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FAQs about the Yellow-Tail Blue, Palette, Regal, Hippo Tang
Disease/Health 6 Related Articles: The Genus Paracanthurus,
Related FAQs: Pacific YTB
Tang Disease 1, Pacific YTB
Tang Disease 2, Pacific YTB Disease 3, Pacific YTB Disease
4, YTBT Health 5,
Tangs/Rabbitfishes
& Crypt,
&
Pacific
YTB Tang FAQs 2, Pacific YTB Tang FAQs 1, Pacific
YTB Tang FAQs 2,
Pacific YTB Tang FAQs 3,
Pacific YTB Tang FAQs 4, PYTB Tang ID,
PYTB Tang Behavior,
PYTB Tang Compatibility, PYTB Tang Selection,
PYTB Tang Systems,
PYTB Tang Feeding, PYTB Tang Reproduction, Surgeons
In General, Tang
ID, Selection, Tang
Behavior, Compatibility,
Systems, Feeding,
Disease,
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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.>
Re: sick Hippo tang
Tang In Trouble (Part 2) 7/18/08
Hi Scott,
<Hello again.>
Thanks so much for your very interested reply.
<Hope it was useful for you.>
Addressing your concerns;
1. All other fish seem do be doing fine, eating well.
2. There is no apparent 'bullying'.
3. I keep a close watch on water quality and there is nothing out of acceptable
range.
4. Ich does not seem to be present.
<All encouraging signs, to a certain extent.>
That being said, I regret to inform you that the little guy has passed on to his
next life.
<I'm sorry to hear that. It's never easy to lose an animal.>
His color was not good and he seemed to be very thin. I really think that he
starved to death.
<It is entirely possible. Perhaps he was subjected to collection trauma, such as
improper handling, decompression sickness, chemicals, etc., which resulted in
his demise.>
In reviewing the entire experience, I think that I was premature in moving him
from the QT tank into the display. During the QT period, I was mostly looking
for Ich (knowing how the species is susceptible to such). He may have not
settled into eating well in the time allowed. Then the stress of another move
was more than he was able to handle. Obviously, this is only speculation on my
part.
<Yes, but you might be on to something here. Remember, the quarantine period is
not just for looking for disease- it's also for "hardening" new arrivals-
waiting for them to begin to eat and regain strength.>
However, I will use this experience and be certain that in the future any fish
must be eating well before being move into the main tank.
<Excellent!>
Thanks again for your help.
Peace, Fred
<Sorry to hear of your loss, Fred. However, your experience may benefit fellow
hobbyists, and most importantly, the fishes that we keep. Your Tang may have not
died in vain. Best of luck to you! Regards, Scott F.>
Sick Hippo Tang – 07/08/08
I was told on Reef Central to send you a picture and some info and
you might be able to tell me what is wrong with him. I woke up yesterday
morning to my tang growing a beard. Little white hair looking item's on
its body. All my water Parameters are good, and none of my other
fish are sick(2 clown's, 1 other tang, 2 chromis)
<... Your tang has "tang"led with something... Either a bristleworm or
such... or some other prickly critter. Not much to do here but provide
good care, and hope. Bob Fenner>
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Re: Sick Hippo
Tang... lunacy
– 07/08/08
Should I put him in a Quarantine tank? What are the chances of it
surviving, and contaminating other fish?
<What? Start here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm
RMF> |
Hippo tang with Velvet?
- 7/2/08
Hey guys,
http://www.zaita.com/Images/Hippo01.jpg
http://www.zaita.com/Images/Hippo02.jpg
<I see>
I noticed these marks on my Hippo today, she was fine yesterday. She
seems to have a scratch in front of them going up her body as well. I
thought maybe velvet, but I am thinking it's something more?
<Mmm, something different. Twere this Amyloodiniumiasis, all your fishes
would be dead>
Maybe she got stuck in a rock and had to wiggle free? It is only on 1
side of her body too.
<A possibility, but there is a much greater likelihood that this area is
resultant from a "brush" with the Cnidarian life in your system...
perhaps the Euphyllia just in view>
Tank is 125g, 12months old. She was first fish introduced and is now
about 15cm in length. No new additions for the last 12 weeks. She is
housed with 2 Scopas tangs who she bosses around, a few smaller fish and
a CBB whom she ignores. She rules the tank quite happily. Her appetite,
attitude and breathing all appear to be normal. She is fed Nori,
enriched Spirulina and enriched frozen brine. She has previously had
white-spot but it was only ever 1 or 2 spots that left after a week.
