Paracanthurus beh.
2/16/08
Hello crew!
<William>
This is my first time asking a question here, and I'm sure that it won't be my
last! Thank you all for giving all of us such a wonderful service/resource. And
now for a little about my tank and my fish's history.
I have been in the hobby for about two years, and I have found myself to be
completely addicted to aquariums. I suppose I will state my problem first, then
tell you the other details. I have had "Happy" a hepatus tang for roughly 1.5
years, and he was a tiny little guy when we got him. His current home is a 155
gallon aquarium. The 155 has been running for about three weeks, and he has been
in it for about 1 of those three. We started the tank off with a marine Betta
and two chromis. I transferred about 30-40 pounds of live rock from our 75 (that
Happy was living in) to our 155 gallon aquarium. The ammonia spiked (.25ppm)
within a few day of starting the new tank, and within two more days dropped to
zero. Then we had a very slight (.25ppm) nitrite spike, and it went away to
0ppm) within a week. So then we added happy, and we never saw a change in
ammonia or in nitrite, and he seemed to be happy to be in such a large aquarium.
About a week later, we purchased a second tang (an eibli mimic tang), and Happy
doesn't mind him, and he doesn't mind Happy. Every fish that we have ever
purchased (EXCEPT for the eibli mimic tang) has been quarantined for 1 month
before admission into the system. I guess we got too excited with the new tank,
and over rode our better judgment.
<Yikes... an able "lead in" here>
Tank inhabitants include:
1 hepatus tang
1 eibli mimic tang
1 marine Betta
2 blue/green chromis
1 large brittle star
1 medium chocolate chip star
1 tiny clown goby (hopefully he will be too quick for the Betta to eat)
Will it be possible to put more fish in here, or should I stop now (well, I'm
not putting anything in until I get the problem solved).
<Ahh! A problem...>
My current water situation is:
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrites: 0ppm
Nitrates: 20ppm
PH: 8.2ppm
I took my water to my LFS to have them test the water, and this is what they
got:
Ammonia: <.25ppm
Nitrites: <.25ppm
Nitrates: 20ppm
PH: 8.4
There are some discrepancies between our tests, and I'm not sure if even the
LFS's results would create the problem that I am having. First I would like to
say that every fish in the tank looks very good (except for HLLE on Happy). None
have crypt, or any other visible issues. The hepatus has been with us for quite
some time, and we have beat crypt once with him (he contracted it while in
quarantine when we first got him, and we treated with copper for 30 days). I'm
guessing the copper treatment is where his head and lateral line came from. Now
for the problem.
Soon after we put Happy into the 155 (around the time that we added the eibli
mimic), he started flashing constantly, and swimming sideways like he wants to
be cleaned by a cleaner shrimp (he used to be in a tank with a juvenile French
angel, who cleaned him almost to death). Needless to say, we returned the Angel.
There is no hostility between the tangs, and a matter of the fact Happy tries to
get the mimic to clean him. and the mimic actually does clean him (oddly
enough)! There are no spots on any of the fish to indicate a parasite, and I
just don't know why he is constantly flashing. He has flashed so much that he is
wearing a white "rub spot" on his lateral line (right side). Another note: He
only flashes and wants cleaned on his right side, the left side still looks
good. I have a quarantine ready, but I'm not sure if it is just environmental,
<Likely so...>
and will get better soon. Another note: he has had elevated respiration since he
was cured of crypt. So, it is very difficult to tell if he is breathing faster
than normal. Please let me know if you need more details. I was guessing that
the 155 gallon was just not mature enough, and the chemicals are still trying to
balance, but then why is only he affected?
<Is likely a behavioral reaction/result... from this specimen seeing, reacting
to its reflection in the glass... I would try darkening one/side panel of the
tank (with paper, tape, on the outside)... and being patient. If this were
pathogenic, all the other fishes would be similarly afflicted.>
Thank you for your patience,
~William Millis
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: Paracanthurus beh.
2/16/08
Hello,
I just sent the following E-Mail, but I forgot to tell you how he acting..
OOPS
He is completely normal, except for flashing and wanting cleaned. He has a
voracious appetite, and he frequently swims around the tank. All of the other
fish are completely normal as well.
Sorry, and thank you again!
~William Millis
<Welcome! BobF>
Re: UPDATE Hepatus has gone
crazy. 2/29/08
Thank you again for the advice. I have taken the steps that were prescribed
below, but he seems to be getting worse. He is literally "flashing" almost his
entire lateral line away. He has deep wounds that are bleeding on the right
lateral line, and he has begun to flash on his left lateral line. All other
tankmates are very happy, and swim carelessly. The hepatus has been "flashing"
on other fish, and has literally been laying on his side on top of other
slow-moving fish (my gobies). He still eats normally, and breathing is really
slow when he is laying, but back to normal when he starts to swim. My water
parameters have not changed at all (since my previous question). He has been
continuing this behavior for several days, and he looks terrible. One of my
powerhead suction cups let loose, and blew some of the sand in the bottom of the
aquarium around. This exposed a rusting piece of metal that must have come in
from the sand, could the rust be causing this problem?
<Yes>
If so, why are no other tankmates affected?
<More resistant>
My last guess is kind of a "crazy guess", but can fish become depressed (or just
go crazy)?
<I do think so, yes>
When I purchased the hepatus over a year ago, we also purchased a French
angelfish with him. They were both about the size of a small coin when we
brought them home. Since then they were never separated, and they were almost
inseparable. Since the transfer to the new tank (and the return of the French
angel to the LFS), he has been acting like this.
Do you think that he could miss the angelfish, or do they not have this
capacity?
<I do think you may be on to something here. I have observed many such
behavioral anomalies with the mixing, unmixing of fishes as well>
Why is he only flashing on his lateral line, and why is he laying on other fish?
<I don't know>
I figured if it were a disease, all other fish would have similar symptoms by
now, but as I stated above, they are all as happy as can be. Another odd point
is that I have noticed him also laying on a brittle star, and the star seems to
want to grab him,
<Many ophiuroids of size are predaceous>
but the tang only shakes off the arms, and lays back on him. Please advise as to
what I should do.
