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FAQs about Health/Disease of Tangs 13
Related Articles: The Surgeonfish family,
Acanthurus, Ctenochaetus,
Naso, Paracanthurus,
Zebrasoma , Prionurus,
Surgeonfishes of Hawai'i,
Surgeonfishes for Reef Systems,
Related FAQs: Tang Health/Disease 1,
Tang Health/Disease 2, Tang
Health/Disease 3, Tang Health/Disease
4, Tang Disease 5,
Tang Disease 6,
Tang Disease 7, Tang Health 8,
Tang Health 9, Tang Disease 10,
Tang Disease 11, Tang Disease 12, &
Tangs/Rabbitfishes & Crypt,
Yellow Tang Disease, Black Spot
Disease, HLLE 1, Tangs
in General,
Tang ID,
Selection, Tang
Behavior,
Compatibility, Systems,
Feeding, Treating
Marine Disease, Marine Diseases 2, | 
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Tanged and confused: Oversized fish, Flukes 10/20/2009
Hi there,
<Hello>
I bought a 55 gallon fish tank a little over a week ago. I bought the
whole set up from a man who had a 20 gallon refugium with gravity feed
hose and a protein skimmer (not sure on the name) My test kits are kind
of old so I have been taking the water to the LFS to be tested and every
time (3x's) it has been fine.
<I highly recommend you purchase your own test kits, less moral fish
stores will tell you that your water is fine to encourage you to buy
more animals.>
I am a little worried a because of the fish that this man had kept in
the tank. He had a Clown fish (about 3 in) a Sailfin Tang (about 4 in)
<The Sailfin Tang needs to find a new home, way to big in the long run,
and likely to big now considering he has been in the tank at least two
years.>
these two he had had for about 2 years and then he had added more
recently (with in the last few weeks) a Blue Tang (1.5 in)
<Also way to large for this tank, although he fits in the tank
physically now, psychological stress can be caused by being kept in such
a small tank.>
As far as aggression goes they are all fine. The Blue Tang hides often
and the other two let her. Though I know I will need to upgrade to a 150
gal or larger in the future or re-home one of the Tangs, for now they
seem to be doing fine.
<I would find them new homes ASAP and research stocking a 55G aquarium
on WetWebMedia.>
The problem I have seen is with the Blue Tang. I have seen whitish
circular spots on her and her belly is looked swollen. She has also been
scratching A LOT and so my hunt for a cause and cure started. I have
been reading up on your site for 2 days now and it sounds like
monogenetic trematodes though I have been overwhelmed by the amount of
information out there. She swims oddly (no other way to really say that)
spends most of her time hiding or at the top of the tank (often face
down). She has been eating and seems happy enough so that’s a plus. I
need help in how best to treat this.
< I would recommend a Prazi treatment in a separate quarantine tank,
there are several products available commercially including Prazipro,
however there are other options for treatment, read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fshwrmidcuref.htm.>
Also because I bought this as a complete set up I do not have a QT set
up though I am going to set one up today. I am however unsure as to how
to set up a QT in one day… maybe use cycled water from my tank and add
new salt water to my display? Then use the sponge my in my refugium as a
filter in my QT and replace with another sponge though I do have a 5
gallon refugium I could use (your thoughts on
this)?
<That sounds like an excellent start, make sure to provide some flow,
and during medications you use be sure to make sure the water is
adequately aerated, although the powerhead may take care of that
depending on the tank you set up. Just make sure to pick up a test kit
and continually test this "quarantine" water and administer water
changes as needed.>
Am I off base in any way? Please point me in the right direction. Thank
you for your time.
<I think you have a good start to your research, and I would highly
recommend setting up a quarantine and treating your fish. However, both
of the tangs should be returned or gifted to another aquarium keeper
with a minimum of a 6ft tank for them to be kept in.>
Sabrina
<Good luck,
Josh Solomon.>
Tangs with White Spot (possible Crypt) No Information.
4/27/2009
hi,
<Hello Youssef>
I knew from my friends that your team is very helpful.
<Thank You>
I have 4 small blue tangs in a reef tank, one of them with white spot
<I need more information to be able to help you. There are three or four
different Tangs that are blue. Additional information such as size of
your tank and what else is in there is needed as well.>
what to do?
<Please reply back with additional information. You can also read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichartmar.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichart2mar.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/crypttangs.htm >
<Mike>
Tang health not quite right – 04/07/09
Hi Crew,
<Campbell>
How are we all today.
<I'm fair to middling, thanks>
I have a fish health question and I hope you can help. Currently I have
a C. Truncatus Bristletooth Tang in quarantine these past 6 weeks. He
has been absolutely fine up until now. What is happening is that he is
not passing solids faeces anymore, only a light colored liquid, he seems
very agitated but is hanging about in one part of the tank whereas
before he'd be all over the place. Also, he is twitching occasionally as
if something were really irritating him.
<Likely some aspect/s of the quarantine. Most likely either overall
stress or his reflection in the system side>
He has eaten all the algae from the back panel of the QT and gets fed
Ocean Nutrition Formula1, Forumla2, Spirulina and Prime Reef flakes as
well as OSI Spirulina and Omega Super Veggie Kelp flakes. Normally he
vacuums all this flake food up with apparent glee but now he has ignored
it and it's lying on the bottom of the tank.