Apart from that she has been a healthy blue tang. She was looking
perfectly normal yesterday too.
Thanks heaps guys, really love the site and it's an invaluable resource.
Regards,
Scott.
<Thank you for your kind words Scott. I would "do" nothing extraordinary
here. Very likely this area will heal w/in a few weeks, the fish all the
smarter for paying closer attention to the "decor". Bob Fenner>
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Re: Hippo tang with Velvet? -
07/02/08
Thanks Bob,
I kept a close eye on her that night and made an amusing observation.
The scratch running her the side of her body was also lined with
bristles, very hard to see without a good light and the fish moving
slowly. I am guessing she was jabbed by a fireworm (Eurythoe complanata)
and then as you have suggested, must've run into a coral.
<Ahh! Ouch!!!>
She seems to have healed up for the most part already, so hopefully she
will be a bit wiser in which rocks she tries to play dead against :P
Thanks,
Scott.
<Thank you for your further input Scott. BobF>
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My blue tang recently got
ich... no pic, data, or reading 6/10/08
Hi,
My blue tang recently got ich, it was a very small case of ich, but ich none the
less. It seemed to get better until we noticed that after a while the white
spots started looking less like ich, and his flipper looks like it has kind of
been eaten at in places. I thought maybe it was marine velvet, but after reading
up on it I figured that wasn't it. So I thought maybe it was fin rot, but after
looking at the symptoms it doesn't sound like fin rot either. Any ideas?
<... You're not joking? Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/mardisindex.htm
Bob Fenner>
Trouble in Paradise, Sick/Dying
Tang, Inappropriate Stocking 6/5/08
Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Your website
is wonderful! This is the first time I've posted so bare with me.
<Ok>
I have a 30g tank, 23 lbs live rock, 30 lbs live sand, 8 snails, 12
crabs, two tank raised Perculas (one obviously bigger than the other but
are still
duking it out),
<This never really stops>
1 chromis, and 1 Hippo Tang.
<This tank is by far too small for a Hippo.>
Water conditions are: temp 77,
pH 8.2, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate just below 5, spg 1.021.
<Would slowly raise the SPG to a more natural level.>
I cycled my tank with live rock for 4 weeks. Added crabs and snails at a
little over 2 weeks (sand and rocks were covered in brown algae). I then
added 1 chromis at a little over 4 weeks. Added clowns and hippo tang 5
days after chromis.
<Probably too much too fast.>
Everybody was fat, happy and eating Formula 1 flakes (this is what the
LFS told me to feed). This continued for about 3.5 weeks. Last
Thursday I noticed the tang rub on the rocks and saw what looked like a
couple bubbles on "her" but they went away. I didn't see her do it again
after that. This past Sunday she wouldn't come out of her cave and
wouldn't eat, Monday the same thing. Tuesday she came out but stayed at
the surface with her nose almost sticking out of the water and breathing
kind of heavy, still wouldn't eat (see attached photo). Last night she
would swim a little but for the most part stayed at the surface. This
morning at the bottom, belly up with "bugged out" eyes. After reading
through your website for many hours I'm thinking it was crypt/ich.
<Is common for this species.>
My question is: Do I need to do anything to the tank/other fish?
<Wait and see how badly they are infected, be prepared to treat for ich
in a hospital tank.>
I went by my LFS on Wednesday and was told "that's crazy Dory for
you. just keep an eye on her." Called them back today and was told she
must have been stressed. Asked them what I needed to do at this point
because I don't want my other fish to die and was told "I don't know
just watch and see." My neighbor also had a tang from the same store
displaying the same symptoms died two days ago.
<I would think about finding another LFS.>
I'm new to this and I have a very upset 4 year old wanting to know where
Dory is and why are the two Nemo's fighting! (also attached a picture of
the clowns)
Help!
Meghan
<Please see here for some ideas on what is going on and where you may be
heading. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nemoproart.htm .>
<Chris> |
|
Life is not a cartoon show. RMF |
Hippo Tang, hlth. 5/29/08
Hi WWM Crew
<Carol>
I consider your web site invaluable in resolving problems I have encountered
over the years. I am so upset over the sudden loss of my Hippo Tang and hope you
can shed some light on what might have happened. I purchased him as a 'baby'
over 2 years ago and he has grown and thrived.