Thank you again
<Mmm, I'd move this Tang elsewhere if you have another system. Bob Fenner>
Blue tang itching
1/23/08
Hello Crew,
I have a question about my 1 inch Blue Tang.
<Small...>
I have thoroughly read your pages on fish, diseases and parasites, and I am
still not sure if my tang has ich, or if it may be stress.
<Perhaps a bit of both...>
I have had the tang in the main tank for 2 weeks. I QT him for 6 weeks before
the move to the main tank.
<Ah, good>
He was in the main tank for 2 days, and began rubbing his belly against the
rocks. He stopped rubbing his belly after three days, and had a few scratches
from doing this, there was no injury, and no cysts have appeared. He seemed to
be over whatever was bothering him. Three days after he stopped the belly rub,
he started a head rub, and this has been happening for three days now, there are
still no cysts to be seen anywhere on his body.
<Paracanthurus do scratch quite a lot... naturally>
He is breathing normally, eating, playing (he's hilarious), schooling with the
chromis, and generally having a good time,
<Ahh!>
he has also made a bed in one of the sinularia. No other fish are showing any
signs of itching, rubbing, scratching or cysts/spots. I haven't done anything to
treat him yet as I wanted another opinion on whether it is ich or not. I asked
the LFS, and of course they wanted to sell me a $50 bottle of liquid that is
reef safe, and can be dumped into the main tank -
<Mmm, I would NOT do this>
they were not very happy when I told them that was one of the worst things they
could recommend as a treatment. I stopped short of telling them to read WWW.
<Please, don't feel, be so reserved>
Should I just go ahead and QT, dip etc, or wait a few more days to see if those
darn cysts appear?
<I would leave all as is presently>
It is going to be a challenge to catch him since he is only an inch, and I don't
want to stress him if he doesn't have ich, and he just stressed.
Tank stats for your info are: 50gallon tank with a Fluval 305 canister filter
(bio and carbon that is changed weekly), Aqua C Remora skimmer (best purchase I
ever made), powerheads to blow the water around, T5HO lights, with live rock,
aragonite substrate, 2 Sinularia, 1 BTA, cluster Duncanopsammia, cluster candy
cane, cluster of Blastomussa (all corals are very happy). 1 ocellaris (hosting
in the BTA), 1 mandarin, 1 bicolour blenny, 4 schooling blue/green chromis, and
the tang. I know the tank is too small for the tang, he will be moved to a
bigger tank. Water parameters are within the recommended limits (didn't list
them as I have rambled on too much already).
Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated, my tank couldn't live without you
:)
<Welcome! Bob Fenner>
Regal blue tang transferred
to new tank 11/23/07
Since putting a 4 inch blue tang into a 55 gal, a newly matured tank, he
constantly runs up and down the side. He does eat. Originally he was transferred
from a 40 long tank, fully matured for a few years. Also in this 55 gal tank, I
have a small Picasso trigger and a small Volitans lionfish, which I know will
have to move to larger quarters.
<For sure, the tang will need to move too.>
All parameters are fine. I have 40 lbs. of live rock and 40 lbs. of live sand.
It has been one week since the transfer.
I would appreciate your expertise. Thanking you, Nick.
<If he is eating and otherwise acting fine it sounds like he is just swimming.
Tangs are constant swimmers. He is probably enjoying the extra length down the
tank. He will need a larger tank along with the others. Welcome, happy reefing,
Scott V.> <<Perhaps this fish is seeing, reacting to its reflection.
RMF>>
Marine Fish Diarrhea?
Tangs... – 08/17/07
Hello crew!
<Robert>
Hope all is well. Thank you to Mr. Fenner for answering my question so quickly
before!
<Hotay!>
I have read through many of the previous FAQs about marine fish having diarrhea,
but I feel mine is a bit different. I have a Paracanthurus hepatus, or blue
hippo tang in my 70 gal. one and a half month old tank right now.
<This tank is "too new" for a Tang...>
Ever time I've witnessed him produce waste, it always looks like it comes out
whole, without any digestion.
<Oh! This is really about what this should look like... is part of the "rapid
processing" of foods that have so much "bulk", and little nutrient value that
Acanthurids consume... akin to sheep, horses let's say>
I've been feeding frozen brine shrimp with omega 3, frozen Mysis, and spectrum
Thera +a pellets. I've seen all these items come out whole...and on a few
occasions the tang has even "re-ate" the food waste (not even a word, but all I
can think of at this time...).
<Also "natural"; no problem>
As of today, all water parameters are fine and have been for quite some time, 0
ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5ppm low range nitrate, 8.3 pH, 1.024 salinity, normal to
high alk, and have performed two 20% water changes in the last week. The make up
water was filtered sea water from my local respectable LFS. Is this normal? How
is the tang getting any nutrition if its expelling the food back out whole?
<Yes and no worries>
Is this a sign of an internal parasite?
<Mmm, not likely>
The tang is still eating like a savage, and even helping to clear a lot of my
brown algae problem. He does however have a lumpy bulges on one side of his
stomach,
<Also not a worry>
but I always assumed that it was because he was eating so much food. I only feed
small portions 2x daily, sometimes 3x when time permits.
<Good>
Any help to shed some light on this concern would be greatly appreciated!
Robert from California
<Nothing to be overly concerned about here. Another Bob in CA.>
My fish are always scared and Blue Tang always stressed, no useful data
4/17/04
Hello WWM,
Today after I got home I walked past my tank and all the fish started to hide
and my blue tang was stressed. I have had the tank for 6 months and is doing
good (Until now?). When under
<?>
the blue tangs eye turns brown does it mean they are stressed? It is a 6x2x2
foot tank and I have a lot of soft corals. Do you seem to know why this is
happening?
<Likely a combination of factors... the soft corals are producing chemicals that
are malaffecting your fishes... Perhaps they're in a place physically where
folks don't walk by much...>
I have a convict tang as well but the blue tang and him always swim and eat off
the feeding clip together. The two of them have been together for about 2 months
and I do not think it is the problem why the blue tang is stressed.
