Re: The Emperor's New Spots... actually old   11/24/07
Hey, guys, hope you had a good Thanksgiving!
<And you>
I wrote in a couple of months ago regarding my 7-8" adult emperor angel; he was displaying small spots of discoloration and I couldn't figure out why.
Of course, I don't expect you to remember that, so I will refresh. I've had the emperor for about six months, and he's been eating fine the entire time. I feed a very wide variety of food ~3x a day. I supplement this food with vitamins every two to three days. He's in a 265g and tank mates include a juvenile Koran, a flame, a semilarvatus butterfly, a fremblii butterfly, a lawnmower blenny, and a red sea sailfin. The emperor is the largest fish in the tank and nobody bothers him (nobody really bothers anybody for the most part, the sailfin and the fremblii go at it occasionally) so I can't imagine it would be stress.
<Mmmm, am not so sure... some specimens are just touchy this way>
There is plenty of rock work with a lot of caves and tunnels he can and does utilize. Tank parameters are and have been as follows: temp 78-80, pH 8.1-8.3, nitrite undetectable, ammonia undetectable, NO3, PO4-undetectable, dKH 9-11, Ca-380-420, Mg-1400-1500. Everything is good but the Mg, and I don't know how to get that down.
<Might be your test kit/s, possibly the brand of salt mix, supplements...>
I do water changes and keep the salinity at 1.024-5.
I only dose Ca and buffer.
<Look at the make-up of the buffer>
The emperor and the Koran have been fighting intestinal worms. The only reason I knew they had them is because I could see them hanging out of their vents. Neither of them is acting at all symptomatic. I finished dosing with gel-Tek about a week ago and it seems the emperor has gotten rid of them. I don't think it's HLLE that's causing
<Actually... got to interject... HLLE is not a cause... but a result...>
the discoloration because it is not concentrated at all on the head or lateral line. The other day he had what appeared to be ulcerations on his belly. They were white, not red, and were shedding mucus. They have since cleared up, but in there place is more of the discoloration. I have never noticed any mucus shedding at any other time.
Any ideas....?
<Something still amiss... Doesn't read as environmental, nutritional... Am still thinking it's social... If you could remove each fish in turn... I think you'd find it was either the Koran or the Zebrasoma here...>
Thanks in Advance
Ben
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Re: The Emperor's New Spots  11/24/07
Now that you mention it, that zebrasoma is probably the most rambunctious fish in the tank (along with the fremblii).
<It is the alpha animal here, little doubt... and I do hope to make some 1080 images with my new UW digital video rig of the Hawaiian endemic BF... am just out in HI now>
I am not attached to him at all, so I will go ahead and move him to another tank and see how it goes from there!
<Ahh, good... Should be telling>
Thanks again
Ben
<Cheers, BobF>

Angel Fish Question. Emperor beh.   5/23/07
Hello crew,
<Jesse>
             I have a question regarding my Emperor Angel.  I have had the small angel for about 3 months and I noticed this last week that he was occasionally flashing against smooth rocks on my sand bed.
<Mmm, "do this" a bit...>
  It was not very often and my other fish – Huma Trigger, Yellow Tang and Porcupine Puffer are showing no signs of stress.   The Angel is eating great and very alert, but this morning I noticed he seemed a little faded or blotchy.
<Also not something to be concerned about if it comes/goes>
I am not sure, if he has always been like this or if it is from adjusting to me turning the lights on in the morning.
<This and general "mood"... and communication...>
I thought that perhaps it was part of his change into adult form.  My specs are: 220g FOWLR, 0 ammonia, >.3 Nitrites (as good as the test will say) and 12 Nitrate.  Temp 76 gravity 1.023.  Just curious what the issue may be or if there is an issue at all.
<I doubt if it/this is an issue... as you state your other fishes are fine>
  I often feed him: Spirulina enriched brine shrimp, Mysid shrimp, plankton, small squid pieces and Nori . Most of my food I also soak in vitamins and the occasional garlic.
Thanks for the input,
Jesse
<I would not be concerned here. You might try a small cleaner goby species (shrimp are too likely to be consumed by the Trigger, Puffer) of the genus Gobiosoma/Elacatinus... in an attempt to lower overall stress here. Bob Fenner>