Yesterday when I came home from work there he was, my pride and joy, dead on the
gravel. I was stunned. He had eaten the night before and showed no signs of any
problem. I immediately checked the water parameters and everything is fine. All
of his tankmates (1 clownfish, dwarf lion, goby) and my anemone and mushrooms are
all OK. I checked the tang for damage and could not find anything. He did not
have Ich or HLLE. I read Mr Fenner's book about changes in water temp, but that
checked ok also (80)
Any idea what might have happened to him?
Thanks, as always, for your advice.
Carol
<Am sorry to read/realize your loss... there are a few sets of speculations re
these "sudden death" events root causes... One that should receive credence is
that fishes, though they seem "adult", compared with tetrapods (the so-called
higher vertebrates) are not "genetically mature" as mammals, birds... and do
often (a relative term) perish from pre-determined coded flaws... Another
possibility here might be some sort of enhanced stress from the presence of your
anemone and mushrooms... these disparate Cnidarians don't "like" each other, and
their chemical warring does wear on fish livestock. Some input re this last
phenomenon and actions that can be taken to alleviate it can be perused here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompppt.htm
Bob Fenner>
Re: Hippo Tang 05/30/08
Thank you, Mr Fenner, for your reply. I have been in this hobby for many years
and thought I had it down to a science... and then something like this happens.
It is very discouraging.
<I do sympathize.>
You should know that the 'Conscientious Marine Aquarist' is by far and above the
best book I have read (from cover to cover) and is my bible when I look to
purchase my 'obsessions' : >
<Ahh! BobF> Blue Tang Problems 04/05/2008
Hi All,
<<Hello, Andrew today>>
I have recently been having some trouble with a Blue Hippo Tang in my 75gal reef
aquarium. It has begun scratching on the rock work in the tank more frequently
than normal, and has numerous raised bumps on it, about the size of a pinhead,
and a few of them are white. I originally thought it was Ich, but as none of my
other tank's inhabitants (2 percula clowns, 1 coral beauty, 1 Hawkfish) have had
any symptoms or odd behavior, I figured it was something else. The tang has had
this problem before, though not as badly as lately and those bumps usually went
away within a few days or so, but this recent outbreak has lasted about 5 days
now. My water parameters are pretty good, 0 phosphate, 0 nitrite, 0 ammonia, 2.5
nitrate, pH 8.3, salinity 1.025, calcium at 450 and Alk at 8, so water quality
shouldn't be the issue. I am inclined to think it is something fungal on the
Tang, and if so, what should be used to treat it? I have been soaking the food
in Selcon and garlic alternately to try to help out. The tang eats very well, I
usually feed Formula flakes, pellets and frozen foods, I tried to get it to eat
Nori and seaweed, but it refuses to eat anything off a veggie clip. Any advice?
<<Does not sound fungal to me, it does sound like Ich, and Ich that has not gone
away from a previous infection. I would suggest moving the stock to QT and treat
with hyposalinity and monitor all. More can be read here
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichart2mar.htm >>
On a hopefully unrelated note, I have been having some Cyanobacteria problems
for a few months now, it will grow on the rock and glass until I siphon it off
during weekly maintenance, and then grow right back. Skimming through some of
your files here at WWM, I read that the DOC's from frozen foods can fuel Cyano
growth <<Potentially, yes>>. I usually feed one cube a day, and until very
recently, hadn't decanted the 'juice' out of the cubes, would that be the source
of the problem?
<<Quite possible, yes. The juice from the frozen foods contain a high amount of
phosphate (even though some foods say they don't). Cyano can appear from a few
things overfeeding, too much light (lighting period), high phosphate and
nitrates, flow....One of these area's are providing the means for the Cyano to
bloom>>
Thank you for all your help, your services are invaluable.
Kindly, Daniel
<<Thank you for the questions Daniel, hope this helps. A Nixon>>
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Is an 18g Rubbermaid
container too small to quarantine a 6" hippo tang? -02/27/07
Dear Crew,
Just wanted to get your advice on this, as I have been given wildly
divergent advice on my local forum. They all completely advise against
freshwater dips even though I've read about it many places.
