Gill growth
I wrote to you several days ago about what appeared to be gill inflammation in my juv. Chrysurus Angel. It now appears to be a growth of some kind.
<Is this growth asymmetrical, growing out and beyond the fish's gill area? Perhaps some sort of tumorous problem... and difficult to assess or do much with... except optimize conditions and hope for remission...>
The growth is reddish and is now extending below the fish's gill. The fish is still eating normally and behaving normally. Should I remove him from the tank? Change his food? Pray for the best? I just don't know what to do. I was wondering what course of treatment would be appropriate. Below is the information that I sent in the first email.
<I would do the latter, and none of the first two>
As far as diet goes, what exactly is the best diet for the Chrysurus.
Information on this species is limited. He likes to eat anything we put in the tank. Ocean Nutrition's Formula One, Prime Reef, Spirulina Formula, Lifeline's green formula for herbivores, brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, plankton, krill, the dried green seaweed sheets, and his favorite, live ghost shrimp. Should we add or remove anything from his diet? He is a voracious eater, and is not picky.
<A mix of all you are offering and more is fine.>
All of the other fish are ok now. No signs of ich at the present time. It is time for a water change, and I would like to know if you think it is alright to remove the copper from the system at this time. It has been about a week and a half since the copper was added.
Thanks for the help.
Dena Andrews >>
<I would stay the course you're on and hope for the best.
Bob Fenner>

Asfur Angel
I have a 5" Asfur angel in a reef. Its anal fin was deteriorating, but has stopped and is getting better. Now I'm dealing with ich, and cloudy eye. And one of the eyes has a pale ring around it. I'm thinking it might be pop eye? Any help would be appreciated.
<This is almost always a very sturdy species... From reading about your specimens condition, I'd closely examine the make-up of the systems water, set-up and maintenance. The root/base problem/cause here is not ich, not infectious, but the system itself... Bob Fenner>

Question on Blue Ringed Angel
I introduced two new fish to my aquarium about a week ago.
<Without quarantining?>
My Blue Ringed Angel seems to be breathing heavily out of one gill and not the other. He would not eat frozen brine (usually not a problem) but did eat some Spirulina. I am worried about Oodinium which has devastated a previous tank.
<That or gill flukes, but considerably rarer.>
Would you add maybe a 20 percent dosage of copper or wait for more signs?
<If you do decide you need to medicate, you should always follow the manufacture's recommendations. Partial dosages are usually not effective.>
All other fish appear to be eating and I do not see much aggression among the other fish.
Any recommendations?
<Remove infected fish to hospital/quarantine tank for additional treatment/observation. -Steven Pro>
Will Cuellar

Question on Blue Ringed Angel II
Thanks Robert, this is California so a hospital tank is a nice luxury that would cost a ton. (Power cost)
<No need to be run 24/7. Can be drain and put away when not in use. All that is needed is a sponge filter tucked away in your sump or display for transfer to the quarantine/hospital tank when needed.>
This being said, I do not think its Oodinium. The fish looks like it has a swollen abdomen and the others are good. I did remove it to another friends tank.
<Was his tank empty, or is it now infected with this mysterious ailment?>
We are going to try neomycin. However, I am being told that fish usually never make it from the swollen abdomen. This obviously is an internal problem. I have heard this could be because the capture of the fish. Have you seen any fish recover from this, what do you think it could be, and is neomycin the correct medicine?
<Neomycin is an antibiotic and would be appropriate for a bacterial infection. Nothing comes to mind for symptoms of a swollen abdomen and gill problems. I have seen a case of a nonsymmetrical swollen abdomen which turned out to be cancerous, no treatment possible, but verified with a postmortem exam. My best advise is to get a copy of Dieter Untergasser's "Handbook of Fish Diseases" and work your way through the easy to follow Q&A/flow chart for diagnosis. -Steven Pro>

Question on Blue Ringed Angel III
last question (Friend actually had a hospital tank)
<A good thing to have handy, a fish friend and a hospital tank.>
where could I get a post mortem?
<I actually did it myself. The Untergasser book discusses the procedure comprehensively.> 
I am curious and wish to know more. thanks for the recommendation on the book.
<Here are two more for you. "Diseases in Marine Aquarium Fish" by Bassleer and "Aquariology: Fish Diseases and Water Chemistry" by Gratzek and Matthews. I like Untergasser's better but these two are nice also. -Steven Pro>