My other fish are:
3 Chromis
Valentini Puffer
Mandarin Dragonet
Lawnmower Blenny
1 Ocellaris Clownfish
Thank you
<Mmm, you don't list water quality tests, but I doubt if "this" is something you
can test for... I would avail yourself first of more knowledge... then to
considerations of improving water quality (extraction of the aforementioned
chemicals... ozone, better skimming, chemical filtrants) AND biological means of
countering... Refugium of size, DSB, macroalgae culture... Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompfaqs.htm
and the linked files above, and
http://wetwebmedia.com/refugium.htm
and the... Bob Fenner>
Re: My fish are always scared and Blue Tang always stressed 4/18/07
Hi Bob,
The water quality is perfect.
Calcium 400
Nitrate 15
Nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
Sg 1.025
The protein skimmer makes an 3/4 of an inch of skimmate everyday. The
sandbed is 3 inches deep and my mandarin dragonet has been happy for around
5 months.
Thanks, Maison
<Mmm... well, there are many other biochemicals that might be at play... Please
read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/FrightChemsFWArt.htm
and the linked files above... Or just the familiarity/conditioned response
alluded to previously. Bob Fenner>
(Hippo) Blue Tang Life Expectancy 4/2/07
What is the life expectancy?
<In your average aquarium? A few months, most folks simply do not meet the care
standards for this animal, whether it be a too small tank with improper settings
or purchasing an animal that's doomed from the start. Having said that if a
proper specimen is obtained and a large and proper setting is supplied (see WWM
re: specifics) the animal can live considerably long in captivity, I know a few
15 year old specimens that are going strong.>
thanks,
<Welcome.>
Jeff
Blue Tang and Chromis hiding, Fish Behavior 3/23/07
Hi WWM,
<Hi Maison>
I have a 2" Blue (hippo) Tang and 3 Chromis but every time I walk past the tank
the Blue Tang and the smallest Chromis hide for about a minute or so. This has
been happening for the last week and I don't know what the problem is. I have
had him for 5 1/2 months and my last fish introduced was a Convict Tang which I
introduced 1 1/2 months ago. He is 3 1/2" and is great friends with the Blue
Tang.
<Mmm, drinking buddies, huh?>
They both eat from my hand together and never fight. The tank is a 6x2x2 reef
tank and this is the first time this has ever happened. If you know what the
problem is may I please have your thoughts.
<Behavior is not that unusual. My False Lemon Peel exhibits the same behavior
when I walk into the room. This behavior started when I switched from PC to HQI
lighting which creates much more shadow movement which can/will alarm fish.
Have you changed your lighting or is your tank exposed to a bright window? None
the less, no worries here my friend.>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Maison
That d@mn movie....you know the one....Blue-Tang Behavior
2/16/07
Is Dory a Drama Queen?
<The Movie Character?....Le'me call my 7 year old sister...>
About a week ago I introduced a 3 inch Blue Hippo Tang (Dory)
<Very creative naming....>
along with a 3 inch percula (Marlin)
<Equally as creative...>
and a Yellow tang (Bubbles)
<Is that one from the movie too?>
into my 75 gal aquarium.
<Ooh...all of that to a 75?..and without quarantine?>
It's been up for over 2 years, specific gravity 1.024 nitrates & nitrites 0,
pH 8.2, temp 78-80 degrees, good water flow, protein skimmer, 110 watts of
actinic and 110 watts of white light with moon lights. Everyone was happy
and getting along just fine (Dory and Marlin have been inseparable) except
for a hellion damsel that had been pestering Dory.
<Normal behavior for the damsel...should be removed.>
I took him out this morning and everyone was happy.
<Ahh...good.>
I even did a 15% water change yesterday and everyone was still happy. Then
this evening, I took a picture of my tank and I guess the flash freaked Dory
out because she started "playing dead."
<Can momentarily startle animals...yes (it may also be a good F.Y.I. to know
that most photographers of aquariums get the best results when the flash is
off).>
First Marlin and after about an hour, Bubbles, started "protecting her" and
swam close to her so as not to let anyone near her. Bubbles makes an
occasional "sweep" around the tank and comes right back to her but Marlin
hadn't left her side for a couple of hours.
<In the future I would recommend using scientific names of the animals....at
least the common names...many including myself...are not very familiar with
this movie. Many in the aquarium world even despise it, it has
encouraged/inspired a rash of impulse buying and arguably many believe it
has caused many of the featured animals to end up in "bad" homes... - rant
over.>
I watched for a couple of hours hoping she'd "snap out of it" like she did
when I was acclimating her and doing the water change, but she didn't. Then
when Marlin swam off for a short time, by short I'm talking 15 seconds, she
piped up and swam around. Then when he came back, she went limp with a
little bit of movement every now and then. She's not breathing hard, and
her color looks good, and no visible spots. Is she trying to get attention,
and have you heard of anything like this, I sure haven't.
<Personality wise, Paracanthurus Hepatus can be very "flighty" fish...natural
defense behavior.>
And would a camera flash be enough to stress her out?
<Enough to scare her into submission/hiding for a few hours yes....a few
hours of this dhy behavior, even a day is not much to worry about yet.>
She's not even getting up to eat, and I've tried feeding a little bit of
everything. Is there anything I should do?
<Patience, if the behavior lasts longer than 24 hours...then we will try a
different approach. Some questions for you though...What are the water
parameters and what are you feeding?>
Please help!
<See above....Adam J.>
My Hippo Tang is changing colors?!?!?!!? 7/23/06
We have a 6" Hippo Tang, we bought a tank and she came with it, we have
had her for about 8 months. Just last week my husband said she changed
colors, which I thought he was joking but I just saw it for myself. Where
the black strips are turn yellow and where the blue circle (in between the
black lines) turns white. I watched the fish go back and forth
several times. I have searched the web and can not find an
explanation. Can you please help.