<Ah, this is the "problem" with forums. You never know who is answering
your question or how knowledgeable/experienced they are or aren't. But
they're fun anyway. :-) The freshwater dipping method is a bit
"controversial" and there are arguments on both sides.>
I am acquiring a 6" hippo from another local hobbyist and I still
debating QT/Dip methods. Thinking my 10g quarantine tank to be too small
for this
fish, I went out and bought an 18g rubber maid box to use for
quarantine. I am wondering, will this still be too small?
<Even if you want to debate the dips, it's pretty universally agreed
that QT is generally a good idea. 18g is a bit small for a 6" tang...
but it doesn't have to be a tank. You can use a rubber maid container,
just get a bigger one.>
Also, I have seen many times that Bob advises a prophylactic dip then
straight into the display to minimize stress for hippo tangs. Would this
indeed be a better method for my new fish?
<Truth be told, there really is nothing written in stone about these
things. Hippo tangs are quite prone to ich and this is an argument for
quarantining them. However, on the other hand, stress is a big "cause"
of ich. Thus, reducing stress as much as possible might help prevent ich
just as much or more as quarantining. Fans of quarantining will say that
quarantining should be done such that it doesn't cause the fish much (if
any) stress. But again, since there's so little we actually know for
sure, ultimately there's still a lot of guess work/intuition/empiricism
involved with these things. The best we can do is make sure are
"guesses" are intelligent, well-informed ones. Personally, I would
consider the overall health of the fish when you get it. If it looks
really healthy (no discoloration, no fin tears, vibrant, active, good
appetite, etc.), you might be less inclined to quarantine it if you
think doing so would only cause it unnecessary stress. But ultimately,
the decision is simply up to you.>
As for the dip, I have the 18g quarantine "tank" all ready to go,
saltwater is aged and aerated. If I chose to go the dip route, could I
just add Methylene blue to this tank for the dip? I was thinking that it
being saltwater, it would be less stressful for the fish.
<sounds reasonable>
The only other thing I've never quite been able to grasp with freshwater
dips is the acclimation process from the shipping bag to the dip
container
and then to the display. Am I right in thinking that I make sure PH,
temp and salinity correlate between the display tank and the dip vessel
and
acclimate the fish to the display tank then put it in the dip vessel?
Sorry for the dumb question, but it's something I've never quite
understood.
<Not dumb questions at all. It stands to reason that the fewer "moves"
you have to make, the better. So if you were going to do the dip, maybe
you should do it straight out of the bag, then proceed to acclimate. On
the other hand, the fish might already be so stressed in the bag, it
might be wiser to "give it a break" and acclimate it before dipping it.
Again, I would try to judge the overall state of the fish. If it looks
like it's really stressed out, I'd wait to do the dip (do it after
acclimation). I'm sorry I can't honestly give you a certain answer (no
one really can). Personally, I'm not a big fan of freshwater dips in
general. A lot of the parasites it's meant to kill/prevent are tough
little buggers that aren't likely to die off with just a dip. Or,
rather, it wouldn't kill off *enough* of them to justify the potential
stress it causes the fish. But again, this is MY opinion. And there are
a lot of varying opinions on this. You'll see even here on WWM,
different crew members have different opinions on freshwater dips. And
since there's simply not enough real formal research on any of these
things, anyone's educated guess is as good as mine (or yours).>
Thanks again for all your help!
Dane
<De nada and good luck,
Sara M.>
Re: Is 18g Rubbermaid
container too small to quarantine a 6" hippo tang?-02/27/08
Hi Sara,
Thanks for the advice. At this stage, I'm leaning more towards skipping
quarantine based on what I know of the fish. It's from a local hobbyist
who's had this fish for a year in captivity. From the pictures it looks
very healthy, although I will reserve judgment until I actually see it.
<In this situation (since the fish is coming from another tank where
it's been for a long time, and not from a LFS), quarantining might not
quite as important as not stressing the fish.>
The only fish I've lost in the short time I've been in the hobby has
been a hippo tang that I got shipped. Died of no apparent cause (nothing
external anyway) and so, I resolved to only buy locally and preferably
from an established tank. I've included pictures to see what you think.
<Looks like a pretty healthy fish... but as you said, I wouldn't be sure
till I saw him/her in person.>
IF the fish did get ich in the display, would it necessarily affect the
other fish?