Rapid Breathing Emperor   1/19/07
Hello Crew.  I have a 3 inch emperor angel that I have had going on 5 months now.  He is in a 120 gallon with a 50(?) gallon sump that houses an Aqua C ev-120 (that has yet to produce any skimmate).
<Mmm, may not... your system may be in a sort of "balance">
The tank has vigorous water flow ( approximately 2000 gph).  The water tests out with 0 ammonia and nitrites, nitrates >25 ppm,
<Do keep this under 20 ppm.>
PH 8.1, temp is a constant 78 F.  I think the high nitrates and low PH are due to the fact that the tank is only 2 months old.  It has approximately 80lbs of live rock of the same age and 30 lbs of live rock from the previous display that is over a year old.  My angel has always had rapid breathing which I attributed to poor circulation and a possible low dissolved oxygen content in the old tank.  I believe that I can rule this out due to the fact that I placed him in the new tank about 1 week ago and the rapid breathing still continues.  I haven't completely ruled out a parasitic infection of some sort but believe it to be unlikely.
<Mmm, a myriad of possibilities... can even just be resultant from moving, shipping stress...>
My reasoning behind this is that in the 5 months that I have had him he has not displayed any other symptoms that one would attribute to parasites.  He eats like a pig (possibly over fed), never flashes or scratches, has never had a speck on him ( he is so bright and flawless he almost looks fake!), and other than the rapid breathing always seems very calm.  Which brings me to my next point,  he swims very oddly, often on his side and kind of floats through the water like a leaf falling from a tree.
<Good description... and entirely natural... Many groups of fishes "do this" sort of "crazy", "flotsam" floating movement (or even crazier)... thought to deter predators... from discovering them (camouflage) and predating them... "I'm not eating that... could lead to trouble">
  This hasn't really been a concern because I have seen this behavior and swimming pattern on almost every Pomacanthus imperator that I have encountered.
<Ahh, you are observant>
  The only other inhabitant in the tank is a 3.5 inch powder blue tang that seems to be in perfect health and breaths quite normally.  I would rule out any social problems that could or would cause this.
<Me too>
They get along very well and are in fact inseparable.  They sleep in the same cave and I have rarely seen them more than 1' away from one another ( almost seems like schooling activity)!  The angels gill movements are from 80 to as many as 200 movements per minute!  I am very worried and completely stumped on this one.
  He is sometimes very active in the current and that is generally when he breaths the heaviest, but this still seems abnormal.  The only thing I can think of is that this is a genetic abnormality or some sickness that is beyond my narrow scope of expertise.
<Good speculation... I would not be overly concerned here>
  I apologize for the long e-mail but have done so in hope that it would give you a clear idea of what I am dealing with and possibly allow a more experienced "reefer" to point out anything that I may have overlooked.
P.S. I am aware that if all goes well I will need to triple my current tank size to house these fish long term. I am looking forward to this!  I would also like to thank you for the great resource that you provide.  We are all in great debt to you!
Thanks again,
Jim
<Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Juvenile Emperor Angel - Stunted Growth?  11/21/06
  Dear Bob and Crew,
<Hey Claire, JustinN with you today>
  I bought my Juvenile Emperor Angel over a year ago.  As far as I can tell it has not grown at all.  My friend bought one at the same time, and his is three times larger than mine.  These are the African caught Emperors so they are black bodied, rather than blue.  Is this something you have come across before?  Will it grow at all, or do you think it has some growth deficiency?  I have no problems with any of my other fish.
  Thanks so much for your help
  Claire
<Well, Claire, this question is difficult to answer without any information on your setup. You give no indication of what size of tank you have, information on your husbandry, or what tankmates you are keeping with the angelfish. The way you describe it, without any further information, sounds to me like its growth has been stunted by improper living conditions. Have a read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/angels/pomacanthus/imperator.htm and do take note of the adult size of this fish (up to 15 inches!), and consider this in arranging living quarters. Hope this helps you! -JustinN>

