is likely a Commerson's> I am going to shade the light, add some dark colored rock, <The washed up coral boulders would be ideal> and place some red or orange poster or plastic boards on the outside of the tank to add some more color. <Good> I previously read from one of your other responses that you've spent some time on the Big Island, and you seem to know the deal out here... Are you local kine, or a frequent visitor? <Was to be living there by now, building out our Kona Aquarium and Education Center... instead, lost my properties through this current "down turn"... now don't know when> Thanks for the prompt reply. Aloha, Lee <And you, BobF> Re: Small Orange Frogfish gasping and turning pale      9/23/12 Aloha Bob, <Lee> Sorry to hear you won't be coming out to Kona anytime soon, but do let me know when you make it out to Oahu next. <Thank you... am hoping to haul out to the Big Island in May next if the Aquarama run to Singapore doesn't happen, and the dive-travel before and/or after... Depending on who is on the itinerary, we might haul over to O'ahu for one, or both the hashes (Sat., Tues.)> After taking your advice, "Cheeto" was doing fine for a while, but now seems to be having intermittent buoyancy issues.  Tank environmental are about perfect, with no nitrates/ nitrites showing at all.  He also responded positively to the reduced water motion when I shut the filter and chiller off, by coming out of the coral he likes to hide in.  I've been doing this nightly before feeding attempts and leaving them off throughout the night.  I managed to get him to eat juvenile mollies off of a fishing line for a while, but he hasn't taken one in over a week.  He ate 2 freshwater feeder shrimp (gut loaded) two days ago.  <Good> However, lately he has been hanging out just below the surface to the water, on top of the filter discharge.  His bright orange color has returned, and he doesn't seem to be gasping, but I am concerned that this is abnormal behavior for him.  He is literally less than a millimeter from the surface.  The instances of buoyancy control seem to occur a day or two after feeding, but I don't know if it is related.  I am worried about him.  Is it common for these guys to have recurring digestion issues affecting buoyancy, and do they usually work them out themselves?  What do you recommend? <Really, just patience, monitoring and every other day efforts at feeding> On a potentially related topic (although I hope not!) I have read references to Sudden Angler Death (SAD) on this site and others, and I was wondering if you had any thoughts or insight into this phenomenon. <As good a descriptor as any for this "syndrome"> I have attached a primary lit research paper I found documenting mycobacteriosis in six A. striatus at the Mote Marine Laboratory in 2003.  There was significant histopathology work done on these specimens, and no external indication of fungal infection.  They presented not-eating, buoyancy control problems, and spawning issues, but no granulomas were present, as in common with this infection in other types of fish.  Could this be the "mysterious" SAD? <I doubt it... but/then again Mycobacteria re literally most everywhere... sort of what came first chicken/egg (eggs really)...> Aloha, and Mahalo for your continued advice and insight. -- Lee <A hu'i hou! BobF> Re: Small Orange Frogfish gasping and turning pale     10/16/12 OK Bob, <Lee> Cheeto has me stumped.  I've attached a beauty shot of him apparently doing what he is supposed to be doing, grounded on the bottom, and "fishing."  However, just a second before he was wedged in between the filter intake pipe and the aquarium wall, right at the surface like I described before. <Not a big deal... Antennariids "do this">   I gave him a little nudge, and he shot right down to the bottom and grounded himself.  That's when I took the pic. <I'd not nudge this fish, these fishes> It seems he is (for lack of a better descriptor) inherently buoyant. <Mmm, maybe... it, the fish may be being fed too much, and/or too much of the wrong "stuff"... What are you feeding, how much, often... have you read on WWM re Angler nutr.?> Everytime he "lets go" of the bottom or isn't in a hole, he floats to the surface.  Notice in the second picture how he is braced against the rock and the glass.  What is weird is, he doesn't seem overly stressed about not being able to stay down. <Not a worry>  When he begins to float up, he gulps water and jets around the tank by shooting it out his gill openings, and hardly ever breaks the surface by jetting down when he gets to <too> close.  It is obvious he has to actively stay down.  He will travel around the tank like this, especially when I turn the lights off at night.  When I shine a flashlight on him, he jets down and takes cover - but can only stay down if he braces himself.  He is still eating, and his color is good.  I am convinced based on his shape, size, and fin banding that he is an Antennatus tuberosus.  Is this inherent buoyancy a characteristic of this species? <It is not>  It seems that if he had gas bubbles, they would have come out already, and if he gulped air when originally put into the tank (which was possible) that it would have re-absorbed by now.  In any case, I have not tried the "burping" procedure <I would only attempt this as a last resort>  outlined on other threads due to his size, and that it doesn't seem he is "in extremis" yet. Is it possible that this observed buoyancy is due to the fact that he is in a shallow tank, and that if he were in deeper water, the pressure would naturally keep him down?  Or has he just developed this anomaly, and is just trying his best to "deal with it?" <See above> He eats 1-2 shrimp or mollies every 3-4 days, <Cut this amount of food in half> and other than the jetting behavior and buoyancy stuff, seems to be just a picky eater. still won't take dead food. What do you think?  Would you try the "burping" procedure, or is his behavior strange, but normal?  Mahalo nui loa, Bob. -- Lee <Cheers, BobF>