<Not necessarily, no. But it would make the other fish more vulnerable
to it if they are stressed. These infections have a lot to do with the
overall health of the fish. Generally, healthy, happy fish under minimal
to no stress don't get ich nearly as easily as a stressed/ailing fish.
And some fish are just more (or less) prone to it naturally. If the fish
does get an infection, you should probably remove it and quarantine it
just to be safe. But lets hope that doesn't happen. :-)>
Fingers crossed,
<good luck>
Dane
<Best,
Sara M.> |
Fin Rot?
HLLE? Data? -02/20/08
Hello again WWM Crew!
<Mike>
I have an issue with our blue hippo tang. A couple days ago she
started swimming with her dorsal fin fully extended and it has
stayed that way ever since.
<Mmmm>
We've noticed that it seems that the spines on the fin are starting
to protrude now and the fin seems to be eroding.
<I see this>
I have included 2 pics of her from different angles (sorry about the
clarity but she is a fast little sucker).
<Shorter exposures if you can... 125th of a second... with
strobe/flash>
I was just wondering if you might be able to identify it and
suggest care/treatment for whatever it is that is going on?
<Root cause here is very likely either environmental, nutritional or
both...>
Is this something that would repair/regenerate itself?
<With good care/water quality, and feeding, yes>
I have been checking water param.s daily (instead of my usual every
other day) for the past 4-5 days and they are all perfect.
<... need data, not subjective evaluations>
She swims a ton and has been eating like a pig, so it does not seem
to be affecting her in that way. Nevertheless, I wanted to correct
this if there is something I can do.
As always, thanks again for the fantastic site, your help, and your
time.
Mike P.
<... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/paracdisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above... BobF>
Re: Fin Rot? HLLE?
-02/20/08
Mr. Fenner,
<Mike>
Thank you for the quick response. Sorry, the water parameters are:
ph 8.3, ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates reading between 5-10,
salinity 1.024 and water temp at 78 degrees.
<Mmm, these are all fine...>
As far as nutrition, I have been feeding spectrum marine pellets
(1mm) in the morning, and frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms at
night.
<And this is excellent as well...>
I will get to reading. Thanks again.
Mike P.
<I have seen such cases as yours... permanently erect unpaired fins,
hard/fin spines poking through... in tangs, other fishes... Most of
the times/instances, these do heal of their own accord... in weeks
periods typically. Thank you for the follow-up. BobF> |
|
 |
African Yellow Belly Tang
with large bump 2/14/08
We're having a bit of a problem with our African Yellow Belly (Regal)
Tang. We've had him in our tank for about 14 months (that was well
established when we added him). He's eaten like a champ from the beginning
(formula two, seaweed clips, brine and mysis, clam, Spirulina, garlic, a
liquid supplement to soak food in, and another frozen product that is made
up of healthy "greens" that we mix with the meaty fare).
He had a bad outbreak of ich, which we treated with a freshwater dip and
No-Sick Fish, product worked immediately, but he has developed a single
large bump on his forehead, that seemed to pop-up overnight. I thought it
might be from the ich, but it is blue (skin tone) and protrudes like a
unicorn's horn, just below his top fins.
He seems to have recovered from the ich, his color is coming back rapidly,
now this!
<The bump?>
The water quality is excellent, we've done several water changes and have
been very careful in monitoring our prize fish. He does seem to be more
timid than usual, I have attributed this to the ich outbreak, your thoughts?
<Perhaps the treatment... though NSF does not list ingredients>
Nitrates, Ammonia, etc. are at undetectable levels, temp. is holding steady
at 80 degrees, ph. is steady as well.
Any idea what this could be? I've browsed WWM, RC and contacted several
LFS's and still have no idea what to do. Please Help!
Thanks!
Kyel
<Maybe a tumorous growth of some kind, perhaps the expression of an embedded
parasite... Necropsying the bump area... sectioning, staining, looking under
a scope... is about the only means of being sure here. I would not treat for
this mass. Bob Fenner>
|
Sick Regal Tang
02/08/2008
Hi,
<<Hello, Andrew today>>
I have a very sick looking Regal Tang who looks like he is about to
pass away. Two days ago he stopped eating, and coming out of his
hiding place in the live rock. At times he just falls against the
glass and stops moving his fins and tail altogether.