Re: Injury to Blue-Ring Angel
Thank you for the personal response! I fed him this morning and he's eating just fine. One more question: Should I feed him Anti-Bacterial Flakes from Tetra just to keep him safe?
<A good idea. No harm>
It was half his lip and a very small portion of flesh below his lip. Do you advocate the use of vitamin C and what do you use on your fish for injuries such as this? 
<I do advocate its use (including for myself, other humans), and a full complement of vitamins in these cases. Preparations are made for pet-fish, but human-intended ones are the same>
I also read that puffers get
more aggressive over time, is this true? 
<In general, yes>
The Annularis is the dominant fish.
They are the only 2 fish in the tank besides 3 big blue-leg hermits, 2 conchs and 1 Astrea snail which I can't believe the puffer hasn't eaten yet (he is very docile for a puffer)
<Most are and remain so in captivity... given foods they enjoy on a regular basis... the Puffer will/would first eat the invertebrates.>
Tank Parameters: 75 gal. long tank; pH 8.2; amm., nitrites and nitrates nil; lights on 11-12 hours a day; protein skimmer runs continuously; dead coral for decoration; minimal algae but tank doesn't look "sterile"; phosphates are less than 10 ppm;
<Believe, trust you mean/t nitrates>
KH 125 MG/L.
That's about all the info I have right now. If you need to know anything else just let me know. Thank You for your valuable time and expertise.
P.S. What are your thoughts (if any) on Sano? My LFS. really tries to push this stuff for problems with fish. I've been in this for about 20 years now (I'm 34 now) and it really has advanced especially in collection procedures, for me less interference always seems to work best.
Also, I do water changes every 2 weeks.
<Have heard good things about this product, but don't use it. Bob Fenner>

Thanks
Mr. Fenner,
Thank You for helping me out with my Blue-Ring Angel (he had his bottom lip bitten off), He's totally healed up now and looks as great as ever.
<Ah, outstanding! Good to hear/read of the recovery. Bob Fenner>
Happy Holidays, Gary

Pomacanthus chrysurus
Hi Bob,
Its been a while since I have needed your advice, I guess that's a good thing. I have a question regarding a new addition to my tank a Pomacanthus chrysurus (from Africa), I got this fish from the Marine Center about 2 mths ago. It was about 2 inches when I received it and has grown about an inch since. While in quarantine, it developed a bad case of Lymphocystis. It's whole body was covered and I was skeptical if it would make it, any way with water changes and vitamin supplements (Selcon and VitaChem), it has recovered quite nicely. My only concern is that disease affected one its eyes, and it appears as though it has Popeye. I am sure its not because I can see signs of the disease still on the eyeball. 
<This too may well resolve>
The eye is swollen, and I am wondering if the fish could be blind in that eye. 
<Possibly... but as stated... may self-cure>
The other signs of the disease have been absent now for the past week and I was wondering if the eye just needs more time since signs of the disease are still present.
<Yes. Agreed>
Do you think the swelling will go down once the disease is gone or do you think the fish could be blind as a result. Is there any way I can help besides continuing to offer foods with vitamins.
<Not really... some folks might suggest adding other adjuncts to boost nutrition (HUFAs for instance) or Epsom Salt treatments... but time going by will likely do>
The fish is still in quarantine and I think I will keep it there for until it gets bigger as the stock in my display tank would hassle it (imperator angel in particular).
Please advise. Thanks Gill
<I'd place in the main system with live rock ASAPractical. Bob Fenner>

Re: Pomacanthus chrysurus
Thanks for reply, I hoped as much. The only thing is my imperator angel now changing over to adult colors and gave the chrysurus a hard time the first time I attempted to transition the fish to the main system.
<Yes... these two may well need separate quarters or a very large hobby-size system (several hundred gallons) to co-exist>
I had read of a similar scenario on WWM and you advised that the fish be put the main system, so I tried this, but felt cruel as the imperator was so hostile to towards the new fish.
<Less cruel than permanently being in quarantine... the improved, more consistent water quality afforded in a larger system with live rock will/would likely spur recovery>
I took the fish out after about 10 minutes. I figured being of like coloration and species was the problem. Also the imperator is about 6 inches and the chrysurus in about 3 and possibly blind, do you think I should try again. 
<Not unless this is a very large system (see above)... or you have another system to place it... similar marked/colored Indo-Pacific Angelfishes generally do NOT mix>
I could tolerate the new fish begin hassled for a few days, but I don't want the imperator to kill it, since all odds are against the chrysurus. There are plenty of live rock and caves, but the imperator showed signs of aggression I have never seen in it before when I placed the chrysurus in the tank. I was thinking of keeping the chrysurus in quarantine until it got some size,
<This will make no difference... unless the system is huge>
but would much prefer to have it in the display tank. The bottom line is I didn't do my research and I am having some compatibility issues here. 
<Yes...>
Any hope for these two living together?
<Not much. Bob Fenner>
Thanks
again

Re: Pomacanthus chrysurus
The system is a 125 gallons, but I am planning on getting something no smaller than 360 gallon when I move in a year. Could this be a temporary fix to the problem, considering everything else. 
<Again... unfortunate... not likely. I might try mixing the two Angels together one more time... following this stated protocol: catch out the larger resident specimen, place/exchange it with the Chrysurus... move, enlarge spaces with the live rock to "open" the structure in the Imperator's absence... wait a week and recombine the two in the morning, with the lights off on the system, around the tank... or when you can be around for a few hours to keep watch...>
My only other option is to
set up my 55gallon and place the fish until I get a bigger tank. My preference is to use the 125 gallon for now. Do you know of instances where these fish have killed each other or is the hostility temporary. Please advise. Thanks
<Many instances of damage and death. The aggression never ends, but can settle into tolerant occasional jousting. Bob Fenner>