<Very bad... I would move this fish to the main/display stat.>
He is a very young fish, I got him when he was about 1 inch and looked
for all the world like an Atlantic Blue juvenile, minus the blue eyes
and in the past 6 weeks he has more than doubled in size and is well on
the way to full adult coloration.
This change in behaviour and the liquid faeces issue only started
yesterday, until then everything appeared to be fine and there has been
no sign of any disease or infestation of parasites. He is not bloated in
anyway, just looks nice and plump like a normal healthy Tang.
Can you shed any light on what may be his problem, especially the liquid
faeces thing?
Thanks in advance,
Campbell
<Move this fish now. Bob Fenner>
Sick blue tang =(
Tang Disease, (Over)Stocking, Reading, Little
Useful Information 2/25/2009
Hay I just have a quick
question about blue tangs
<Hi Jake, which "Blue Tang" are we talking
about, the Powder Blue (A. leucosternon), the Pacific
Blue\Regal\Palette\Hippo Tang (P. hepatus), the Atlantic Blue Tang (A.
coeruleus), or one of the other Tangs that happen to be blue in color?>
I bought a nice looking blue tang last week he was doing fine but when I
was cleaning I accidently knocked the rocks and it all came crashing
down.
<OUCH!>
I was really worried but luckily the fish survived
and as I expected the blue tang got white spot which didn’t surprise me
and today when I saw him he had lost some of the white spot but looks
really sick and faded with rapid gill movements I was wondering what I
can do to help him.
<Why would a fish getting white spot NOT
surprise you? How long was the fish quarantined, and how big is it?
Acanthurus Tangs generally do not do well in captivity under three
inches. The Powder Blue is a difficult fish to keep under the best of
circumstances, as it is prone to disease, and the Atlantic Blue Tang
seems to be a regular carrier of Ich\Crypt>
I have a UV sterilizer
and I tested the water and that’s all I check.
<...and the testing
results were?...>
The tank is only 50 gallons but he’s only small and
I will be getting a much bigger tank very soon I keep him with:
Yellow Tang, <Can be aggressive\territorial>
Flame Hawk fish, <Future
Trigger food.>
Wrasse, <What kind?>
2 Clark’s Clown fish,
<Potentially aggressive and territorial, especially in such a small
space, future Trigger food.>
a very small Damsel, <Another
potentially aggressive, highly territorial fish, also future Trigger
food>
and a very friendly bruiser Trigger. <.?.. What kind of
Trigger? Do realize that Triggers get BIG and MEAN. It may be friendly
now, it is not likely it will stay that way.>
I know my tank is way
too small but my new tank will be about 150 gallons
<If you are
getting a new tank, why buy all of these fish now? Also, with your
stocking list, 150 gallons is probably too small>
All the fish get on
good except the yellow tang can be a bit bossy to the blue tang
<I'm
not surprised, just wait until the Trigger grows up a bit.>
<Jake,
this tank is grossly overstocked with some very inappropriate fish. I'm
suspecting your Tang was not quarantined; this, coupled with the fact
some of the blue Tangs I mentioned above are as close to an "Ich Magnet"
as possible, and being kept with fish that are "bullies", and a poor
diet, probably pushed this fish over the edge. You are going to have to
get the blue Tang out of the main tank and into a hospital\quarantine
tank and then observe\treat for disease as required. You are now going
to have to keep a close eye on the rest of your livestock to make sure
none of them get it as well.>
And another thing, the blue tang
doesn’t eat the Nori that I give to the other fish but he loves brine
shrimp and mysis shrimp is he getting sick from a lack of nutrients?
<If it is a young fish, it needs to learn to eat Nori, as it is not
"natural". Given enough time and assuming it survives, it will learn to
eat it. Brine shrimp are good to help teach a fish to accept a captive
diet, but are about as nutritional as popcorn. Mysis shrimp are much
better. You may want to try adding some other greens like algae flakes
or "Emerald Entrée".>
Any info would be great
<Start reading here
for Tangs: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangs,.htm , here for Triggers:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/triggers/index.htm , and here
for anything and everything about disease, quarantine etc:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mardisindex.htm
Jake
<Mike>
Lipstick Tang Quarantine --Naso Tang Quarantine - 11-12-08
Crew,
<Mike here tonight>
I have so appreciated all your help with
my tanks throughout the years.
<Glad to have helped!>
I am
scheduled to pick up a new Naso tang from the LFS this afternoon. I was
wondering about the benefits/problems with quarantine in my situation.
I have a 20 gal QT and I am not sure if it would be more stressful than
it is worth to put a 4" naso in such a small QT. My 180 display tank is
very lightly stocked at this point and I am considering just doing a
fresh water dip and adding him to the display so that I don't subject
him to the stress of a tiny environment. Would you or would you not
place the Naso in the QT?
<Would definitely quarantine - tangs are
notoriously crypt ridden. At least treat prophylactically for crypt for
at least 10 days if you want to shorten the quarantine time>
Thanks
again for all your help,
<Anytime - pay me back by participating in
our newly revamped forums!
bb.wetwebmedia.com>
<<Um, no "pay
back" necessary... but if desired, please do support us by visiting our
sponsors. -Sara M.>>
Joe
<M. Maddox>
Yellow Tang 11/04/08
Hi WWM crew, I appreciate your time
and effort in responding to reefers questions. Thank you.
<On
behalf of the team, your welcome>
This is my first time posting,
so I have a 65 g and its been running fine for 4 months. I currently
house a 2" yellow tang and a 2" hippo
tang, and I plan on
upgrading to a larger one once they get bigger.