Thanks
BA
<Mmm, can/does happen... a bit of physiological/behavioral signaling... do
blanch out at night, do switch colors/markings as you've noticed if excited,
upset... Bob Fenner>
My Blue Tang is laying on his side 6/18/06
Hello Bob. I really hope there is something you can do to help my Tang.
I purchased a Blue Tang yesterday. I put him in an empty QT tank and slowly
added some water from my main tank every 30 minutes. I then put
him into my main tank and immediately put live brine into my tank.
<Why?>
I have noticed that this makes all the other fish not pay so much attention to
the new fish, and it relieves the stress of the new fish because there is live
food for him to concentrate on.
<Ahh!>
I was happy because this has worked well for me and I have yet to lose a fish.
Today I woke up and couldn't find the newest addition to my aquarium.
<A shy species. Often hides a great deal, especially at first>
I looked everywhere so I had to resort to moving things around.
<I wouldn't do this>
I have 1 ornament in my tank (No longer in the tank) and I found my Blue Tang
trapped under the ornament.
<Not likely trapped...>
He was probably deprived of oxygen all night, and is now showing the effects.
He was laying on his side and had no strength.
<Paracanthurus do lie on their sides a great deal...>
The filtration system was pulling him towards it so I turned it off. He would
then lay on a rock or the sand at the bottom of the tank. I had to pull him out,
add main
tank water to my QT tank, and put him in there. I did this because I did not
want to keep my filtration system off, but if I turned it on with
the Blue Tang inside, it would pull him towards it.
He is now laying on the bottom of the QT tank. He looks like he is dead, but
every so often he will swim around very very fast, and then lay on his side
again.
Is there anything I can do to help him, or is he a goner?
I do not have a filter in my QT tank
<!? You do have such? Why don't you use it?>
because I have never had to put a fish in there, except when he is new. No
diseases or anything else for any of my fish. I was thinking of going out and
buying an air rock or
something to see if I can help him get the necessary oxygen. Please help!
Tank Size: 55 Gal
<Too small ultimately for this species>
Temp: 78
SG: 1.021
<I'd raise this...>
PH: 8.1
NO2: .25
<Should be zip. Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/paracant.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Naso Tang Trouble - 02/03/2006
Hello WWM:
<Hi John.>
I appreciate your assistance in helping me diagnose a problem with a Naso Tang.
<I'll try.>
I have asked purported experts at 2 reputable fish stores to provide some
guidance and each provided little or no assistance.
<OK...No pressure.>
THE ENVIRONMENT
*100 Gallon Tank
*100 Pounds of Tonga Rock
*Established 1 Year
*Temperature 84 Degrees
<I'd lower this to about 78-80 if possible.>
*Salinity - 1.023
*Ph - 7.9
<Try to get this up to about 8.3.>
*P04 - 0
*N03 - 30
<Ouch. 10 or less would be much better.>
*4 Clownfish
*1 Sailfin Tang
*1 Hippo Tang
*1 Flame Angel
*1 Royal Gramma
*1 Goby
THE PROBLEM
I purchased the Naso approximately 2 weeks ago. He appeared healthy and
reasonably active in a relatively small store tank.
<Hmm...Reasonably?>
After we purchased the fish we acclimated him to the water temperature and did a
fresh water dip prior to releasing him into the display tank.
<No QT I see. Only acclimated to temp.?>
We noticed with 1-2 days that one of his eyes appeared to be injured and we were
told it was most likely an injury and not eye cloud or Popeye. The water quality
is perfect and I just recently had the tank serviced.
<I wouldn't quite say perfect, but is mostly acceptable.>
That problem seems to be improving.
<Good.>
The second problem is that the tang also eats very little.
<Uh-Oh...>
Flake and pellet food are not of particular interest though he did at times eat
the seaweed.
<Not good. Have you tried soaking these in a vitamin prep. or appetite
stimulant?>
The real problem now is that for the past 2-3 days he has been moving
erratically. He generally is inactive is often seen at the bottom of the tank or
on an angle against the rock or, at times, flat on the crushed coral.
<Sounds like stress. The filtration seems inadequate with the nitrate levels,
and Tangs need an environment with low metabolic wastes and high dissolved
oxygen. It sounds like these are the problems as well as a lack of personal
space for this fish.>
The gills are moving rapidly and the fish appears to be in severe stress. The
service person said that everything is fine and further that Naso Tangs in
particular tend to behave that way and will rest on the bottom of the tank and
against rock and I should not be concerned.
<What!? This is definitely something to be concerned with.>
The fish will sporadically swim for short periods then will again rest at the
bottom of the tank. When sporadically bothered by the other tangs the fish will
tail whack and defend itself. The situation looks grim. Any suggestions?
<I don't think this tank is big enough for all these fish. This is probably a
combination of environmental and psychological stress. I'd start with a good
25-30% water change to lower those nitrates. Given the mix of fish, I'd say you
dissolved oxygen is low also, so I'd add an airstone or other means of aeration.
How's the flow in your tank? Vigorous circulation is also necessary. Skimmer?
Don't see one listed. As far as the mix you've got, review on WWM re, and
consider reducing this load.>
Thank you.
John
<You're welcome. - Josh>
Is This Normal Behavior 12-19-05
Thanks for being here to help everyone.
<Always glad to be of service.>
Ten days ago I received a Regal Tang through mail order. I acclimatized him
using the drip method, and then placed him in a 20Ga quarantine tank with
the lights off. The quarantine tank has a pre-matured sponge filter from my
main tank and an watt UV sterilizer. I test the water daily, and the water
has no detectable ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate using Salifert test kits .
After I giving him a few days to allow him to recover during which he hid
under a plastic shelf I had provided, I gave him a fresh water dip.
<Unless there were signs of illness I would have skipped the dip.>
The dip seamed to go fine. I placed him back in quarantine. As soon as he got
back in the quarantine tank he went back to hiding.
<Very typical.>
I put Nori and fresh
Gracilaria from my refuge but I've never seen him eat any. He may be eating
at night but if he his it isn't much. During the day, he hides in the same
place and doesn't move all day.