Frogfish fungus       8/8/12 Hello, I bought a Hispid<us> frogfish last week. He was eating frozen foods and looked and acted great. Yesterday I got back from a 3 day vacation and I noticed that my frogfish had some white fungus-like stuff on the top of it's head. <Mmm, may simply be camouflage "patching"...> I am very concerned about this. What do you recommend for me to do? I'm going to be putting him in a quarantine tank and treating him with fungal medicines tomorrow. <I wouldn't treat this> Thanks for the help, Jacob S. Here is a picture: [IMG]http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh523/jacob0424/photo1.jpg [/IMG] <Looks like camouflage... Just pay attention to maintaining good water quality and nutrition. Oh, and read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerdisfaqs.htm and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Frogfish over one year old can't eat. Thiaminase, avitaminosis/es issue? 12/6/10
Hey guys,
<And "gals" Ivan>
I have been looking all over the internet and can't find anything to help me with my situation. Everything I have ever found on frogfish not eating is in regards to a newly added fish that won't eat. We have actually had ours for over a year now and he has been eating since day one. However out of the blue he seems to be having trouble eating.
<Not an uncommon event. Frogfishes do go on feeding strikes at times>
We used to feed him on frozen krill and silversides
<Need more than this... too fatty>
and he would strike at them without any enticement whatsoever. Now when we try to feed him he will strike half heartedly at the food but not actually open his mouth. Basically he just lunges at it. After making that attempt he won't even try again. I used to be able to drop large pellets in front of him which he would snap up with no hesitation. However it's the same as with the frozen food now. He just starts to strike but doesn't actually open his mouth. I can't find anything anywhere online regarding anyone else having this problem. I've found some people talking about a fungus that can grow around their mouths and looks like white balls growing on the fish. He doesn't have anything like that. I've even used my telephoto zoom lens to look more closely. He still looks very healthy and moves around fine but it's been a few weeks now and I'm afraid he's going to starve himself. I see him hunting in the rocks but I doubt there is anything in the rocks for him to actually eat.
<Try some live Palaemonetes/Grass-Glass Shrimp... can be purchased at most LFSs>
Does anyone have any insight into this or has anyone heard of this happening before?
<Oh yes... nutritional deficiency, toxicity... syndrome>
He's in an 80 gallon reef tank with two clowns, a mono, and a Tomini.
<Very surprised this fish hasn't eaten at least the Clowns>
They have all been in the tank together for over a year and the other fish tend to ignore him and vice versa.
Water temp = 77 ­ 78
Nitrates = 0
Nitrites = normal
Ammonia = 0
pH = 8.3
Healthy coral
Please help as we are probably running out of time.
Ivan N.
<Try the shrimp, and going forward, expand the menu. Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/anglerfdgfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

Frogfish sick? Stuck, stung 3/15/10 Hello, I have a 40 gallon tank with a frogfish, a Volitans lionfish, <Ummm, this is too small a volume for a Pterois volitans... and it's stung your Antennariid> sea star, snails, longspine urchin, and a lobster. <Also misplaced> The frogfish is only about four inches in length. I have 25 pounds of live rock and all the levels are good... no ammonia, ph is 8.2, no nitrite, the nitrates float from 20-40 at the most. <High> The tank has a protein skimmer and filter and everything. I just recently purchased the orange painted Frogfish from a local fish store. I bought him this past Wednesday 3/10, the fish store said he had been eating (3 damsels in a day and a half) so we brought him home and he ate a frozen eel on Thursday. He seems to be healthy and swims around a lot. But since Thursday he hasn't eaten. I bought him ghost shrimp but he didn't go for any, there were even some crawling on him but he never ate any. He also won't eat anymore frozen eels. I'm not quite sure why he isn't eating, but I noticed a black spot that popped up on his right arm/fin that wasn't there when we bought him and I wonder if maybe this has something to do with him not eating. It doesn't look like the other black spots on his body, this is much darker, almost looks like mold. Is this anything you've heard of? <Yes... poked by the Lion> There is also white crusty looking stuff by his tail/back. It has been there since we first saw him but it is getting bigger. I think it might just be camouflage but I'm not sure. I attached the pictures. Thanks <I'd return this Frogfish, and/or get rid of the Lion, pronto. Bob Fenner>

Re: Frogfish sick? 3/15/10 We are getting rid of the Lion Fish today. I also read on the website that the urchin we have isn't good with Frogfish so we are also getting rid of that and replacing it with a Tuxedo Urchin, is that okay? <Still too spiky really> So will my Frogfish make a full recovery? <These are very tough animals... I give you good odds here. IF the animal had been sufficiently venomized, it would have been dead w/in minutes to a few hours. BobF> Re: Frogfish sick? Thank you for your help. My boyfriend was sad to see his Lionfish go. Is there any fish that is compatible with the Frogfish and compatible with our tank size? <Mmm, not likely in the long/er run. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglercompfaqs.htm and the linked files above as well. BobF> Re: Frogfish sick? Would a dwarf Lionfish possibly be compatible with the frogfish? <No. B>