<What other
inhabitants do you have that may be picking on the fish?>
I've
had the yellow tang for 2 months and its been beautiful, I feed him
green nori and red algae, brine shrimp and Cyclopeeze.
<Sounds
good, but I would personally switch out the brine shrimp for mysis
shrimp. They are more nutritious. Brine shrimp have the nutritional
value of cotton candy>
One night the yellow tang turned pale, but
it was fine since then.
<They do turn different colors at
night.>
Its dorsal & pectoral fins are starting to have some
ragged edges, and doesn't seem to be very healthy. Ammonia - 0,
nitrite - 0, nitrates - 5, ph - 8, kh - 10, calcium - 450, magnesium
- 1350, am I missing an important parameter? Do I need to test for
phosphates?
<As a precaution and to start a good habit, I say
yes. Phosphate development in reefs is something you should keep an
eye on. But I don't think it would cause any issues with your little
fishy here>
Here's a picture in Sept- no rugged edges on fins, no
marks on face -<<see below>>
Here's a picture in NOV - rugged
edges on fins, and face is losing colour <<see below>>
Please
Advise
<It doesn't look like your water parameters are to blame,
I would first assume that there was something fighting and nipping
at it. Are the tangs getting along? Secondly I would worry about
poor nutrition (as far as I can see in the pics the little guy is
very thin) or some sickness. I would watch for any aggression and
supplement the feeding with garlic soaked spectrum pellets to make
sure that he's getting all the nutrition needed>
Derek
<Jessy> |   |
Blue hippo tang and powder brown tang, hlth. 9/28/08
I recently noticed my blue hippo tang scratching the left side of his
face on a rock. Upon looking at him close I notice three micro white
bumps all in a exact straight line, needle point size,
<Mmm, most
likely evidence of neuromast destruction... aka HLLE>
and same on my
powder brown tang but he is not scratching, what do you suggest? They
are both swimming great and eating like crazy between Green algae and
brine shrimp, blood worms, and krill.
Troy
<Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/HLLESWCauseF.htm
and the linked files above.
Bob Fenner> power brown and blue hippo tang, dis.,
reading 10/1/08
I have powder brown and blue
hippo tang that were both seen scratching so I took a closer look and
saw very few salt like granules on their bodies looks like crypt but not
sure. Does crypt look anything like HLLE?
<Mmm, not really... the
latter can be evidenced by small, discrete whitish dots, but is almost
always symmetrical, in a pattern, masking the "pit organ system" of the
fish>
Last night looked worse than today, should I just raise heat
and lower Salinity or get them out of tank and do a fallow as soon as
possible?
<... you should read>
I also have a clown tang, a
porcupine puffer, and a clownfish with no problems that I can see all
fish are eating great and swimming great in a 100 gallon tank 60 pounds
live rock.
<... a pic might help here... Otherwise look at ours.
Peruse here: http://wetwebmedia.com/mardisindex.htm
And reading re
the species you're keeping... the Clown and Powder Brown Tangs are very
susceptible to protozoan and environmental troubles... as you'll see,
are seeing. Bob Fenner> Re: Blue hippo tang and powder
brown tang... and other copper sensitive fishes – 10/5/08
I
diagnosed my fish of having crypt. I have put all fish in a 35 gallon
plastic container, and letting the tank go fallow. I am treating with
copper ( Cupramine). I am having a heck of a time keeping the ammonia
down. I am using ammo lock and Kordon Amquel plus and doing daily water
changes almost need to do it twice a day. There is a blue hippo(3
inches), a powder brown(4 inches), a Porcupine puffer(5 inches), and a
Foxface(3 inches). I feed real lightly. Can you suggest any other good
ammonia remover? Also after five days of copper treatment (keeping the
level at .50) the whole inside of the black plastic container was lined
with tons of white like elongated salt like substance they are real easy
to brush off any ideas what this my be?? I will try to get a pic if it
forms again before I remove it.
Troy
<... wouldn't treat these
fishes with copper... read re Chloroquine... quick. BobF>
re: Blue hippo tang and powder brown tang 10/6/08
Where can
I find this stuff I can't find any place on the web to buy it?
Thanks,
Troy
<...? I see it in many places putting in the term:
"Chloroquine for sale". B> Powder blue quarantine
9/20/08
Hi Crew
<Wayne>
Couldn't find an answer to my
question on the site. Hope you can help me out.
<Me too>
I just
bought a 4" PBTang...been at the LFS for 2 weeks and looks healthy.
Have him in a 40 gal QT. My question is about feeding. I plan to feed
dried Nori, red algae, and Gracilaria (all soaked in Selcon)..as well as
occasional Form 1 & 2 pellets, and New life Spectrum pellets. I also
have this "Jungle" anti-bacteria pellet fish food. I've read about the
beneficial bacteria that reside in the guts of PBTs. Based on
this....should I not feed this anti-bacterial food?
<Mmm, don't think
this will be an issue. The infauna of use are actually Protozoans
mostly>
What if the fish displays a bacterial infection...would you
still not feed this food?
<Such "infections" are actually exceedingly
rare... How to put this a bit differently than usual... By the time such
microbes "show up" it is almost always too late... they're mainly
decomposers, not pathogens per se>
Thanks a ton. You guys/gals are
great!
<Mmm, myself, fair to middling. Cheers, BobF>
Sick tang, social, env., Acanthurus... 08/28/08
Hello
Crew,
Thank you for all your help in the past, it has been
invaluable.