Daddy's Little Angel...
Hello to all of you, I received my early Father's Day gift today, my second Blue Line Angel.
<A great gift- and a beautiful fish!>
I lost my other about a month ago to a bad case of ich. I communicated with Anthony during my trying to cure him and found out that I may have contributed to his early death. I noticed early on that he had started to breath rapidly so I gave him two FWD's w/formalin  then put him in a hospital tank with copper on day three. He progressively got worse and died shortly thereafter, Anthony indicated that perhaps my error was the administering of the copper. For my clarification, I was under the impression that just  pygmy angels were sensitive to copper and the large angels were more tolerant. Can you clarify?
<I think what Anthony was referring to was the dosage of copper...This medication must be administered very carefully, and regular testing must be done to assure that you are using a proper therapeutic dosage (not toxic, and not too dilute). If dosed without testing, the copper can have deadly effects...>
After a three hour drip acclimation my new 5-6 inch angel is in a 18 gallon quarantine tank. He has a reddish pimple like bump on his front  lower lip but does not look like an abrasion or blunt trauma. I didn't want to subject him to a FWD after his long journey thinking I could wait another day after he has settled in.
<I understand your reluctance to subject him to another, possibly traumatic, experience. However, why get him settled in for a day, and then subject him to stress again? If it were me, I'd do the dip ASAP, and get this stressful stuff over with sooner, rather than later (assuming that a FW dip is in order for this malady). On the other hand, without a pic, it's hard to visualize what this bump could be...parasitic or something else...? You'll really have to do some research on this on the WWM site to get a positive ID. In fact, before ANY treatment is undertaken, you'll need to really get a feel for what this is that you're dealing with...>
I filled his tank with water from my display tank and had the foam filter block in the sump for a week to a week and a half, do you think the foam block was in the sump long enough to be properly "seeded"?
<I think so...And, if need be- you can always add a bacteria "culture", such as "Cycle" or "Fritz Zyme", to help supplement or "kick start" the filtration if you are experiencing ammonia or nitrite readings..>
Last thought/question, HA. I'm thinking that I should just keep a close eye on him rather than subjecting him to a FWD and or medication. Any thoughts?
<We're on the same wavelength, dude! Observe and analyze, then treat, if required. Take it slow and careful, but be prepared to react quickly and decisively if the need arises...>
Hey there Anthony, if your listening! Steve Suniga
<Here is your shout back from Anthony, channeled through me.."<G>"...Good luck with your new angel! Regards, Scott F>

Blue Ringed Angel... hlth.  - 7/23/07
Hi Again.
I Just bought a 3-4 inch Blue Ringed Angel yesterday and have him alone in a 29 gallon QT tank and will be putting him in a 135 once QT is up in a month. He looks good but his left fin he wont use? Besides being damaged by a net what else can cause this?
<A type of behavior thought to provide avoidance of predation... "Don't eat me, I'm sick">
I used your search and didn't find anything when I typed in Angel wont use left fin. Also still seems scared and wont eat seaweed or krill yet. Didn't notice this when I bought him. I love the large Angels and would love to get one to thrive. I was told the Blue Ringed are very hardy?
<Amongst the generally hardiest>
I haven't had much luck with them after trying with a Koran and a Emperor. My girlfriend thinks Im pryraniod. I just cant seem to get these guys to do good. Thanks for the help! Rick
<Mmmm... better for you to read re these species... and all others... in advance of trying them. Please see on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Re: Blue Ringed Angel Help – 07/24/07
Hi Again from Florida
I wasn't paranoid after all. The blue ring angel I bought 2 days ago did have something wrong with him. His left fin he wouldn't use and got worse and this morning I gave him a dip in formalin 3
<... toxic>
because he looked very weak and was told to try this because it was some sort of fungus.
<If someone told you to jump off a bridge...>
I read your articles on Angels and you advised not to use formalin as a ongoing treatment but a dip only.
<Correct>
Mucus came off the fin and parts of the body after the dip. Is this a fungus?
<Highly unlikely>
I want the fish to make it but don't know if I should treat with antibiotics or copper or both at the same time?
<? For what?>
I didn't think he was going to live through the dip but did. He's slowly swimming now and stopping and laying against a rock now and then. Im very discouraged. All my water levels are great and have no problems with my Lions, triggers, wrasses, clowns that I raise but as soon as I buy a Angel or Tang they seem to get sick and I never make it past the QT stage. Im not ready to give up and have learned so
much from your site.. Thank You
<... environment... Compatibility... Read re these and the species you intend to keep. Bob Fenner>