Frightened Antennarius Striatus 11/20/09
Hi Crew,
<Hello Jason and Sarah>
Saturday night I learned my local LFS had received a Fu Manchu Lionfish.
I've been wanting to get one of these so me and the wife stopped by to have a look. While there my wife fell in love with a Striped Angler, and I'd have to admit she was pretty cute (guessing she since she doesn't have a lot of tufts or camouflage,
<Your wife or the angler?>
but she might just be a juvenile). Well I added her that night to my 55 gallon tank which is currently home to a Ghost Eel (Pseudechidna brummeri) as well as a Lunare Wrasse who got banned from my 225 tank for poor behavior. I realize this tank isn't a good home for him, but I'm keeping him here until I finder a better place,
<Good.>
and I've been keeping an eye out for any picking by the wrasse, and so far everyone is getting along well.
The first night while giving a silverside to the wrasse and eel (I have to give one to the wrasse or he makes feeding the eel nearly impossible) the angler showed a lot of interest so my wife gave him a half a silverside and she ate it. I was so excited because she was already taking frozen foods from a stick.
<Sounds good.>
Then last night (we always feed on Saturday and Wednesdays on our predators) we were trying to feed her a piece of krill, and I made a dreadful mistake. She turned her back on my wife, and I had a piece of krill that was for the eel, but since she came my way I put it somewhat near her in case she wanted it. Apparently this made her feel trapped and she completely freaked out and tried to bury herself in the sand face first. I'm now extremely worried as I know I triggered her fight or flight response, and I know that the energy she expanded could kill her. This morning she was breathing a bit heavy and was stuck to the filter intake. I turned it off and there was no physical damage, but I'm severely worried she's dying. Is there anything I can do at this point that would help her chances at survival?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
<Mmm, just keep up the water quality and observe. I'd get the wrasse out of there, can be very intimidating to the angler. If the angler is small enough to fit into the eels mouth, I'd find a home for him also. Anglers are best kept by themselves. Do read here and related articles/FAQ's shown in the header.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfishes.htm>
Sincerely,
<Cheers. James (Salty Dog)>
Jason and Sarah
Re Frightened Antennarius Striatus 11/21/09
Thanks for the response James.
<You're welcome.>
Sadly we lost her last night.
<Sorry to hear.>
I did remove the Wrasse last night, and have given him away to a more suitable home, and believe you are right about the angler being intimidated by him. Although there was no physical nipping the wrasse was constantly swimming by the angler, and kept her in an agitated state.
<Yes, and is one of the reasons anglers are best kept in a specie tank.>
I had seen something before hand that anglerfish were best kept by themselves, but thought it had to do with their propensity to eat their tank mates.
<If the fish can fit in the angler's mouth, they are on the menu.>
I considered moving the Wrasse before hand, but thought the angler could hold her own, and now I wish I had. Anyway, thanks again for the advice James, and at least next time I'll know better.
<Is why one should research beforehand. James (Salty Dog)>
Jason

Angler fish question, swallowed air, hlth. 5/4/2009 Hi, I have emailed you before and I want to say, thank you for your answers. I have another question though. I have an Angler fish and I was feeding it the other day. It is fairly new and I have been feeding him tuffies to get it through the new stage. When it moved to the surface of the tank to eat a tuffie, it gulped some air as well as the tuffie and for the past couple of days, it was having trouble staying right side up, it was swimming on its side and at one point upside down. Could that be from gulping the air, I believe that I read on your website that it could be lethal for an angler fish to gulp air. Thanks for your help. <Can be... if this problem persists more than a day or two, you might want to try (carefully) "burping" this fish... holding it gingerly in a soft net UNDERwater, head tilted upward, moving your fingers from the abdomen toward the gill area with slight pressure to the sides. Bob Fenner> re: Angler fish question thanks <Welcome. Please do send a follow-up. BobF> Re: Angler fish question 5/6/09 Hi. You asked me to respond. The angler fish seems to have worked out the floating issue on his own but now there is a different issue. He seems to be slowly turning red. <I see this> I have included some pictures of him. He is a striated angler fish. Is it possible that the air problem and the red are linked somehow? <Mmm, perhaps. But Anglers do change their colour... often to match major elements in their environment... Thought to have survival value in camouflaging these stampede predators> What should I do? <Same as always... provide the best circumstances you can> He also seems to be breathing heavy, I think. When I bought him, the man in the store told me that I could set up a tank and then come back and get him in a day or two if I used something called Start Smart. <Mmmm> I used that in addition to 2/3 cycled water from another one of my tanks, about 5 pounds of live rock and I seeded a crushed coral gravel bed with live sand. <Ah, good> This is all in a 15 gallon aquarium. I know that he will eventually need a bigger aquarium. <Likely now> I noticed the ammonia got high <...> so I put in Amquel plus to neutralize it <Won't do so ongoing...> and I am also using a product called cycle <This Hagen product is inconsistent...> which is supposed to help reduce ammonia spikes. Thanks for reading this. Could you try to get back to me soon. I am worried about him. <The coloring, change could be "natural", but the system is too small, the ammonia toxic... and this animal's world needs more suitable "decor"... What will you do going forward? Bob Fenner>

Re: Blue Niger Trigger glancing and rubbing itself-white spot on eye - update! 4/6/09 -- 04/07/09
Well Scott, I got good news and bad news! My Blue Niger Trigger has stopped glancing and become completely free of any problems, and has stayed that way for almost a full week now.
<Ah, good.>
I found out I had high nitrate content on my last water check and got a water change yesterday which proved to get the levels back down.
<Also good.>
All my fish look and act normal and well-no erratic movements, but my adult Dragon Wrasse showed a pale spot on his side a few days before the water change, and now today after the water change there is
5 pale spots on his other side. The first spot has diminished and the color returned in that area decently. I can't tell if the spots are scraps or if he buried against something while the tank was being cleaned or if lucky
me, I got another parasite on my hands. Best way to describe the spots is a loss of regular pigmentation, they are not raised, swollen or fleshy-scales are still intact, they look blotchy. The wrasse's eyes, fins, eating habits, and swimming are all clear and normal to his regular behavior. Should I be worried or is it most likely a case of getting roughed up in the tank?
<Roughed up and/or stressed by the water and changes most likely.>
I can't win, as soon as one fish is in the clear, the next one has issues!
One last side note, I have a frog fish in that same tank as well, and I noticed his bobber has no ball or fishing lure if you will on the end of his line.
He use to have one with floating skin like attachment that looked like his bait. Is this something the frog fish loses and grows back?
Maybe another fish bit the end off?
<A good possibility....I do not know if this will grow back or not, I suspect it does. I am going to replace this query in the general Marine folder for input from other crew.>
<<Do grow back... as you might imagine, quite common for the lure to get bitten off through continuous "fishing". RMF>>
He still gobbles anything in his path and all vitals are on point.
<Good.>
Man, it's tough loving fish-they become your family! Any advice would be appreciated as always-thanks, Ole.
<Sure thing, lets see what others have to say.>
<<Patience, vigilance re water quality. RMF>>