I noticed about a week ago my Orange Shoulder Tang
was getting a few "discolored spots" on his body.
<I see this>
It seemed to be getting worse by the day until today it seems as if
it has covered most of his body with the exception of fins and head.
It doesn't appear to have a texture or any depressions/lesions. Each
spot just seems to have a lighter coloration than what is normal. I
looked in The Conscientious Aquarist and on this site, but am still
uncertain. I have included a pic taken this am. None of my other
fish are affected (as of yet). Any thoughts?
<Something
environmental... psychological perhaps...>
125 g reef tank
sg-10.25
calcium- 450
KH- 9
nitrate- 0
nitrite- 0
ammonia- 0
phosphate- 0
1 Blue Chromis - Chromis viridis
1
Green Clown Goby - Gobiodon histrio
2 Pajama Cardinals -
Sphaeramia nematoptera
4 Blue Streak Cardinals - Apogon
leptacanthus
2 Firefish Gobies - Nemateleotris magnifica
2
Saddleback Clownfish - Amphiprion Polymnus
1 Sixline Wrasse -
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
1 Lawnmower Blenny - Salarias
fasciatus
1 Dusky Jawfish - Opistognathus whitehurstii
<These
three above may be harassing this fish>
1Royal Gramma- Gramma
loreto
1 Dejardin's Tang - Zebrasoma desjardinii
1 Orange
Shoulder Tang - Acanthurus olivaceus
1 Chocolate Mimic Tang -
Acanthurus pyroferus
1 Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma flavescens
<Or
these other Acanthurids>
----------
20 fish total
<Too
much, mix for this volume...>
thanks in advance,
Alan
<I
would definitely be moving this fish elsewhere... Someone/s' bugging
it too much. Bob Fenner> |
 |
TWA Tang hlth. w/ copper... using WWM 8/17/08
Hello, I need
your help, I have a small Atlantic blue tang that's breathing very fast.
<Acanthurus coeruleus... not easily kept as individuals, in small
hobbyist settings...>
I had it for about 2 months now. I just
recently tried treating it with copper
<...>
thinking it has ich
in it gills. but stopped the treatment after 3 days because the tang was
looking really bad. Look like the tang was stoned laying on it's side.
It was really slow and sluggish.
<... had you read>
I was
concerned about the tang getting too much copper in it's system. After I
stopped the copper the tang now won't eat but before the treatment he
was eating really good. what do you thing I can do. I do 2 gallon water
change every day. Any suggestions?
Thanks JOE
<For you to start
reading... on WWM re Copper use and Tangs at least... Do I have to do
what you should have already? Start here... and soon:
http://wetwebmedia.com/crypttangs.htm
and the linked files above...
Bob Fenner...>...>...> Tang In Trouble (Mystery
Malady or???) 7/13/08
Hi,
<Hey there! Scott F. in
today!>
I have had a Hippo tang for about 6 weeks. Three weeks in
quarantine; three weeks in the main tank (95 gal; asst corals; several
misc. fishes).
<I commend you on embracing a quarantine procedure!>
Since I placed it into the main tank, he has been mostly hiding in the
live rock, with an occasional venture outsides this protection. For the
past few days, he has been very lethargic. If finally have been able to
"capture' him and place him in a QT. He is on the verge of death, but I
would like to do whatever I can to save him.
Any suggestions?
Thanks, Fred
<Well, Fred, general lethargy can be the result of many
different potential issues, ranging from poor environmental factors to
disease. You'll have to do some detective work and ask yourself some
questions here. I don't have much to go on. I'm assuming that the fish
was eating well and showing no signs of illness during the quarantine
period, correct? It is not uncommon for a fish to hide for some period
of time upon introduction to his/her new home. However, for the fish to
be in such severe state of lethargy, there must be something else going
on. Is there a "bully" in your aquarium that is harassing this fish? Are
all primary environmental parameters (temperature, specific gravity, pH,
ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) within acceptable limits? Is this the only
fish in the aquarium that is acting in such a lethargic manner? Are
there any other telltale signs of disease, such as rapid breathing,
discoloration, excessive mucus, bumps, spots, or other obvious body
traumas? Has the fish been eating with any degree of regularity? I think
that you're going to have to remove this fish for closer observation and
possible treatment, if there is a disease to treat.
Quiet conditions
and stable environmental parameters in the quarantine aquarium may help
bring this fish back, but it is hard to know. Administering a vitamin
product, such as Vita Chem, into the quarantine aquarium's water, might
help perk the fish up a bit. Before you begin bombarding the fish with
drugs, it's important to know what's going on, of course. Like I mention
above, it's really tough to diagnose this fish based on the information
that you described. I'd key in on either some illness, or obvious trauma
as a culprit. If the condition was caused by environmental factors, the
other fishes in the aquarium would have showed signs. If it is an
obvious disease, such as Ich, there likely would be other fishes
affected. In the end, you're going to have to get this fish into a
quarantine aquarium and observe him/her closely before deciding on your
next course of action. Sorry I cannot give you more specific advise, but
I hope that the questions that I asked, and the fish health resources
here on WWM, help you use deduction to determine what is wrong with this
fish. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>
White dangly things on Tomini Tang - 05/31/08
Hello!