The tank is two years old and at present houses only the Regal Tang
(about 4") a Yellow tang (about 3") and one green Chromis, several
corals , snails and hermit crabs.
I am trying to restock the tank and 2 weeks ago introduced a group
of 7 Green Chromis (quarantined for 2 weeks prior to introduction),
however one by one the Chromis have disappeared until only one (the
smallest fish, but biggest bully) is left. We managed to remove one
of the bodies but the others have not been visible in the tank, or
we have seen then being eaten by the crabs. Someone did ask if we
have a mantis shrimp in the tank which was eating the Chromis but I
am pretty sure it is just down to the bullying nature of that fish
that the others have died.
<<My initial thoughts did also lean towards a mantis hiding in
there. Any clicking emanating from the tank??>>
I did a 20% water change last week, because of all the dead bodies,
and the protein skimmer is working well. All the water measurements
seem OK Nitrite 0.05, Nitrate 10, Ammonia zero and Phosphate zero.
The tank is 4 x 2 x 2.
I have moved the regal tang into quarantine but don't know how to
proceed, he has no obvious signs of any problem except complete
lethargy. I have been feeding mysis shrimp, algae sheets and fresh
algae, lobster eggs for the Chromis and a bit of flake but he will
no longer eat anything.
Is there anything I can do?
<<Is the tang slow breathing? This is usually coupled together
lethargy. For the most part, not overlit good signs. It could well
be that the tang is suffering from a parasitic disease like
Amyloodinium or Crypto, but is not yet showing the external signs of
suffering. As its now moved to quarantine, I would suggest you keep
a very close eye on the fish for any outward showing signs. continue
trying to feed its favourite feeds, provide plenty of greens, with a
touch of garlic or Selcon. Keep a good water change routine on the
qt tank. Don't get dis-heartened about it. Also, what is the SG of
the tank out of interest??>>
For his sake I would appreciate some help.
Caroline Reid
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>>
Re: Sick Regal
Tang 02/08/2008
Thank you very much for your response Andrew
<<Hello again Caroline>>
SG is 1.022, and he is breathing very very slowly if hardly at all.
Am going to pop out to LFS now for some garlic. Is there anything I
can do to control parasites (will check the FAQ's now)? And is the
Yellow tang likely to come down with it also - there is a UV
steriliser on the main tank.
<< You could raise your Sg more towards 1.025..The best course is as
in previous email. Monitor the fish for any external changes, keep a
good feed regime and water changes. And most of all, stay positive>>
No there are no clicking sounds from the tank but with all the
sounds of the water it is difficult to hear anything else. I am
currently preparing water for a 25% water change of Q tank.
Caroline
<<Good Luck Caroline, hope all turns out well. A Nixon>>
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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>
Blue
Hippo Tang Question 1/17/08
Hi Crew,
<Dane>
I am new to the world of marine aquariums but have been immersing
myself in the literature this past month (including CMA - a
fantastic book.) Anyhow, I got a great deal on a complete 55g setup
with everything included, the tank is cycled with all water
parameters in order. At the same time I purchased and set up a QT,
and a week ago I purchased my first fish: 2 false perculas and a
blue hippo tang. My question pertains to this tang:
When she (I'm just using she for ease of expression as I don't want
to call her "it") first arrived she spent a lot of time hiding which
I found out was very normal. For the past week though she's started
roaming the tank a bit more, especially when she thinks I'm not
looking. She's also been eating garlic-soaked Nori and picking at
the clowns' flake food. However, today I got home and she seemed
paler than usual. I also noticed that she appeared not have touched
her Nori (it's normally all gone from the clip by the time I get
home.) She was also very subdued. Water quality was all fine.
Nevertheless I still did my daily water change using water from the
display tank. Have just checked and water from both tanks is good:
Amm: 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0, PH 8.4 (a little high I know.)
<Is fine>
So my problem seems to be that she's not eating and is now swimming
around the tank a lot following her reflection.
<May be a clue here... I would darken an end panel (place a piece of
paper over the outside) to rid this reflection>
Also, the paleness seems to be an issue and her breathing is rapid.
It just seems like a big change from how she's been acting this past
week.
Am I being paranoid?