<A lack of feeding is normal in easily stressed fish, such as tangs. If it goes
on for a week or their stomach becomes pinched then you should be worried. To
lower his stress level you would want to put in more places to hide, lower the
light intensity, and cover the tank sides with newspaper.>
If it were for the fact that his color is
bright blue I'd think he was dead. If I move the shelve gently with a stick,
he'll swim out but go right back to where he was. Is this normal?
<Yes, until it becomes detrimental. He should want to eat and become acclimated
to the tank in a few days to one week.>
Should I
just keep putting a little food in and give it time, or are more proactive
actions required?
<Keep feeding him, but try new foods daily. Raise the light off the surface of
the water more or add a paper towel layer in between the lights and the tank.
Also cover the sides of the tank and lower the specific gravity to 1.018-1.020
as these will help calm the fish in my experience. Lower the salinity slowly by
dripping RO water into the tank. Do not keep the salinity lowered for more than
2-3 weeks and bring it back up very slowly. Fish take lowering salinity well,
but do not tolerate the increase in SG quite as easily.>
Thanks for you're help.
<Always glad to help. Travis>
Regards,
Michael
Blue Tang acting neurotic 7/31/05
Hi, I have one Blue Tang 5" long. I purchased him about a year ago. He has
been very healthy and eating well. 2 days ago he started acting very strange.
He is fanning his fins constantly and acting very neurotic. He can not seen
to stop. He is fanning his fins extremely out of control.
<Something wrong with your water...>
He appears to be
breathing a little fast as well. I also notice he is staying inside the reef
hiding a bit more then usual. He is acting like a fish on speed and can't stay
still. I also notice the starting of some type of white spots coming up on
his head. I don't know if he is itching or what and can't scratch it. He is
still eating well up to now Please help! Is there a disease that would cause
this type of behavior . He is still eating well up .
Thanks Scott
<... please read, starting here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/paracdisfaqs.htm
and on the linked files above... re PYTB Disease, Behavior, Systems... Bob
Fenner>
Hippo Tang bubble-eating feeding behaviour 7/13/05
Dear WWM crew,
<Isaac>
I have a Hippo Tang for almost 3 years now. He's been very healthy and
always eats like a pig. Ever since I fed him prepared food like dried
Spirulina, krill and Cyclop-eeze, the Tang would feed from the water
surface and ingest air bubbles. After each feeding he would dive up to
the surface, seemingly try to grab food (all the food's been eaten) but
instead eats only air.
<Interesting... I have a similar "food memory" with pizza... find myself
re-searching in empty boxes for that last slice...>
He's always been able to just expel the bubbles
through its gills when diving back down, but lately he hasn't been able
to on a number of occasions, and has led to buoyancy issues and swimming
difficulties with trapped air bubbles.
<...>
I have tried increasing the size of each feeding, wetting the flake food
before serving (so they won't stay afloat on the water surface and would
sink immediately) and changing the feeding schedule to no effect. The
Tang just loves to feed from the surface and eat air bubbles! I hope
eventually he'll evolve and develop some lungs! But given this remotely
possibility, how can I change this behaviour and does it create any
harm?
<Perhaps try using a plastic feeding clip, some dried algae with this... below
water>
P.S. I always keep my water at 1.025 to 1.026 and other water parameters
check out ok.
Isaac
<Interesting behavior for sure. Bob Fenner>
Sudden disappearance of regal tang
Hello crew,
<Hi there Shrina>
Love your website. We had a regal tang whom we loved. She was friendly,
spunky, just an all around good fish. We nicknamed her "Piggy" because she
loved to eat. I saw her at morning feeding yesterday and not since. It is
unlike to miss any feedings, let alone 3 now. I am really afraid something
has happened to her. Any ideas?
<... either in the tank or not... Out, perhaps it jumped... is still there... or
a pet picked it up. In, perhaps still hiding or... not. Have you looked
thoroughly under rock overhangs, behind ornaments...? This species does "lay
down" quite a bit at times>
We have a reef tank, 220 gallons. It's aquascaped with live rock. Substrate
is live sand (1 to 5 inches deep at places). We have a protein skimmer, a
chiller. The system is quite stable.
Water quality is Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 2.5 ppm. pH 8.2.
The tank is stocked with:
1 Clark clownfish
3 ocellaris
6 green Chromis
1 strawberry Gramma
1 orange spotted goby
1 blue cheek goby
2 neon gobies
1 elegant coral
1 frog spawn coral
1 Discosoma
1 leather coral
1 pipe organ coral
3 Cynarina
1 plate coral
1 hammer coral
3 small colonies of zoanthids.
Any ideas what happened to our sweet tang?
<I hope it is just having a "time out" and will soon show. Bob Fenner>
Re: Sudden disappearance of regal tang
Thank you for responding so fast. I didn't think about her jumping out of
the tank. If she did, we wouldn't find her. We have 4 dogs and 3 cats.
<Ahh... more common than you might think...>
I really miss her and just hope we can find another one as good as her.
Thank you again,
Shrina
<Sorry for your loss. Bob Fenner>
Aggressive Hippo
I have had a saltwater tank up and running for about 8 months. I have
added the following inhabitants (in the following order): 1" Percula Clown,
3" Sailfin Tang and 4" Hippo Tang, and a 3" Niger Trigger. My tank is a 55
gallon (4ft long) with an Aquaclear mechanical filter, CPR BakPak (I have
been thinking about upgrading to the Remora C based on your
recommendations),
<Mmm, a good investment... for a larger tank... which I strongly believe
you'll end up with>
2 Maxi Jet 600 (160gph), 50lbs liverock, and 40lbs of reef grade sand (About
1.5" depth). I also have a serpent star, a red Linckia, 1 sea cucumber, 1
mushroom coral, 10 Nassarius snails, and 6 hermit crabs. My tank parameters
are 1.022, 9dkh, 8.2, 0 Nitrates, 78 degrees (Night) to 79 degrees (Day). I
change about 3 gallons a week and add Kent's Trace Elements, Prime, and
Kent's Superbuffer.
Since I have added the Niger Trigger (About a week ago), my Hippo has been
harassing him constantly. I had always assumed that the Niger was going to
be the more aggressive fish.