<Howzit>
I have a little problem (hopefully little). I came home
from work today I noticed 3 white little dangly things hanging off
my Tomini Tang. There are two to the upper right of the eye, and one
to the lower right of the gill. Sorry, this is the best pic I can
get - Ernie is a fast little bugger! They look like little bits of
white thread about 2-3 mm long.
My 6 month old tank is a 125 gal
FOWLR (to be reef in another 6 or so months). Its stocked w/ the
tang (I've had him since the beginning of March), 3 Randal's
Damsels, 1 Oblique Lined Dottyback, 45 or so snails (Cerith,
Nassarius, Astrea), 45 hermits and 2 Mithrax crabs. The damsels and
Dottyback are the newest additions (3 weeks in display after 4 weeks
in qt). As of yesterday all appeared healthy. Last night parameters
were: SG - 1.025, temp - 80.5, ammonia - 0.0, nitrite - 0.0, nitrate
- 0.0, ph - 8.4, Alk - high (red sea test), calcium - 375. I did my
usual weekly 20% water change using RO water mixed w/ Tropic Marin
mix (let sit for 48hr before using). During the water change, I
cleaned my skimmer & fuge/sump. In the process of doing so, I
dislodged (accidentally) a bunch of Syconoid sponges that lived in
between my sump baffles. They were chopped up in the return pump.
Could these stringy hanger-ons be bits of sponge?
<Mmm,
possibly, but I don't think so>
I doubt it, but one could hope
that its nothing serious. If it is something more serious, what to
do?
<Punt... I'd hold off on all treatments, moving...>
I have
a qt tank, but its currently in use. My new Copperband Butterfly &
Longnose Hawkfish are qt-ing as we speak. They have 2 1/2 weeks left
before they will be cleared to enter the display.
<I'd place
them, per schedule>
I appreciate any help that you can give me.
Thanks for your tireless efforts to help us all.
Sincerely
Pavlo
<These suddenly appearing bits are likely spurious... will
likely dislodge themselves on short notice... Bob Fenner> |  |
ich tang? WWM reading?
5/28/2008
I introduced a new tang in my 8 week old 75 reef gallon tank on Friday.
He was not qted.
<... mistake>
He swims and eats, he's a little
shy though. On Sunday I noticed small white speckles on his fins. (not
his dorsal or ventral fins) well he's eating, and he doesn't have theses
spots on his body. I have a really bad feeling its ich. I have 3 chromis
and a scooter blenny that are showing no signs...yet. What do you
suggest?
<Reading. Start here: http://wetwebmedia.com/crypttangs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Black Spot on Atlantic Blue Tang 4/25/08
I want to first off say thank you for all the help you and your
website have given me. I recently lost my UV light for about a week
and was waiting for the replacement to arrive. During that week I
was out of town and when I got home I noticed a few things. One was
this large black spot on my Atlantic blue tang about the size of a
small pea. I attached a picture I hope you can see the spot.
<I
do>
I looked up Black ick but I do not think that is it. Do you
have any suggestions of what it maybe?
<Looks very much like a
"recovery area" from a physical trauma...>
Another thing I
noticed was since my UV had gone out I now have this dark green
almost black film on all my flex hose and my skimmer is working
overtime. Any ideas of this blackish green film?
<Microbes of
various sorts likely... will go with the lamp replacement>
It is
not on anything but the hoses and plumbing nothing in the tank.
Thanks Again
Brad
<Not to worry here... Bob Fenner> | 
|
Bloated Yellow Mimic Tang, 3/22/08
About a week ago I noticed my juvenile mimic tang is very bloated (see
picture attached).
<I see this>
He ate has been eating this week,
but did not eat anything this morning. I have had this fish since
November 2007. He is usually pretty active. For the past day or so, he
stays hidden most of the time. Do you have any clues as to what could be
wrong? Is there any treatment?
<Mmm, perhaps a gut blockage, could
be a form of egg-binding...>
7 month old, 75 gal FOWLR. Fish include:
Yellow mimic tang, imperial angel,
<Needs more room than this>
coral beauty, tomato clown, Sailfin tang, sand sifter Gobi. Water
conditions: NH4 - 0, NO2 - 0, NO3 - 4ppm, pH - 7.9,
<A bit low>
PO4 - .07ppm, salinity 1.026, dKH - 8.7
<I do see quite a bit of
BGA/Blue-Green algae in the pic as well... it could be that this
Acanthurus has swallowed too much of this... and is being
mal-affected... There are cases where the addition of Epsom Salt can
"free up" such apparent swellings. Do use the search tool on WWM:
http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm
and read
the cached views re. Bob Fenner> | 
|
Swollen mouth and funny tongue tang 3/5/08
Hi,
I purchased a
3 1/2 in clown tang about 5 days ago, when I brought him home, he looked
great, was eating well and exploring the tank. I have a 55 gal aquarium
<Too small for Acanthurus lineatus>
with the plan to move him into my
boyfriend's 150 gal aquarium once he grows a little larger.
<Oh!>
Today he developed a swollen mouth and almost looks like his tongue is
moving in and out of his mouth vigorously. His color has gotten darker
since this has developed and he has become a lot less active.
<Bad
signs>
I have done Ammonia(0 ppm), pH(8.0), Nitrate(10 ppm), Nitrite
(0 ppm) and Salinity (1.024) tests, I don't think any of those things
are the problem. I do have several different species of anemones in my
tank, including Condylactis, carpet, and a long tentacle.
<... not a
good mix. See WWM re Anemone Compatibility>
Could it maybe be a sting
from an anemone?