Juvenile Emperor Angel That Won't Grow  11/21/06
  Dear Bob and Crew
  I bought my Juvenile Emperor Angel over a year ago.  As far as I can tell it has not grown at all.  My friend bought one at the same time, and his is three times larger than mine.  These are the African caught Emperors so they are black bodied, rather than blue.  Is this something you have come across before?  Will it grow at all, or do you think it has some growth deficiency?  I have no problems with any of my other fish.
  Thanks so much for your help
  Claire
<Mmm, there are a few (classes) of growth-limiting factors that might be at play here... Metabolite build-up feedback loops, social/negative interaction with tankmates, nutritional deficiency syndromes... Is the system "large enough", foods fresh/supplemented? Do you do regular water changes, use chemical filtrants, have adequate foam fractionation? I take it from the above that other species (not listed) are growing... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/GrwLmtChems.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Juvenile Emperor Angel Acting Strange - 09/10/06
Hi Crew, thanks for all the wonderful info you've posted.
<<Quite welcome...do take advantage of it>>
I recently purchased a juvenile emperor angelfish.  It was great, nipping on my live rocks, feeding on the pellets and flakes that I fed him after the first day I bought it.  Tonight when I returned and turned on the lights, it's slowly acting fanatically.
<<...?>>
It first swims back and forth along the tank and then stayed at a corner going at it with the tank (seems like it's either attacking the tank or trying to break through) Sorry for the poor description.
<<Clear enough my friend>>
At times, it even managed to stuck itself between the live rocks, I had to help moving the rocks so it can get loose.  I don't see any visual signs of parasites nor physical damage.  Finally, when I try to feed it, it doesn't eat. Please advise.
<<Mmm, hard to say what's wrong, possibly something environmental affecting the fish.  Check/test your water parameters...perform a water change...and if you can, move the fish to a quarantine/hospital tank (with dim lighting to help calm the fish) for closer observation and treatment, if required.  A do look through our marine disease articles/FAQs to see if you can find similar afflictions/treatments re.  Here's a good place to start: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/disFAQsMar.htm>>
Thanks,
Kwon
<<Regards, EricR>>

Emperor Angel Breathing   2/14/06
Crew-
Can you ballpark me for roughly how many gill respirations per minute are within "normal" range for an emperor angel?
<Likely 30-60 depending on what it's doing, has been doing>
I have a 4" juvenile owned for six months. Something just seems up with the fish, it seems visibly agitated in
its behavior (no other fish to induce such agonistic behavior -- no water quality issues, it is in a stable setup that has been up for 1yr+; temp 76,
ammonia and nitrite are zero, nitrate less than 10ppm), but manifests no visible signs of parasites or other maladies of the gills. With such little
info for you or I to go on, what type of treatment would be prudent to pursue?
<None...>
Please be specific. Please trust that I am not paranoid, and go with the assumption that something is indeed wrong with the fish's respiration.
<I'd assume nothing is wrong with it... this species, most pomacanthids do "just" breath oddly at times...>
I know this is an active fish, but even at rest something is up. I do not want to yank this fish out the display and treat in QT unnecessarily any more than you
want me to. But I am of the mind that if I continue to wait and wait the issue will hit a critical point and nosedive beyond my control. I understand these
fish naturally bear a parasite load, but respiratory ailments I am loathe to regard with ambivalence.
you all are the best (and your advice is free no less)!
Thank you for your time.
Craig
<I would take a cautious approach here... unless there is some dire reason to "fool with" this animal, leave it be. Bob Fenner>

Emperor Angel behavior   1/26/06
Hi Crew,
I have a gorgeous Emperor Angel ( 7" adult) that has been the dominant fish in my FOWLR since introduced 6 months ago.  The fish is aggressive, yet likes
to hide a lot.  It frequently makes grunting noises with its swimbladder as a sign of aggression.  It was feeding aggressively until 2 days ago.  After a
water change there was a bit of a live rock slide in the tank that did not injure any of the inhabitants.  I did my best to rearrange things back to their
original shapes but had to readjust things 24 hrs later.  I notice that these fish absolutely learn their surroundings to such an extent that even this modest
change resulted in some very inquisitive behavior in learning the new surroundings.
<Yes>
All of the inhabitants have finally adjusted but my Emperor still seems to be hiding quite a bit and comes out to look at food but does not feed.  I
see no external signs of disease in any of the fish.  Others are feeding OK. Any suggestions ???? Is this type of behavior common ?
Thanks Jimmy
<Is common. I would not be overly concerned here. This fish will feed, adjust soon. Bob Fenner>