Frogfish with white bumps in mouth 3/9/09 Hi, <Hello> I have a yellow frogfish that hasn't been eating for a few days. We figured he'll get hungry soon enough and we'll feed him. This morning I woke up and found him upside down in a corner, <!> still alive. I tried flipping him upright and noticed in his mouth has many white spots in it. <?> Almost like a bad case of Ich in his mouth, but only in his mouth. I'm about to do a water change and check the levels but does anyone know what this is and how I need to treat it? Quite worried for him =(..... Thanks, L <I too am concerned... but you've presented no on info. on the system, foods/feeding, your history with this animal, system... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/anglerdisfaqs.htm and the linked files above re this group of fishes, and to give you an idea of the sorts of data we're looking for to help you, others. Bob Fenner>

Angler Fish - Strange thing happening and Need Advice Angler disease? 3-4-09 Hi there WWM crew, <Hello, Mike here today> Sorry for emailing on so many different things over the last couple of days. <No problem, we're here to help> Need advice on an anglerfish ailment. He's recently developed some kinda bumps on his mouth area. Photo attached in email body. And the left part of his lip has sort of discoloured. He's not eating, even live shrimp and just stays in this spot all day, occasionally switching positions. I am concerned as he used to be fairly lively, always moving about on the prowl. <A better picture would be helpful, although I know that can be difficult. Are the "bumps" just that (solid in appearance, like nodules?) or are they fuzzy, like mold growing on bread?> Is there any information you'd like me to provide you with so you can further diagnose? <Your water parameters, how long you've had him, when the symptoms first appeared, and how quickly have they progressed?> Barry <Get back to me re the above - M. Maddox>

Angler fin regeneration? -- 02/12/09 Dear Fabulous WWM, <Well... all right!> After asking around various forums, and receiving only mixed opinions, I turn to you all for your expertise. This may sound like a fundamental question but I know your extensive knowledge will put me at ease. <Will try> After only purchasing a red angler (Antennarius pictus) from LA.com did I realize that the specimen I purchased has the bottom left half of its fin deformed. The following link is the exact WYSIWYG picture of it. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo178/aretoorow/lg_1224081-103.jpg <I see it/this> I feel a little bit embarrassed asking this, but will its fins regenerate to full size? Thank you for all you do, and your kind consideration in answering this matter. Art F. <Is possible... this specimen is "famished"... but the group are good eaters... Have seen much "worse" regenerate. Bob Fenner>

Anglerfish Problem (Sick?) 10/25/08 Hello WWM Crew- <Matt> I have had an anglerfish for a little over a month now (I bought it on 9/16). It has been fine up until now, eating healthily (only live foods, though) and occasionally even swimming about the tank. Two days ago I noticed what looked like a blister on the top of its back. I was a little concerned, but decided to wait it out, as it seemed like something I had read about on your Angler health FAQ page. Today I looked at it again, and the blister has gotten considerably bigger and there appear to be a couple more forming. I'm starting to freak out a little. I don't know what would cause this - the only water problem has been high nitrates (I get it checked at least weekly, most recently yesterday and followed by a large water change). <... how high is high? I'd get/use your own test kits> I also don't think it's a tankmate issue - tankmates are a Blue Velvet Damsel <Named "lunch?"> that occasionally tail-slaps the angler (I have never seen him bite, and usually stays well away) and a Zebra Moray. There is also a Longspine Urchin in there, <This should go> but it is usually behind the rock, while the angler is always in the front of the tank. <Mmm, no, not always... the urchin likely "comes out" at night> I've included pictures of the angler with his blisters. Apologies for the quality - I had to use my laptop's camera. I noted that in one of the Angler Disease FAQ entries, Bob Fenner had said that he had seen "air-like tumors" on anglers before and that they usually go away. However, the one mentioned there was the size of a pea - this is more like the size of a grape. I am wondering about "Gas Bubble Disease", but I have significant water flow (overflow, protein skimmer, 2 powerheads in addition to sump returns), which would appear to make that unlikely if I understand what I have read on it so far. Please advise. I'm hoping this is a "wait-it-out" condition, but it has got me a little freaked out. Thanks, -Matt <Mmm... I'd address the NO3, remove the urchin... If I had another system to move this fish to, I would... this one is too bare for such a fish. Bob Fenner>

Re: Anglerfish Problem (Sick?) 10/31/08 Hello again- <Hello.> First, my thanks to Mr. Fenner for responding (I realize he is AFK for awhile right now). <He is.> As he suggested, I removed the longspine urchin and added a product called Chemi-Pure Elite to the sump, which has dropped my nitrates to below 20ppm as of 2 days ago. <A series of small water changes is more effective, appropriate.> However, the frogfish's condition has not significantly improved, and I am still worried. It still has the large "blisters" and looks to be "breathing heavily", i.e. it is pumping water with whole-body motions at a rate of about 1 every 1-2 seconds. It did not previously seem to exert so much effort into breathing, but that might be something I missed when things seemed fine. The fish also looks like it has a small blister in its mouth. I did notice that I had a very low (7.9) pH at the last water test, so I have been adding a lot of buffer. <A low PH does not necessarily mean a low KH. Do you measure for this too? You do not want to change this too fast. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marphalk.htm> I'm afraid I don't have a filled reef system for this fish to go into (I assume this is what was meant when Mr. Fenner said my tank was "too bare"), but I have a tank that just finished cycling that I can begin converting into a reef. Is there anything I can do to get the angler to recover? <It does sound environmental, keep testing and improving you water quality.> Thanks, -Matt <Welcome, Scott V.> Re: Anglerfish Problem (Sick?) 10/31/08 Update: I returned home about 4.5 hours after sending this last email, and the anglerfish was dead. <Mmmm, very sorry to hear this.> I really do not know what caused this. Is it something I did? When I came back it looked normal except I noticed that its fins were not quite in the right orientation to support it, and then noticed it was bloated and not breathing. I honestly don't know what I did wrong. The tank conditions had been sub-par, but they have been worse (not for long) during the angler's tenancy and it got through fine. <The environment is a cumulative effect, takes its toll over time.> There's no longer any emergency, but please advise. <Do read and learn from this, you will have success next time. A place to go from here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/toxictk.htm.> -Matt <Sorry for your loss, Scott V.>