<Mmm, yes>
No other fish in the tank (pearly
Jawfish, 2 percula clowns) are showing any signs of disease. Any idea
what could be wrong with my clown tang? If so what would you recommend
to treat him?
Ashlee
<If you have another stable system, I would
move this fish. The more likely cause of the trouble here is/was
collection damage... shipping, what have you... Only time will tell
whether the specimen will self-heal. The prospects are not good. Bob
Fenner>
Tang spots 2/16/08
Hi Crew,
<David>
I previously posted ...but after over 2 weeks
the "issue" keeps returning.
<I see>
I have a 3"-4" Scopas
Tang that I've had for about 2 months. Starting about 3 weeks ago he
displayed flashing, periodic scratching, heavy breathing, then
several faint soft-edged spots just in front of his tail( in order
of symptom appearance). First it was only on one side, but within a
couple of hours it was on both sides. The spots progressed into a
larger "patch" made up of the spots. The patch/spots only appear
above his tail.( see pic)
<I see this>
I quarantined all of my
fish and treated with QuickCure ( Formalin & Malachite Green).
Within minutes of the first dose the Tang looked much better -
normal color and patch seemed less apparent, less labored breathing.
3 days of QuickCure ... filter in. Next day the patch returned (
approx same location)! Complete tank cleaning and 3 more days of
treatment. Again, Tang looked much better - one might even be
tempted to say he looked "cured". Again, insert carbon filter ...24
hours ...white spot, same location ...with labored breathing! Other
3 fish removed to a second QTank ( no signs of disease).
So, I've
started the 3rd round of treatments with QuickCure. Today is day 2.
<I would cease this exposure... too toxic, not likely to effect a
cure>
My question is ...is this Ich or Velvet or some other
nefarious ( I threw that in for drama) parasite? See attached
picture. The patch has been more distinct, but that's what he looks
like today.
Ich, Velvet, Other ...?
<Other>
Suggestions on
treatment alternatives?
<Time going by, careful observation>
A
beer to the one who successfully gets this Tang "cured";)
<Oh!>
A sincere thanks for your time and thoughts.
David
<This tang
is damaging itself by "flicking" the tang on this, its favorite
side... likely in response to its own reflection (internally, inside
the tank). Try placing a piece of paper on the side it seems to stay
most on "jousting" and be patient. Bob Fenner>
Re: Tang spots 2/17/08
Hi Bob,
No beer awarded yet ... but I'll put one on ice just in
case;)
<Ooh, stop teasing>
I will try the paper suggestion,
but new symptoms have appeared! The Tang has 5-6 quickly developed
individual soft-edged spots on one side of his "chest" ( resembling
the original spots just above his tail) and now appears to have
something ( not quite cloudy) on both eyes! He's stopped eating, and
over the course of the day the spots on his chest have gone through
a transformation from slightly visible to distinct and now have
diminished to the point that I can only identify (1) spot. I've
observed each morning he seems to look great,
<Am curious as to
whether these spots/marks re-appear everyday, grow in number>
or
at least good, but his condition diminishes with the day. While I
haven't witnessed any "jousting", his temperament could be
characterized as more aggressive with frequent bullying for a corner
position with the bi-color Damsel that was sharing the QT (these
fish have been removed to QT2).
<Good>
Sans tank-mates, he has
just been slowly swimming around the tank.
Also, I have seen a
marked improvement whenever the Tang is receiving the QuickCure.
<Perhaps akin to you gargling seawater for a sore throat...>
Each
time the spot(s) seems to retreat, color becomes vibrant and his
overall health looks to have improved - sometimes to the point of
"cured". Assuming I am up against a parasite, I dosed the fish today
and over-dosed ( 20%) when spots returned, monitoring for any signs
of distress. Several hours have gone by and again he seems to have
improved after receiving medication!
<Dosing... the
formalin/copper? Where? Not in the main tank I hope/trust>
Tell
me to "take my foot off" the QuickCure and I will ...but I fear the
beer might never be awarded:(
<Me too>
Thanks again for your
thoughts.
David
<Do you have access to a microscope... even of
low (a few hundred X) magnification? Facility of using? I would be
chary of continuing the exposure to the active ingredients of QC
with this or any other Tang, fishes period... If it can be
determined that this is indeed a parasite definitively, more
specific (less general biocidal) treatment may be proscribed...
Otherwise, I still stand with my non-high-confidence guess that the
root of the issue here is environmental. Bob Fenner> | 
Re: Re: re: Tang spots 2/17/08
Hi Bob,
The spots come and go, but seem to have a "life
expectancy" as they change throughout the day.
<A useful bit
of data>
I don't have a microscope ( put that on list of
things to buy next). However, the spots on the Tang's eyes
appear to be a small ( grain of salt size) soft-edged sphere(s)
with what look like tendril-like branching roots extending out
randomly.
<Interesting... perhaps a trematode...>
Spots on
the abdomen came and went and have been replaced by a new spot.
Several smaller white grains have appeared around its eyes.
Pectoral fins have a "moldy" look to them which also has come
and gone over the course of the day.
Unbelievably the Tang is
still hanging in there, but I suspect its life expectancy has
already been determined:(
<Am not generally subject to much
belief in pre-destinies>
Any advice ...a last ditch attempt
...some rare experimental medication recently developed from the
stamen of some endangered Amazon flower? The fish has shown real
heart ...I'd hate to give up on it.
Thx again.