<Not being new, not in such a small system>
The Hippo has a few scrapes on the side of him (Small white lines that are
like bite marks), but the Niger Trigger's fins are jagged and he was
cowering in the corner for the first couple of days. With time, will the
Hippo stop harassing the Niger?
<Maybe... I'd isolate the Tang (put in in a floating plastic colander for a
few days) and see if this helps>
What do you think the odds of success are with these inhabitants?
<Mmm, fifty fifty, with small level of confidence limits>
Also, how long do you think they will be okay in this size system?
<Not okay now...>
Finally, what size tank would you recommend for these inhabitants long term
(Over the life of the fish)?
<Two, three times this size>
Also, do you think the Percula will need an anemone to be happy with these
inhabitants?
<Nope>
Thanks for the help. I have been reading your site and found it to be very
informative. One final question, do you think UV lights are worth the
investment for parasite or bacteria reduction?
<In some settings, yes... not as worthwhile in yours as what you might
otherwise invest your money and time in...>
In the beginning, I had some minor issues with parasites due to lack of
understanding of the parasite life cycle (I did not wait long enough during
treatment before moving the fish to the main tank).
<Very common human/aquarist experience. Glad to find your intelligence,
perseverance has won out over simply quitting, giving up. Bob Fenner>
- Hippo Tang Problems -
I have a question. We have a 2" hippo tang in our tank. He was very well
adjusted for 2 months, and all of a sudden he started laying on the bottom of
the tank on his side. He looks healthy, is breathing and will come out to eat.
Otherwise he just stays put. <Interesting.> We also have 2 small clown fish, a
dog faced puffer, a yellow tang, and a Koran Angelfish. The tangs were added at
the same time. The hippo has been with these fish for well over a month, and he
started laying down about a week and a half ago? Any advise? <I'd give your
water parameters a check... change the water frequently (about 5% a week would
be best) and keep an eye on the hippo tang.>
Thank you
Kristi
<Cheers, J -- >
<<This species "just does this". RMF>>
Dory's Scared. What Now? (5/13/05)
Hi there.
<Hi. Steve Allen with you tonight.>
I bought the famous Dory from "Finding Nemo" about 4 days ago because my wife really wanted it.
<Did you study the many difficulties of keeping this fish before you bought it? Let's start with the fact that it eventually needs to be in a tank of at least 120 gallons. From there we can move on to the fact that it is highly prone to marine ick and HLLE disease.>
Since it came it has been hiding under a rock, and I still haven't seen it eat.
<Typical. They're fraidy cats.>
All it does is hide and lay on one side day and night??
<They do have a tendency to lie on their sides and wedge themselves into crevasses when they're scared. It's like
I child trying to make himself really small in a corner when he's scared.>
I'm a little bit concerned with it's behavior???? What do you think I should do? I do have 2 clown
fish and 6 damsels in the 70gal tank. Thanks, Claudio
<Well, If I was this fish, I'd be scared to death if put into this tank full of bullies. If (and it's a big if) the Damsels leave it be, it may get up the nerve to come out and eat. It could be sick or unhealthy in some other way, perhaps cyanided or caught too small. How big is it? If it does not get up and about in a day or two, you should set up a quarantine tank and move it in there to try to stabilize it and feed it. Good luck.>
Yellow tail blue regal tang
I purchased a yellow tail blue regal tang this past Saturday. It is a good
size fish (store guys thought it was about 3 years old). At the store
where I bought it, it would swim to the corner, head up and just stay
there. Then it would go down to the bottom and lay on it's side.
<Mmm, stressed in this setting...>
The store
people told me this was normal behavior for this type of fish (they had had
it for a week). When I got it home, it hid behind the live rock, which I
expected, for the first entire day. The second day (Monday), it came out
and would swim around normally and then go head down to the bottom in a
corner and stay there. Then it would be up and swimming again. Later in
the afternoon it was seen at the top against the overflow. I had to go to a
meeting Monday evening, and when I got home, the fish was dead. I am so
disappointed.
<I am too>
I think I was misled at the pet store, and it was sick there.
<I agree... would ask for credit/replacement>
Should it's behavior have been a clue for me?
<Mmm, yes>
By the way, there were no ick
spots on it and I never saw it eat while in my tank. Thanks so much for
your help.
LaVonda Black
<Thank you for writing so clearly, completely. As stated, I do think this fish
was poorly adjusted at the store... likely very set in its ways from being in
another, likely much larger system the three years previous. I would ask for
reimbursement here. Bob Fenner>
Question about blue tang behavior
There is a blue tang in my office's aquarium and I noticed that it won't
leave the winter flounder alone. It keeps following it around to bite it's tail.
Just wondering if you have an clues as to why it does this.
<Is strange... not a food item in the wild... maybe the tang is "just
curious"... does it appear to be doing any damage?>
I read your article about the blue tang and still couldn't figure out why
because according to you, it should generally leave the other marine life alone.
Thanks for any help regarding this.
~Amira
<Bob Fenner>
Re: question about blue tang behavior
You had asked if the flounder was being hurt at all and I'm not exactly
sure. The blue tang has gotten a yellow tang to mimic its behavior occasionally
and they usually just nip at the flounder. The tail seems to be the preferred
location. Like I said, I'm not sure if the flounder is being physically hurt by
it, but no longer blends in with the sand as well as he used to. He stays a much
darker coloration now.
~Amira
<Mmm, the coloration is an indication of stress likely... but if the Flounder
were really hurt, you'd be able to see this. Bob Fenner>
Blue Regal Tang
I am Amber. <I'm Michael!> I am trying to do some research on the blue regal
tang... but it's not really working, all of the searches that I am trying are
not helping me any. <How dare they not help you!> I am doing a report on them
for a science project. <cool> I was wondering if you could help me out. <Will
try my best> Do you know what the blue regal tang's play behavior is? <Hmm, as
far as I know, Paracanthurus hepatus doesn't have much in the way of play
behavior...it's pretty much limited to mating behavior, self defense, and
aggression towards other tangs and competitors. "Play" as we would define it is
not practice in the fish world too much...limited mostly to some of the more
intelligent fish, such as pufferfish, triggerfish, and a few others I'm
forgetting. I will pass this email around to the rest of the crew and see if I
can get you a better answer> If so email me back, please. Thanks. Amber <No
problems, M. Maddox>
P.S. If you could e-mail me before Wednesday that would be great.. Thursday
would be good also. <If you can get those TPS reports on my desk by
Monday...that'd be grreeaat>
Lucky the Blue Tang
>Hey there,
>>Hey there yourself.