<Mmm, no. Just observant and cautious>
I've included a few pics I just took to see if that helps you at
all. (Just the fact I can even get near enough to the tank to
photograph her is weird - normally she'd go and hide even if I
walked past!)
Thanks for your help. I've been using this site everyday to answer
questions I have and to supplement what I've gleaned from books. It
is such a valuable resource to have. Keep up the good work!!
All the best,
Dane
<I take it you've already read re Paracanthurus on WWM... but please
do review here re feeding: http://wetwebmedia.com/paracfdgfaqs.htm
I would expand the food selection and try soaking in a food
stimulant (e.g. Selco/n), ahead of offering... and be patient. Bob
Fenner>
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Hippo
Tang with recurrent Crypt 1/16/08
Dear WWM crew,
Thank you for receiving my question!
<Welcome>
I have a hippo tang (have had for 18 months) who I treated 1 year
ago for Crypt.
<Looks like with copper... resultant in the obvious neuromast
destruction here (HLLE)>
He successfully had 2 weeks of copper, other fish quarantined and
display tank fallowed for 7 weeks. Despite all of this, he
intermittently “breaks out” when stressed (change in environment,
power outage etc). Has 1 mm “white spots” for 2 – 3 days, then they
appear to cycle off and he appears clinically “free”.
<Mmm, yes... not atypical... Your system is infested still>
In between episodes he is lovely, with all other fish (2 pairs of
clowns and 1 mandarin) unaffected. Display tank – 300 litres (80
gallon), these 6 fish and various soft corals. Sp gr 1025, temp 26C,
pH 8.2, amm, nitrates, nitrites 0.
His last episode, he did not so readily recover from, actually
stopped eating (amazing as he is always ravenous), and has since
been returned to a treatment tank. He has been in copper (tested
twice daily and maintained at 0.25 ppm – never below 0.2ppm) – he
improved after a few days, then dramatically worsened and has
remained covered. He has had 12 days of copper. I have started
freshwater/methylene blue dips, which I think are giving some
relief. He is slightly better than 7 days ago, but is still visibly
covered with white raised 1 mm diameter spots – body and fins. Some
are larger – up to 3 mm diameter, most are small.
<Okay... though the copper is killing this specimen... slowly>
He is in a 60 litre (13 gallon) bare bottom treatment tank - too
small for him I know - am keeping ammonia down with 30 % water
changes 2 - 3 times weekly, and occasional Chlor mon to neutralise
the ammonia (your opinion on these products in this situation??)
<Can be useful>
His appetite is still great. RR is increased (approx 80/min) with
open mouth.
My LFS says it is not Crypt but continue copper.
<... Is very likely Cryptocaryon... Do they have a scope?>
I am concerned with prolonged exposure to copper with this Tang, and
also – what am I dealing with? I would value your input on this
case. Continue copper? -
<I would not...>
how long until I should expect a response? How often should I
freshwater dip?
<These won't cure the resident infestation...>
Should I try formalin dips?- how often?
<I wouldn't>
Should I skin scrape? (if so, how with a glass slide, and what
should I stain with?
<H and E... or any other acid fast...>
Any good sites for protozoan ID?
<None that I know of... look for Ed Noga, "Fish Disease, Diagnosis
and Treatment">
I think scraping would be very difficult/traumatic on my scatty
hippo tang .. he is crazy…easily freaked out…).
<... you could try a quinine route of treatment... but returning the
fish to the infested system...>
I have included some photos – difficult to capture, but they may be
of help.
Myself and “Big Blue” are extremely grateful for your advise.
I often and extensively utilize your website, and am grateful for
the knowledge, experience and wisdom found within it.
Thank you,
Kim Newell
<The best route (of a few) would be to cure the Paracanthurus... and
place it elsewhere... and resist placing any new fishes in the
infested system... Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/parasittkfaq2.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner> |
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New Regal Tang, hlth.
01/14/2008
<<Hello, Andrew here>>
I work at my LFS, a few months ago our marine tanks where wrecked by some
HBH balancing blocks, yet my idiot boss refuses to re-cycle the tanks, and
even worse, still insists on ordering new fish (and selling them while they
are entering the early stages of ich). Don't worry, one of us (me or her)
will quit soon. Anyway my question rests with a 2-3 inch regal tang (which
I've been wanting one for ages) who was ordered and placed in one of our
wrecked tanks, it sat there for days hiding and sitting lethargically on
it's side (to be expected) but it was doing it for longer than it should
have taken it to settle in (it also flashed quite a lot, ich?).