David
<Where is this specimen again? If not in the main display, I
would make the bold move and summarily pH-adjusted FW dip and
move it thus. BobF>
Re: Re: Re: re: Tang spots
Thanks for the quick reply Bob.
<Welcome David>
...freshwater dip (ph adjusted) until any signs of distress or 6
minutes ...which ever comes first?
<Yes... aerated>
Then
move to display tank? I see where you're going with this
...seems worth a try. I'll let you know what happens ...TBC.
Thx.
David
<Should all be fine. BobF>
Re: Re: Re: Re: re: Tang spots
Good morning Bob,
<David>
As prescribed, FW dip about 6
min, then right into the display tank. Rough night ...but Tang
is alive ( see attached photo). However, it's looked good every
morning ... only to look horrible by afternoon and evening:(
Spots seem to have disappeared ...except for several on its left
eye. Small specks with some cloudiness.
<Patience my friend>
Lights out for the day... it couldn't possibly be something that
is part parasite with a photosynthetic ability?
<Not likely,
no>
Next problem ... eating. This fish is very thin and has
refused brine shrimp(!), Nori and an algae based feed ( Source
One?).
<Try Spectrum pellets of small size/diameter...
remarkably palatable>
?, the other 3 fish, False Clown,
Bi-color Damsel and a 3 Stripe Damsel ...dip and return home or
leave in QT?
<I'd leave them for now>
Here's hoping I need
to FedEx a beer to some distant state;)
<Mmm, what town do
you inhabit? What brand of beer?>
A sincere thanks for your
assistance thus far.
<Welcome>
PS - I have a Chiton that
I've had for about 2 weeks. I didn't QT for fear of it starving.
How does one, or do they, ensure that nothing "rides in" on this
new addition?
FW dip?
<Not to worry here... this planet,
life is not discrete in such vectoring/conventions... all is a
matter of "degree"... With other tendencies, influences in your
favor, all will be well here. Please take a scan:
http://wetwebmedia.com/mardisease.htm
This idea set is one of
my few important models to grant others>
If so, how long?
Thx.
<I would not FW dip most any invertebrate group... there
are exceptions, but they are but few>
David
<Bob Fenner> | 
Ahhh, mas mejor. RMF.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: re: Tang spots 2/19/08
Bob,
<David>
Do you have a cell phone number in
case something happens to the tang really early in the
morning?
<Heeeee!>
Just kidding;) Seriously, thx
for the great advice. I'm sure The Crew has saved
many... while educating the care givers on the diverse
habits and needs of all these wonderful LFS purchases;)
<It is indeed... a mission, a cause celebre...
expression of the desire to share awareness, inspire
other folks to appreciate, enjoy, have success... twixt
themselves and the living/aquatic worlds>
I'm located
in Western Massachusetts, 5 minutes from Amherst, MA ( 5
colleges - Amherst, UMASS, Hampshire, Mt Holyoke and
Smith).
<Mmm... a bit far from HI and San Diego,
Ca... But am hopeful we will indeed meet in proximity>
No matter the outcome you have earned your beer.
Address?
<Thank you, but let's wait till that time of
meeting. Knowing that you and your Zebrasoma have gained
is sufficient thanks>
PS - careful when you open it
as the contents were probably subjected to rapid changes
in motion;)
Paix
David
<Salutem dicit, Bob
Fenner>
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: re: Tang spots
Bob, today's pic entitled: "Tang foraging" ...evidence
of your successful guidance, my thanks ...and the Tang's
recovery ( I'm sure it thanks you also).
<Ahhh!>
If our paths ever cross I owe you a gallon of beer.
<Almost getting worth jumping on a cross continent jet!>
Now I'm off to click a couple of WWM sponsor ads;)
Sincerely,
David
<Congratulations on your success
David. BobF> | 
|
|
|
Yellow kole mouth problem 2/8/08
Just purchased a yellow eye kole from an online dealer. I know not to
now! Its mouth is stuck open and looks like growths or something on its
edges where it opens and closes.
<Mmm, Ctenochaetus do have some
evident processes around the mouth... but the mouth should close... This
one is likely damaged>
I read on wet web of another person with a
similar kole mouth problem and it was said to take action ASAP. However
the writer went to another subject of damsel fish and the ASAP action
was never discussed.
It was suggested that the problem was probably a
microbial infection to damage done in capture or shipping. My question
is what action to I take to cure a microbial infection?
Thanks for
Your help
Bob Carter
<Mmm... I really don't like carte blanche
infectious disease (probable or real) treatments with marine life...
Best to situate this fish in a stable, lots of live rock, and low total
bacteria setting (a newer, though cycled system, perhaps with a UV,
ozonizer...) and hope for spontaneous recovery. Bob Fenner>
Re: yellow kole mouth problem 2-9-08
Thanks so much Bob. I seem to be on the right track because I have moved
him into a two month old cycled system. I have put in Ulva, Ogo or
Gracilaria, feather Caulerpa and rock with much hair algae.
<Ah,
good>
Before I moved him to the newer system he spent much time
hanging out in front of my Hectors goby. Is it possible he was expecting
the goby to pick parasites from his mouth?
<Perhaps...>
It sure
looked like he was seeking help. Crazy thoughts I guess. However I am
going to put in a skunk cleaner shrimp in case it might help.
<A good
idea>
This animal {yellow eyed kole} is so beautiful and graceful its
breaking my heart to see him suffer.