>Well, I have a blue tang.
>>I hope you meant to. What species of blue tang is it? (There
are three I'm thinking of off the top of my head.)
>He is doing great.
>>Excellent.
>He came with the tank I bought. The lady that owned him and the
tank before didn't take care of him very well. She told me he likes
to lay on his side (what?).
>>Yeah.. what?
>He doesn't seem to anymore.
>>Cuz he never did "like" it, but you don't need me to tell you
that, do you?
>We called him Lucky because I was sure he would die in the first week, but
he didn't. He had HLLE, but most has been reversed. Now,
he is the happiest blue tang I have ever seen.
>>Excellent!
>However, a couple of times I have seen his black markings turn completely
yellow.
>>Hhmm.. Hippo tang or powder blue tang? If a hippo, unusual,
if a PB, not so.
>It is the strangest thing in the world! I have never seen
anything like this happen.
>>I've only seen similar with PBs, when they're either stressed or going
into sleep mode.
>I don't think it is his night coloration. He just sometimes does
this in the middle of the day. I have been looking for info on this,
but haven't found anything. Do you know why he is doing this? Does
it serve some purpose? Do you think I am insane? Maybe he
is "magical". Any info would be great! Big Al
Haggerty - Grand Junction, CO
>>I honestly have no idea. If he's a hippo tang (with the
yellow tail) I've only seen coloration changes when stressed or sleeping, and
even then it's just a general paleness to the overall color, not in specific
areas. If a powder blue, I've seen paleness in areas, but almost
always in stressed fish. Personally, I'm not familiar with this, but
I would look to see what's happening in or around the tank, or note down time of
day, anything/everything that's occurring concurrently or immediately previous
to or after this change. You may begin to see a pattern emerge. Marina
Hippo Tang Behavior
I would first like to say that your website is by far the best source
of information I have been able to find on the care and maintenance of
marine aquariums. Without you guys my fish tank would be in a world of
hurt. Currently I have a 4 month old 75 gallon salt water fish tank
with 80lbs. of live rock. All readings are good except my ammonia is a
little high at .20 I just did a 10% water change and have cut back on
feeding and its starting to go down.
<Okay>
I just bought a 2" hippo tang and for the past 2 days he has been
hiding in a horizontal position between two rocks. The only time he
comes out is to nibble on some algae that I put on a clip for him. The
only other fish in the tank are 2 tank raised clown fish and a coral
banded shrimp. I know I should have quarantined him but I have just now
found out the importance of setting up a quarantine tank through your
website. I will be doing that before adding anymore fish. But is this
normal behavior for him.
<Yes, quite normal>
If so what can I do to make him feel more at
home.
<Mainly just have time pass... your small tang will become more outgoing with
familiarity. Really, I'd just be patient>
I am afraid that he may be sick and I do not want him to die.
Would it freak him out too much to put him into a day old quarantine
tank to watch him and to allow him to feel more at home before I put
him back into the main display tank. Or should I just leave him as is
and let him try to get used to things? Any info would help.
<Better by far at this point to take the second path. Wait. Bob Fenner>
Thanks Brendan Byrne
Re: Hippo Tang Behavior
Bob thanks for the quick reply. I am glad to hear my Hippo Tang will be
ok. I have one last question for you. I would like add more fish to my
display tank but I would like to quarantine them first for a couple of
weeks.
<A very good practice>
Is it ok to add new fish to a quarantine tank that is only a
day or two old.
<Mmm, IF it is stable, likely filled with "clean" water from a well-established
disease free system...>
I plan on using tank water from my display tank but
will that be enough to help cycle a new tank.
<Likely so... but do monitor ammonia daily, be ready to make massive water
changes... and get in the habit of "pre-cycling" filter media (like a sponge
filter...) in your main system somewhere>
My display tank took
almost a month to fully cycle should I expect that same amount of time
for my quarantine tank as well?
<Maybe, maybe not... sometimes there are sufficient microbes moved in water
alone... but often not if the "load" is too great, too soon. Again, be careful
re feeding, test daily. Bob Fenner>
Blue tang
Hi <How goes it, Michael here this afternoon> I have a small blue tang. It
seems to like scratch against the live rock and I'm a little worried about it. Is
this normal behavior it eats well is very lively and swims all over the
place. Any ideas? <Blue tangs are crypto magnets, so just watch him
carefully. If you notice white spots, heavy breathing, and more flashing, you
may want to quarantine him. There is a ton of information regarding crypto in
the WWM archives for further reading. Also, when you email WWM, please provide
an email with correct grammar and sentence construction. M. Maddox>
Blue Tang With A Mean Streak!
I thought tangs were herbivores, mine is attacking other fish and is now eating
my cleaner shrimp!
<Attacking the shrimp is really unusual, but bossing around tank mates is
certainly not unusual for any tang!>
What could I be doing wrong? I literally bought 2 new cleaners
because the other 2 were letting his ick get a little out of
hand. So, I thought some competition would help clean the fish
up...well I put the other two in and the tang went NUTS. He started
attacking the cleaner shrimps tentacles and then eventually killed and ate
him??????????
Now I know why the existing cleaner shrimp hide in the frog spawn!
Any ideas? Jeanie York
<Well, Jeanie, it sounds like you're not doing anything wrong here...It's
just that tangs (like people) have distinct individual personalities; one can be
a perfectly model citizen, and another can be an unholy terror! The aggression
towards the shrimp is just one of those things that you can't explain!