Re: Emperor Angel behavior   1/27/06
Bob,
   Thanks for the advice.  The Emperor has started to slowly feed.
<Ah, good>
It is amazing to me how meticulous this fish is at probing every crack and crevice in the tank and trying it maneuver around or through.  No inch remains unexplored! The fish is literally relearning which areas can be traversed forwards, backwards, upwards or sideways and remembers. Until this is all memorized the animal lays low. The fish feels far more comfortable with low light and looks to come out under the cover of shadows.  As it is relearning its surroundings, its aggression has started to return also.  
<Good observations>
I know this animal is doing "better" over the past few months since its coloration has become even more vivid (i.e. the white on the face and "cheeks" has now assumed a bluish hue as opposed just white ) I have resisted the temptation of constantly tempting the fish with food.  After all I went through this past summer to acclimate this fish,( quarantine, crypt etc )  I remember that when I first put this animal in a bare quarantine tank for crypt months ago, it plastered itself to a corner of the 55 gallon QT and turned blotchy in color as if it were going to croak. I thought it was acting this way because of copper treatment or because of crypt infestation, but I was wrong since a few pieces of dead rock for hiding stopped that behavior within an hour.  The fish was actually playing dead ! My children laugh and laugh every time the fish grunts with the swim bladder since they call this behavior "farting." I only try to emulate in captivity what this animal is comfortable with in the wild. I can honestly say that observing this behaviour has been captivating, fascinating and a sight to behold. As for my children, ages 5, 7, 9, they think this Emperor Angel only eats beans.   Thanks for your help...Jimmy  
<Heee! Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Imperator Angel   1/13/06
Hi Crew,<Hello>   I have an Imperator Angel for about 3 months now but he basically hides in the rocks all the time only coming out to eat which he does well. He is the biggest fish in the tank. I was wondering if this is normal behavior for this fish? <Imperators are not generally shy but do like having caves/tunnels as a retreat.  May be other distractions in the area causing this.  James (Salty Dog)>

One Gill Fish?  Or One Fish Gill?  Like Breathing With One Lung 10/7/05
In my many years of 'fishing' I have never seen this happen & could not find it on your (awesome) web site.
<There are a few accounts of this there, of Pomacanthids>
I noticed last night my Emperor Angel is only using one of his gills ! The left side appears to be closed (stuck?)
<No... is "on purpose", sympathetic nervous control>
He seems to be swimming and eating normally, at least for the time being. I don't know what could have caused this and is there anything I can do?? Don't want to stress the fish .
Any advice is greatly appreciated .
Thanks, Carol
<"Don't panic" as Doug Adams might write... Will be fine. Bob Fenner> 

Emperor Angel Behavior
>Hi Crew,
>>Hello.
>How are you guys?
>>Doing very well, myself, thank you.
>Quickie, my emperor seems to be irritated by something dashing, scratching, getting aggressive but when I come close to the tank he swims towards me and behaves normally.
>>Aggressive? With what/whom?
>I've had this guy for two months he is about 5 inches and starting to change color.
>>Aaah.. yep.
>His tail had a few white dots I think it's ick. So I put him in quarantine and started treating him with hyposalinity for two weeks.
>>What about the rest of the tank? Or did you let it go fallow? Two weeks is NOWHERE nearly long enough to fallow a tank for ich, though. Do search the site for "marine parasite/parasitic diseases", follow the links everywhere!
>Whitespot was gone and his tail was transparent again, well almost half is turning yellow. He is eating like a pig everything: Marine green, Marine cuisine, Mysis, Angel sponge, Bloodworms and Brine (Once a week).
>>Brine once a week? There's not really any need to feed it to him at all.
>Nori everyday, new sheets.
>>Sounds like an excellent diet.
>When I put him back to the main system he started scratching and dashing towards my CBS and the whitespot is back.
>>The aggression is natural at "this age", though he could also be attacking "that OTHER angel", the one he sees reflected back at him. The ich, however, is to be expected if you didn't go at LEAST four full weeks fallowing the tank (do search that, too, btw).
>The tank is 225 Gallons with following inhabitants:
4 Chromis
Pair of Black saddleback clownfish
1 Social fairy wrasse
1 Purple firefish
1 Lawnmower blenny
1 Canary wrasse
2 Sarcophyton
100 kg of live rock
I know I should put some biological cleaners, but here in Australia the cleaner shrimp is too expensive. They get , not my preferred cleaner, the cleaner wrasse once in a blue moon.
>>Neon gobies, mate. They also act as cleaners.
>My water: 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, 0.5 Nitrate, pH 8.3 and Salinity 1.022. Temp stable at 79F.
>>All cherry.
>I do weekly 10% water change, my skimmer is pulling one full cup every week. What should I do?
>>Well, I think it depends on how bad the ich is - it IS established in your system now, all it needs is a willing host (which, apparently, the other fishes aren't - implied resistance, yeah?). This fish is its "target", your feeding, good water quality are all helping ensure it doesn't get out of hand. If you can, consider trying the neon gobies.
>Could this phase because he is changing color?
>>The aggression, MOST definitely!
>My last addition (I think unless you have any suggestions???) would be Flame Angel. I am waiting for the Hawaiian shipment.
>>Don't see why not, the tank is surely large enough, Pomacanthids and Centropyge aren't going to tangle with each other (not when there's so much to EAT!). Of course, do quarantine, and I'd wait to put the Flame in till after the Emperor shows no more signs of ich.
>Thank your for time....Cheers - Dan
>>You're welcome, and good job! Marina