Bob, thanks so much for being
there as well as the rest of your crew.
Bob Carter
<A pleasure to
"bear pain with you"... to be compassionate is to be human. BobF> |
Powder Blue Tang/Health 2/6/08
Hi,
<Hello YJ>
Im a newbie at this. I have the responsibility of taking care of our
aquarium while my hubby is gone.
<Hoping not for long.>
We have a
200 gal, water tested fine yesterday,
<Not necessarily indicative of
good water quality.>
temp is about 78. Yesterday my Powder Blue Tang
looked distressed, this morning he is way down on the bottom behind the
rocks and I think he is dying.
<Me too.>
I watch the fish very
closely every day for signs of anything unusual. We have a Yellow Tang,
Blue Damsels, Fox Face (looks stressed today). My Blue Tang has been so
happy and a pleasure to watch, I don't understand whats going on. Thank
you, Im glad I found your web site, very informative.
<I'm thinking
this is an environmental problem more than anything else. Your tank is
certainly large enough but tangs do require pristine water quality for
continued good health. You mention nothing as to your maintenance
schedule, filtration system, diet, etc. Need more info here to provide a
better answer. Do read here on the Powder Blue Tang.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm James (Salty Dog).>
YJ
Texas
Olivaceus Tang hlth 2/2/08
Hi guys
<B and L>
Your website is great and has provided us
with many helpful tips and suggestions.
<Our hope>
We are
located in Aus, and have a 10 x 2 x 2 tank, which we added a large
Olivaceus/Orange Shoulder tang to a week ago.
<Am out in some of
this species prime territory (Hawai'i) currently...>
He seems to
scratch and smack himself in the head with his fin and has had these
black marks appear recently (see attached).
<I see... typical
"break down" syndrome...>
I lost a tang which had very similar
marks on its body a few years ago. He is swimming and eating well.
Other tank mates are Blue/Regal tang, Lipstick tang, Sailfin tang,
Emperor angel, Blue Face angel, Blue Spot Sting Ray and Zebra eel.
<Yikes... I do hope this system is huge>
Testing all our
parameters I cant find anything out of the ordinary. Can you help in
any way, by letting us know what it could possibly be and how to
treat it?
Thanks in advance for your time.
Brett and Leanne
<As you state, this specimen is feeding well... I would introduce
and feed (likely exclusively) Spectrum pelleted foods to all the
stock you list... Please read here re:
http://wetwebmedia.com/foodsppt1.htm
This food by itself will
greatly bolster the immune system of the Acanthurus, and help to
lessen aggressive behavior/stress amongst all... Bob Fenner> |
|
Tang/Health 12/18/07
Hi Bob.
<Hi Lori, James with you today.>
I'm hoping you can help me. I'll start with a little info regarding my
tank. I have a fish only tank that I started about 5 months ago. I have
one Three Stripe Damsel, 1 Yellow and Blue Damsel and added a Yellow
Tang, Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, Chocolate Chip Starfish, and 2 Turbo
Snails approx. 1 month ago. My water has maintained good quality.
<What size tank are we talking about here?>
The salinity has been
kept at 1.021 and temp of 80. About 4 days ago I noticed the tang acting
funny (but eating well). He was scratching himself on the rock
decorations and the cleaner shrimp was going crazy cleaning him (more
than normal).
<Not good.>
When I looked closely I finally noticed
the black specs. Luckily I was able to diagnose him with black ich
rather quickly though your info website. I spoke to the aquarium shop
about freshwater dips and anything else I could do. I'm very attached to
this fish and so worried about him. She advised a 1 minute freshwater
dip in dechlorinated water at the same or slightly warmer temp as the
tank and that I should lower the salinity down to 1.016 and raise the
temp to about 83. I tried to adjust the tank salinity and temp over the
course of a little more than 24 hours (I think too fast). I then got the
freshwater dip ready at about .2 degrees warmer than the tank.
I put
the tang in the dip, he sank to one side then jumped up and moved around
then just under 1 minute he began to breathe rapidly and looked like he
was beginning to stress and I removed him immediately. The spots were
gone within a couple hours of the dip. This was done 3 days ago, and
since then, he has not acted well. The first night he would swim in
circles. He is not eating at all. He looks as though he has seizures
every now and then. He goes through periods of rapid breathing. He will
swim into the corner as if he is trying to bury his nose in the bottom.
I feel awful!!!! I'm beside myself and don't know what to do for him. I
did not let the salinity stay that low. Over the course of these 3 days
I raised it back to the normal level and the water temp has stayed at
82.2. By the way, with the change in the water, I killed my cleaner
shrimp. I woke up the day after the tangs water dip and the starfish was
on top of the cleaner. I was devastated and cried for 2 hours. The tang
and the cleaner were 2 peas in a pod!.... Can you help me? What did I do
wrong? I'm praying that my tang will pull out of this but my hope is
deteriorating each hour that he goes without eating.
What do you
think are his chances?
<Sorry to say Lori, but I'd be surprised if
the tang is still alive when you get this.>
Thank you in advance for
any help you can give me, or any advise so that I do not make the same
mistake again.
<Lori, tangs are not the easiest fish to keep for
starters. They are "ich magnets" so to speak. You did not mention
quarantine so I'm assuming the fish was never quarantined before going
into the main display. Do read these links and related files in each
link.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/YellowTang.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Tangdisease.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i4/quarantine/Quarantine.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QuarMarFishes.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quaranti.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Lori
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