Sometimes, attacks on other fishes can be reduced by breaking up the aquascaping
a bit- giving slightly different "territories" to the fish, which may
reduce some of the aggression...Other than that- you may need to just wait out
this "aggressive phase" and hope that he mellows out a bit. It may be
necessary to remove some of the tank mates that are creating this aggressive
behavior (perhaps for their own safety!)...Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
-Blue tang going crazy!-
I've purchased a blue tang in store yesterday. They've had the fish for 4
weeks and it was eating. I've put it into a quarantine tank (no medications).
All parameters are ok. The whole day yesterday and today, the fish is not doing
anything but banging into corner of aquarium! Swimming up and down, banging its
head... the breathing rate is very high. What should I do? I've turned off the
light in the aquarium, but I'm not sure what else can I do ?
<It's just a little freaked out. The best you can do is keep the light off
for a few days. Also make sure that there are places to hide (i.e.: large size PVC
fittings, decorative rocks, etc). Good luck! -Kevin>
thank you
- Hippo Tang Acting Oddly -
Hi mister Fenner,
<Hi, not Mr. Fenner today, but JasonC...>
I really like your website and your book Reef Invertebrate. You are an essential
part of the hobby, without your work, for many of us it would not be possible to
keep reef inhabitant. I have a problem with an hippo tang and I would be really
happy to get your advice on it. I have moved my tank 3 weeks ago from my parents
house to my apartment and since that time my fish is acting weird. The first
week, he was really nervous and was always swimming in a corner of the tank.
<Is to be expected... the move would have been stressful.> At the end of
the week he was breathing rapidly and have some spot of ich, so I have given to
him a FW bath with blue Methylene. But the problem since that FW bath is not
ich, it's that the fish is always hiding, he never comes out to eat since 2
weeks( I don't even understand how he cannot have starved to death). The only
symptoms I can't see on him (it's in fact not easy to see him correctly:) is
that his dorsal fin near his head have become translucent. So I'm not sure
what's does he have (ich or not ich this is the question) and according to your
website it is not a good idea to put an hippo tang in QT. <Well... at this
point in the game, your fish is likely too stressed-out so a move would be
trouble. I'd just continue trying to get this fish to eat, and also take a good
look at your water parameters - make sure everything is where it should be.>
I would be really happy to get your advices on it, mister Fenner! Thank you for
your time and continue your good job !!
Steve
<Cheers, J -- >
Regal Tang
Hello again Bob,
<Hi there>
I am writing to you about a new acquisition, a regal Tang. I have him in a quarantine tank (50 litre tank) and he has been there for 1 week now.
He is eating well, I am feeding him pacific krill, chopped cockle/mussel, brine shrimp (all foods dosed with a vitamin supplement and left for 24 hours before use) and lastly dried seaweed which is clipped to the QT tank wall. He is eating well, taking every bit of food with enthusiasm. He looks well, very
colorful, fattening out a little more.
The reason I am writing is that I put him in quarantine as you say to many folks who write in, I am prepared to keep him there for the next 3 weeks, performing daily tests/changes etc to ensure his good health before I move him to the main tank (350 litre with 1 PJ wrasse and 2 yellow clarkii) but I am a little concerned about him getting bored.
<Okay>
I started to read more and more into the WWM forums and FAQ and noticed that you suggested NOT to QT regal tangs as they become bored when solitary and end up stressed and possibly sick.
<Mmm, maybe other folks here have stated this... weighing the above likelihood with the chance of introducing a parasitic infestation, I side on boring the specimen>
Currently he spends most of his time sitting behind the heater stat which is clipped to the side of the tank (not the element part obviously), only really coming out when he thinks
no one is around or when food drifts his way. He has 3 pieces of decor in the tank, a large barnacle, 1 rock and a small ornamental castle which he
occasionally lies down underneath and "peeps" at us through the castle windows.... (don't laugh :-) )
<Not laughing. Try inserting a couple of plastic fittings or pipe as well>
Do you think it is wise to continue the QT given the description of his behaviour or should I contemplate a move to the main tank? My LFS QTs their fish for 4 weeks before they go on display but as I have read so many times, even the journey home from the shop could stress him hence why I have put him in QT. The last thing I want is for him to get stressed from being "lonely" and end up sick anyway.
<I would leave the animal in isolation for a total time of two weeks, then move it through a freshwater bath as proscribed here: http://www.WetWebMedia.com/dips_baths.htm enroute to your main system. Bob Fenner>
All advice greatly received, keep up the excellent work.
Thanks
Andrew, UK
Blue Hepatus Tang (behavior)
Hi guys! Thanks for always answering questions sooo quickly. I've got another. I wrote about my Flame Angel that was constantly swimming up and down the glass. I increased the water flow without any change in the animal. Same thing. Now my Blue Hepatus Tang is "copying" it. I've had both these fish for nearly a year. My water quality has always been good because I do water changes and run a skimmer. (The more water changes one does, the less work one ends up with.)
<Agreed>
So my husband suggested that maybe our Foxface "got them?" Thanks again! -Becky
<Likely nothing wrong here. It may well be that these fishes are seeing an "internal" reflection in the viewing panel, and reacting to their own image... Bob Fenner>
Re: Blue Hepatus Tang (behavior)
I wanted to describe the Tangs actions better. It puts it's belly right in the corner of the tank then flaps it's fins quickly without moving. It's head faces upward. Thanks
<Mmm, some of the WetWebMedia crew does the same sort of thing when we've been out drinking tequila... Again, an agonistic display... self-generated... Which some of the folks who make up the WWM crew display as well. Be chatting. Bob Fenner> -Becky
Hippo Blues
How many baby hippo blues can you acquire/place together in a very large tank (several hundred gallons).
<I have seen 6 in a 450.>
I'm thinking of getting a group of maybe 8 or 10 (about 1"), since it looks like they actually prefer to group together in those numbers. I do notice that they have a tendency to hide more when singular.
<They hide in groups, too.>
I know they are relatively not territorial, but am wondering if this is a good idea or not? Thanks, Jim
<Have a nice night. -Steven Pro>
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