Sick Angler - 04/09/08 Good afternoon Crew. <Hello Amanda.> We recently bought a Snowflake Eel, about 7 in. long for our 125 gal. tank, which already contains 3 Damsels <Depending on species possible eel and/or angler and/or grouper food.> , Coral Banded shrimp, <See above> 1 Spotted Grouper, an Orange Starfish, and an Angler fish. <Species? Lots of different species are sold with dramatically different adult sizes.> I also transferred our Urchin ( black, thin spikes) into the tank, from our 40 gal. about 2 days after buying the Eel. The water parameters in both tanks are good, I had the LFS test for me. <Numbers are better than just a good. What's fine for one fish might be deadly to another.> The Angler ate our Mandarin Goby which was very large the first day we had them ( about 2 weeks ago ), <'¦> but I have not seen him eat since. <What is he being fed? Anglers, especially new ones can be difficult to feed and may need live food (stay away from gold fish).> This morning I noticed he was sitting on the bottom of the tank, and his breathing seemed labored. <No good sign. He must be very stressed in there.> It also looked like there was a tear in his lip. Would the Eel have attacked him? <Possible.> I was told in a tank that size, the two wouldn't bother each other, just make sure the Angler gets to eat. Should I separate them <Yes. Anglers do best in systems designed especially for their needs and not mixed community tanks like your tank. Your mix of fishes may not work long term.> , or is the Angler just stressed from the new addition? <Yes, but probably not only by the new addition.> I need some good advice please! <As indicated above I'd remove the angler to possibly save him. Please see http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglersysfaqs.htm and the other linked FAQs.> Thank you very much! Amanda <Hope that helps. Marco.>

Frogfishes / anglerfishes... Sel., beh., hlth. gen. -11/18/07 Hi people - <Rachel> I was reading over your Q&A page for frogfishes (aka anglerfishes, but this common name is usually reserved for the entire order, Lophiiformes). <Ahh! Yes> I think your website is wonderful and a joy to read. If I may, I would just like to comment a little on the Q&A for frogfishes. <Please do> The inside of the mouth of a frogfish is quite varied; it can be the normal pale color you might expect, or the tissue could be differently colored and look like algae (many times black and white!) - all part of the fish's camouflage <And lure strategy> (can't have that prey item scared away at the gaping mouth of the frogfish, since they rarely close it all the way in order to keep water circulating over their gills). Lumpy frogfish - consider that A. maculatus (the clown or Wartskin frogfish) is, well, many times warty. So if your readers have purchased A. maculatus and are perplexed by its cancerous tumors filled with skin parasites, please assure them that this is perfectly natural. Another side note being that most frogfishes have a small bump on their lower lip right smack dab in the center. This shouldn't be abnormally huge (such as the size of a pea), but it is noticeable. It can also get pink and inflamed if they're constantly hitting up against the glass of the aquarium. <Well-stated> Air bubbles beneath the surface - this does seem to be a problem, albeit rare, in most frogfishes. I would venture to say that it is more common in the pygmy frogfishes (Antennatus - note that this is different from the genus Antennarius :) ) often collected from Hawaii. Hearing about gas bubbles problems in fishes that have been well-established in their tanks makes me wonder if they're more prone to the 'gas bubble disease' as it is called in sea horses. Most are rather shallow (<90m), but they aren't built to go up and down in the water column, and their natural habitat is hidden within the benthic fauna (exception being H. histrio...perhaps this is the reason why H. histrio does exceptionally well in the aquarium comparatively). <Interesting speculation. I agree> Air bladders - most genera in Antennariidae have air bladders, but some do not. The ones people are usually concerned with in the aquarium hobby do have them. <Although diminished in relative size> Swallowing water/air - I know it happens, but that fish has got to under quite a bit of stress/sick/dying. I've pulled frogfishes out of the water, clipped a tiny bit of one of their fins (DNA), and put them back in without ever having a frogfish do this to me. Hardy fish - for up to a year, generally (depending on the species...certainly not Antennatus, which is lucky to make it past 30 days). Many people can't get them past this point and there appears to be no apparent reason why currently. They are not known to be Ich prone (except Antennatus), but if the tank or tankmates are infected you can probably bet it'll become infected as well. Frogfish 'yawn' from time to time - nobody knows why. <I do think this is very much "stress related"... see them "yawn" more the closer and longer they're approached underwater> When purchasing a frogfish - if your readers get anything from this message - avoid Antennatus at all costs. It's probably the cutest little one of all the frogfishes, but it has major issues with longevity in captivity, if it even makes it that far. Unfortunately, I've never seen a frogfish labeled as anything but Antennarius, since it's the most common, so if you're going to purchase one try to identify it at least to genus. Antennarius and Lophiocharon are pretty much the only genera you're going to find in the U.S. that are suitable for aquariums. Cheers <Thank you very much for this valuable input. Will post/share. Bob Fenner>