<<Sounds precarious..>>
Against my better judgment I took it home as I knew it would die a certain
death at work, it's currently sitting in my 50 litre quarantine with crushed
shell and coral + one piece of (very healthy) liverock.
<<Remove the sand and rock from the quarantine, just have a piece of PVC
pipe in there for hiding. Sand and rock can harbour parasites which will
remain, and the idea of quarantine is to keep parasite free for new
arrivals. Its also easier to clean after the quarantine process is
complete>>
It seems to be improving (since I brought it home yesterday) but the shells
+ LR are probably the worst things it could possibly be flashing against. I
tested the water with some tri-sulfa <<Would stop using this>> before drip
acclimatizing it, although I know now that this probably won't help a lot.
She eats like a machine (I've been feeding her some krill/Spirulina
granules) but still scrapes and hides on it's side under the (bridge shaped)
live rock most of the time.
<<Best advice is to keep a close eye on the fish, is it showing any signs of
Ich? It does sound like Ich, however, I would not pre-empt a treatment until
you can confirm this>>
The water param.s are (tested 3 days ago) :
PH:8.2, Ammo: 0, Nitrite: 0, Nitrate: 0, SG: 1.023-5
Once she is better I plan on putting her in a 55gal with 1 royal dotty back,
2 false Perculas, one green Chromis and a coral goby (suitable tank mates?).
<<Suitable tank mates, however unsuitable tank size, you ideally need 120 or
more gallons to house these fish. Yes, its small now, but these do grow
quite quickly in a well maintained system>>
Anyway my question is, is there else anything I can be doing (or doing
better) to ensure her good health and survival?
<<You're taking the right approach with the fish. Keep it fed well on a good
staple diet, maintain excellent water parameter and keep a very close eye
out for Ich. Hope all goes well with the Tang>>
Thanks, Oscar.
<<Thanks for the questions, A Nixon>>
White
patch on Blue Tang (Paracanthurus) 11/30/07
Hello WWM crew...
I have a blue hippo tang with white patches all over it's body (I
have included pics).
<I see these>
This has happened on two occasions. The fist time, it wasn't that
bad, and In asking advice from aquariacentral.com.. they suggested
that the cause was the tang not getting enough green's in it's diet.
<Mmm, maybe... not the greens per se though>
I then fed it greens, and it went away within a few days. Now, just
a few weeks later, it has happened again, except this time it is a
lot worse. I again went to AquariaCentral and they suggested that it
is stress (caused by possibly the damsel).
<Possibly a component as well>
I have a very tame damsel, and it never bothers the tang, however
occasionally I will see the tang chase it around, however it has
always done that. (5 month old tank) Here is the thread on
AquariaCentral regarding my problem:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131877
Tank Specs:
55 Gallon,
<This species, Paracanthurus, needs more room than this...>
1 Blue Damsel, 1 Blue Hippo Tang, 1 Yellow Watchman Goby, 1 Hi-fin
Goby, 1 Banggai Cardinal, 2 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, 3 Sexy
Anemone Shrimp, 1 Sand Sifting Sea Star, 1 Serpent Sea Star, 1
Brittle Sea Star,
<What species? If Ophiarachna in particular, this animal could be
over-stressing the Paracanthurus by night>
various crabs/snails for a clean up crew
Water parameters are all fine (0 Ammonia/0 Nitrite/ 15-20 Nitrate).
<This is borderline... too high... another source of stress... the
real "cause" here>
Do you believe that it is stress that is causing the tang to produce
these white patches?
<Yes>
Currently the patches are starting to fade, however I wish to try to
prevent this problem from happening again...
Thank You!
-Jessica
<This is a "good" email in that you've provided most all the useful,
pertinent info... A few "things" would help here... A larger system,
the addition of a living sump (refugium), the culture of macroalgae
there and its feeding to the tang, perhaps the addition of "mud"...
This is a HUGE amount of material to introduce to you... not knowing
what you already are aware of. Please take the time to peruse here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marsetupindex2.htm
Jotting down notes, more specific questions re these aspects of
set-up, filtration. Oh and the survey piece on this species:
http://wetwebmedia.com/paracant.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner> |
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