Sick? angler, please help! 10/12/07 Hi- <Hello> My b/f and I have had an angler fish for probably close to a year now...I don't know his scientific name but he's yellow and pretty small at this point (young). <Most species grow quite quickly in aquarium conditions...> He was doing fine up until a couple days ago when we noticed him floating about at the top of the tank. We feared him dead, but he is not...he is simply floating around, apparently unable to land on any of the rocks or control his movement whatsoever. We haven't fed him lately (a little over a week), so I thought maybe he was out of energy/dying. I know they can go long periods of time w/o eating so now I don't think that's really the case. Besides, we have tried to feed him in the past couple days and he is not interested at all. He doesn't use his angler and wont eat anything we dangle in front of his face (shrimp). We even put a live fish in there for him to eat, but there's no way he'll be able to get it since he cant control his swimming. So, do you have any idea what could be wrong w/ him?? I was thinking maybe something's up with his swim bladder, but I don't think anglers even have them. <Do, but reduced> Could there be something else wrong that is affecting his buoyancy issue? <Mmm, might have gulped a bunch of air> There are no other fish in the tank (besides the one we just put in for him to eat), but there is a small purple urchin and a fairly large shrimp, and a few corals. Please help us and our angler! We really thought he'd be dead by now b/c it's been several days w/ him floating around the tank, but he is staying strong I guess. <I would try massaging the air out of your Angler... hold it gently underwater, move your fingers on either side, lower on the body... to bring the air toward the mouth> Thanks! Carla <Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Commerson's Frogfish with internal mouth mass -- 10/04/07 Dear Wet Web Media, <Tina> I have just purchased a Commerson's Frogfish that is about 5' in length. I have noticed when he opens his mouth, that he seems to have small raised white and black lumps or masses inside. Is this normal? <Mmm, no... Quite often, when approached, or otherwise apparently "over" stressed, Anglers, Scorpaeniform fishes and others will "yawn"... so have looked into quite a fews' maws... No such observation> If not, what could it be and what can be done about it? <Don't know... good care in general...> Thanks for your help. Best Regards, Tina <Bob Fenner>

Angler Ich, reading 8/26/07 Hi, I read your angler disease section and saw a lot of people mixed up by the camouflage/disease. I think my painted angler has marine Ich, white chunky <Mmm, chunky? Not Crypt> spots have appeared all over him in a few days time. I was wondering what type of dip or if theirs anything else to do. Couldn't find Ich treatment info for anglers. He eats fine just ate a Chromis a few hours ago. Any thing you can recommend would be greatly appreciated. Thank You! bruse <... I would try dilute formalin, FW, pH adjusted baths, moving to uninfested (new) quarters, allowing the main system to go fallow... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/mardisindex.htm scroll down to the royal blue tray... Bob Fenner>

Angler Fish/Health 3/13/07 Hi guys & gals, <Hello Nicole> I'll keep this short, I have a 29 gallon reef setup with an Orange Angler (2"), Snowflake Eel (6"), a few xenia corals, some mushroom corals, and some red hermits, and some snails. I've had the angler a few weeks now, and I noticed yesterday the angler was puffed up and hiding in one of his favorite overhangs. I didn't see any injuries on him, and it didn't look like the eel or the snails were bothering him as they were not that close to him. What else might be stressing him out? <The 29 gallon tank he is sharing with the eel for one. Without seeing the fish, I'm guessing that it is stressed. You didn't mention whether it was eating and/or what it is eating. Diet is important here along with good water quality. For now, I'd be moving the eel to larger quarters. They do produce much waste for their size and belong in a system that can handle this. Do read these links and related files above. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/indoanglers.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfishes.htm> And yes, I will be moving anyone who gets too big to one of my bigger set-ups, the reef was the most stable for these little guys. Thanks for all your help! <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> Nicole Angler with problems... 2/25/07 Hello, <Dale> I purchased what I believe is a Commerson Frogfish 2 days ago. I am keeping him in a 30 gallon with a skimmer rated for 65, until he can go into my 75 gallon... if he lives that long. <? Are usually very hardy animals...> I saw him last weekend at the LFS and he appeared healthy, no noticeable issues. After thinking about it for a few days, I decided to see if he was still there, and he was so I had them hold it for me. When I went to pick him up, he was hiding in some decor so I couldn't get a good look at him. <Not atypical behavior> The employee bagged him up for me, assured me he had been in the display tank for several weeks and was being pampered by another employee that loves Anglers. It was kept with a very small yellow-head moray and larger Wrasse () All that sounded great, so without further delay I put the bag in my cooler with just a quick glance at him and brought him home. Much to my dismay, when I arrived home and placed the bag into the tank to adjust the temperature, I noticed he is missing his right eye, but it does look healed, no pink or raw looking flesh. Also, he has a blister or ulcer on his bottom lip, square in the middle. I haven't noticed it get any worse, but it isn't getting better either. His left eye is fairly cloudy. <Bad signs... I would contact the store re... perhaps the Wrasse, maybe even the eel have damaged this specimen. NOT good tankmates for Antennariiform fishes> He walks around and swims occasionally, never seemingly stressed or struggling. I dangled a thawed raw shrimp in front of him with a skewer just to see if he was interested and he did put his esca up, but only once, and didn't take the shrimp. I am assuming he's just not wanting to accept dead food, and hoping it's not loss of appetite due to his problems. <Possibly a bit of both... and the stress of the move> My question is: Is there anything I can do to help heal the spot on his lip? <Mmm, really... optimizing water quality, supplementing foods... time going by...> I would take a picture but our digital camera is on the fritz. The spot is about as big around as a pea, and protrudes about 2 mm from his lip. It is white and a tiny bit pink. What exactly is this spot? <Likely a "sore"...> Any idea as to what could cause it? <A bite, a bump, getting whipped by a net...> If it was solid white, I would think it may just be part of his disguise, but I'm sure it's an injury of sorts. <Likely so> Considering all I've read about Anglers, I don't have very high hopes for the longevity of his company. Thanks for your time and your services! I appreciate all you folks at WWM for what you do. Dale Tyler <I on the other hand have high hopes for a recovery here... Have seen Commerson's in the wild and captivity recover from horrendous circumstances. Think positively, be positive. Bob Fenner>

Ailing Frogfish, poss. Lionfish sting/envenomation 12/21/06 Hello, I'm in a bit of trouble here, and am really concerned about my frogfish. I'll try to assemble the following as effectively as possible. I have reviewed our site as extensively as possible given my current time frames, however to no avail I have not found the answer I need. I currently have a 60 gal tank with three fish, a Fu-Manchu Lion, a Volitans Flying Gurnard (currently about 3 inches) <... Mmm... a Volitans and Flying Gurnard are different species... and a sixty gallon volume is too small for these...> and my newest acquisition a Sargassum Frogfish. I just brought the frogfish home on Sunday, so he has been here for three days. He has been accepting food. <This species is a voracious feeder for sure> I came home to find him with one of his fins (the one that appears to have something of an elbow) very much inflamed and darkened in colour. <Mmm, may have gotten "poked" by one of the Lions... might have gotten whacked via catching, shipping> Since I found him he has been having trouble saying still and has been gasping almost as though he was trying to eat the substrate. My concern or speculation is that he may have been stung by the lionfish. <As stated, a possibility> Shorty after the gasping he stopped moving and is now lying twitching on the ground. <Yikes...> Please let me know if there is anything I can do for him, this does not seem like normal behaviour, and the swelling and now the twitching are worrying me severely. Thanks very much for your time and help. <Really the only "thing" to do is to move/separate these animals, try to keep the systems optimized and stable. Bob Fenner> -Liz
Re: Ailing Frogfish 12/22/06 Bob, <Liz> Thank you so much for your prompt response. <Welcome my friend> Bad news. No more than an hour after I had written you my frogfish passed. He was a beautiful little guy. I was hoping to watch him grow and frolic in the current some more. <Intelligent beautiful animals> Not that it's of any consequence now, but there may have been some miscommunication about my stock of fish, I only have one lion: the fu-Manchu. When I said Volitans, it applied to my gurnard, I tried to identify the sub-species (maracantha/orientalis/volitains) in the case that it may have impacted any response. (I also know he'll end up huge and plan to accommodate him by increasing my tank size as we go) <I see> Lessons learned at great expense. Happy holidays to you, -Liz <And to you and yours. Bob Fenner>

Is my frogfish sick? 11/30/06 Hello! Thanks you for your most helpful website. <Welcome> We have had a painted frogfish (2.5-3inches) for almost 2 weeks now. We found him while swimming around on the reef. <Neat animals. Just saw a Commerson's out at Two-Step on HI's Big Island two days back. Am going to make one of the pix the Pic of the Day> He's alone (fish wise) in a 8 gallon nano tank with a nano skimmer. He shares the tank with some coral and sponges. We've been feeding him twice a week mostly on marine shrimp (2 per time) and he had one little reef fish (Sergeant major) the other day. <This is a bunch of food for such a small specimen... I'd cut this amount in half> When he first came, he had a few white spots on his totally black body that looked like it was part of the natural colouration. <Likely so> Now he has irregular small bumps under almost all his skin and it looks like there may be some in his mouth too. The only thing that is black in the tank other than him is the tank background which has quite a few copepods on it. I couldn't find any literature on what frogfishes look like when they are changing colour, but is he trying to match something in the tank or is he sick with saltwater Ich? <Mmm... could be a parasitic infestation... but much more likely either a color change/camouflage as you state, or environmental reaction> I'm trying to decide if we should start some hyposaline treatment. <Mmm, I would not> We just added a shrimp into the tank and he was using his esca, so he is at least alert and still hungry. <A good sign> I also turned the protein skimmer off, as it was putting a lot of fine bubbles into the tank and I read that they are sensitive to water supersaturated with oxygen. <Not so much... but do produce copious amounts of ammonia, and this is very hard on Antennariids... I would turn the protein skimmer back on> help! Do we have a cause for concern? We don't want to lose him. Ling <Well... if you have another tank where this Frogfish won't be bothered or inhale your other livestock, I would move it to this... Otherwise, water changes, cutting back on food, monitoring water quality (making sure spg. is 1.025, no ammonia, no nitrite...) is all I would do. Bob Fenner>

Possibly sick Antennarius maculatus 12/15/05 Hi, <Hello> I purchased my first Wartskin Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) about three weeks ago. He is in a 10 gallon tank with a 10 gallon sump - filtration is provided by live rock and an AquaMedic skimmer. Water parameters are all good. The fish is feeding well on frozen foods (cockles, mussels, lancefish) and does not seem to be in any distress. However I have noticed a white, almost sponge-like coating on the top of the head and back of the fish. It is only in this area, but I am sure it is not part of the fish's markings. <I'm not so sure... Antennariids do grow bits of such... "for" camouflage> What diseases are these fish prone to and what are the most effective remedies? <Not many on either> My inclination is to do nothing but simply keep the fish well fed and keep the water quality as good as I can. <This is what I would do as well> However, if there is a potential problem I would like to know about it as early as possible. Thanks in advance, Ian Jones - UK. <I would observe the fish closely... Cheers, Bob Fenner> FW dips I have an angler. Two weeks ago, I had a previous anglerfish that all of a sudden went belly up :( He swan erratically for a while, then the following day, he was dead. Since I really enjoy their cryptic habits, I purchased another a few days later. The only thing is that I noticed that he seems to be having respiratory problems. I heard copper is not a good choice, especially for the fact that it's a reef tank and copper is not good for anglers as well. I need to help him fast! Freshwater dip is my only solution but the books I have don't say how to set up a dip. Could you help me??? <Yes. Recipes for dips and other treatments are archived at Wetwebmedia.com. Check under "Marine Articles" then click on "diseases." David Dowless> Thanks Jamie D

Re: Frogfish Question Thanks for a reply:) Just want to know all the facts before I buy one...... <good plan, no impulse buys.> You guys are the best! <No, you are.> Janey

Frogfish Question Dear Crew: I just read an online post that said Frogfish do not tolerate copper for disease treatment. Is this true? If it is, what can you use besides hypo salinity if they get ick? TIA. Janey <Hello Janey, frogfish rarely get Ich, but if you have a Frogfish with Ich you could use a combination of freshwater dips and formalin. Is it possible that the fish just has small particles trapped in the mucus of a stressed fish? -Gage>

Puffed up Anglerfish - 12/27/03 Hi a have a 72 gallon aquarium which has a large lionfish a large yellow tang and a striated anglerfish. I have had the anglerfish for about 2 months and feed him a cube of reef formula 2 every other day or so. I have seen him puff up twice in the past just like a porcupine puffer would... but today we came home and he was lying in the corner bottom upside down puffed up. He is breathing but will not expel anything yet. he's been like this at least 2 hours. Any idea what is going on? Anything I can do to help him? Your help would be greatly appreciated. <Sorry for the slow reply to this urgent question! Please do report back how your fish is doing. Frogfishes and anglers do have a habit of gulping air, but I don't know about water. It does seem intuitive that they might, though. If it has gulped air, this can be lethal, but I suspect that it will deal with water just fine. Adam> thanks, Mike
Re: puffed up anglerfish 12/30/03 well he died a few hours later. <Sorry to hear.> he has puffed up before like that but only for 30 seconds or so. i have read that anglers puff up like that in a defense mechanism as puffers do. <The only reference I could find to this was that they occasionally gulp air in shipping and float to their death. It makes sense that they might also gulp water. I suspect that the stress that led to the gulping had more to do with the death than the gulping itself.> sometimes that anglerfish would swim up and down the glass and earlier that day i noticed him swimming up and down near my extremely large black Volitans lionfish. i think since he did die that maybe he swam into the lionfish and got stung...??? <Possible, but it sounds like your fish probably would not have made it anyway.> i had a really hard time finding that fish if i get another one i will keep it alone. <Probably a wise choice. I also highly recommend obtaining it from a reputable dealer who will allow you to place it on hold for several days. Adam> Mike Miller

Frogfish malady I purchased a 3 inch hispid frogfish a couple weeks ago and he was doing very well. He was eating the very next day I brought him home and he really colored up. He is the only fish in my 30 gallon. I went away on vacation last week and got back last night. I fed him before I left and hoped he would be fine. When I looked at him this morning I noticed what seems to be an air bubble, the size of a pea, on his cheek. I know that if you expose them to air that they can inflate possible die, but I never exposed him to the air, nor is the bubble in his stomach. Any ideas as to what caused it and if I can treat it? thanks, Ron <I don't know how these anomalies occur either, but have seen such "air-like" tumors on frogfishes as well. Almost always they "cure" (or disappear) of their own accord in time. I would not medicate the system for this. Bob Fenner>
Frogfish Malady II Thanks, that is comforting, however I was by someone over at reefs.org that it is due to the circulation in the tank. Any thoughts? http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=470901#470901 thanks <Not likely... such gas anomalies are rare in Frogfishes period... if you had many fine air bubbles leading to emphysematosis... this would very likely show as embolisms in the eyes or outright death of the specimen. Bob Fenner>

Frogfish parasite - need help :( Hi Bob / Anthony, << Adam B. here >> I'm very sorry to bother you with this, but I would really appreciate your help if possible. I recently purchased a really beautiful but sick black hairy angler and I'm not sure the best option for treatment. << Well you could go with a hospital tank, and try common aquarium meds. For me, I would first start with a freshwater dip, and then keep it in hyposaline water (~1.018 or so) for a few weeks. With parasites, I think freshwater is the best quick kill. >> Today I posted this on ReefCentral and Reef Cherie suggested that you or Anthony Calfo would be very knowledgeable in this area. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=266993&perpage=25&highlight=frogfish&pagenumber=25 I actually work at the Shedd aquarium in Chicago << Several of us were there recently, during the IMAC conference. Loved visiting with all of you. >>, but no one has an extensive knowledge of these species. << Of course here is where I typically tell people to make sure they have a very healthy system before returning the fish. If this fish is at the aquarium, that shouldn't be a problem. >>If you're able to help I would it be so great! Many thanks, James << Adam B. >>

Struggling with Frogfishes 2/17/05 I've been keeping frogfish unsuccessfully for past year. I've kept from warty to giant frogfish but all died after a few weeks. <Hmmm... do understand and apply proper quarantine procedure first... 4 weeks in QT on are bottom and with medicated feed if needed. Preventative med.s as well> In the 1st few weeks, they are fine, feeding on damsels or gobies. After about 3-4 weeks, <do consider a non marine fish prey instead to reduce the risk of commuting disease. Palaemonetes ghost shrimp gut-loaded may be better feeder "fishes"> I noticed rapid breathing and a few experienced cloudy eyes, and stop eating. <could be water quality or disease... general symptoms> In 1 case, my black angler was fine the night before but died the next morning without any cloudy eye symptom. Currently, I have a giant angler which is 9 inches. I bought him 2 weeks ago. Last week, he ate 2 damsels. This week, it did not eat and did not even extend its lure when the damsels swam past him. The tank it lives in is 4 ft and the water is kept at 24 degrees with a chiller. The water is checked every week and nitrate level is very low. Please help me. How long can it stay without food? <many weeks> Is there any cure if I notice it's rapid breathing? < do read the archives about parasites and gill disease... you may need to medicate here... also QT your feeder fishes for a minimum of 4 weeks before feeding as prey to insure they are clean/disease free so to speak> Thanks Serene
<best regards! Anthony>