Blue Chin Trigger Behavior  12/17/08
Dear WWM Crew:
<<Hello Chris>>
For almost a year now, I've kept a 125 gallon FOWLR tank that's home to a 4.5" long blue chin trigger, along with 7 others: purple tang, flame angel, Longnose hawk, cinnamon clown, neon Dottyback, Foxface, and a coral banded shrimp. All of the livestock has been established in the tank for a while (the trigger's been here for 8 months). Initially - for about a week - the trigger was very shy and would often retreat into his hole...behavior I've seen described on WWM as pretty common.
<<Yes>>
As expected, the trigger became comfortable with the environment quickly enough, and was soon extremely active and confident. He was by far the most voracious eater of the bunch, often seemingly slamming into the side of the tank as soon as he spotted me.
<<Indeed… These intelligent fishes can even become quite puppy-like at times>>
I typically feed about 2-3 moderate portions daily of either Formula 1, Formula 2, frozen mysis, or freeze dried plankton, plus occasional strips of marine algae or romaine lettuce
<<Do note that terrestrial greens are of little real benefit and possibly even a hazard re introduction of pesticides>>
for the herbivores (which the trigger would shred to ribbons). When I would target feed the coral banded shrimp, the trigger was so bold as to often snatch the food from the tongs or even my fingers (rarely). 5 days ago, however, the trigger became extremely skittish for no apparent reason and has not been eating.
<<Mmm… Has there been any change to the environment surrounding this system (e.g. � increased foot traffic, open window shades, noise/vibration, etc.) that may be spooking the fish?>>
As soon as I approach the tank, he dives into his hole and won't come out until I'm out of view. The other fish are still quite active and eating well, so by the time he reappears, the food's all gone. And when he does come out, he's not as active as before. From a distance (as close as I can get to the tank without spooking him), I don't see any lesions, fin damage, or cloudy eyes. He looks the same as before.
I tested the water param.s today: pH of 8.2; ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate all 0; nitrate a little high at 20 (but it has always seemed to fluctuate around 10-20). Do you have any thoughts as to what might have caused this dramatic change of behavior? What, if anything, can/should I do?
Sincerely,
Chris S.
<<Well Chris, since bullying doesn't seem to be an issue and there are no visible external complaints, I suspect the problem might be internal parasites. Unfortunately this is difficult to treat, especially considering the fish is not eating (you can find more info here and among the associated links: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/parasiti.htm ). If this is the case, it's very likely there's nothing you can do to save the fish. But it's also possible that something has just spooked this fish and it will eventually readjust/come around (we'll keep our fingers crossed for the latter possibility). Isolating the fish to a hospital tank to see if it will feed without competition is an option, but you have to weigh the added stress involved. There's no easy solution in my opinion… If the problem stems from an internal parasitic complaint, then I don't think anything you do will change the outcome. If the problem is more an environmental and/or social issue, then I would strive to ensure optimum water quality in an environment free of agonistic tankmates and keep trying to get the fish to feed. Regards, EricR>>

Re: Blue Chin Trigger Behavior - 12/19/08
Eric,
<<Hello Chris>>
In addition to about 100 lbs. live rock, a wet/dry filter and protein skimmer for filtration, I'm using an 18W Coralife (turbo-twist) UV sterilizer.
<<Okay>>
Also, I do monthly 15% water changes with RO water.
<<Good>>
I was under the impression that the UV would go a long way in preventing parasite problems.
<<Mmm…>>
What is your opinion on the effectiveness of this type/size of UV to control parasites here?
<<I don't see this as much benefit in this instance (that's not to say these devices are of �no� benefit), at least not with the macro-organisms concerned here. And it's almost a certainty the fish had the organism(s) since before collection (if this is indeed the problem here). Most any fishes in the wild, as well as those we keep, harbor parasites (whether external, internal, or both). And like Bob indicates in his article, most are able to successfully coexist with these organisms. It's usually when something tips the scale in favor of the parasite that troubles begin. And oftentimes this is stress of one form or another>>
I'm hopeful it's not parasites
<<Me too>>
...none of the fish (trigger included) display the symptoms (spots, scratching, rapid/heavy breathing, lethargy) mentioned in the article you cited.
<<Good to know, though symptoms are not always text-book... Often just a change in behavior/feeding habits as you have mentioned is an indication of trouble. But I hope I am wrong here re the internal parasites>>
But if it is a parasite issue, I'm gathering that it would be difficult to eliminate the problem without drastic measures.
<<It is likely too late… If you could induce the fish to eat, a treated food like that from New Life Spectrum is worth a try>>
Tear down and reassembly of the entire system is something I really would like to avoid at all costs.
<<Not needed/of benefit here in my opinion>>
I can't use copper medications either, because of the live rock and inverts.
<<Indeed, do not do this… It would probably only hasten the Triggers demise anyway in such an instance as this. And for certain, such �shotgun� treatment for �unknown� maladies do more harm than good to everything>>
Thank you again for your help.
Chris S.
<<Maybe moving the rockwork around a bit to disorient the other fishes would swing the advantage back to the Trigger re its nervousness in the tank. Otherwise, without something obvious to treat, I think your best course of action is to continue to observe and offer foods. Regards, Eric Russell>>

Funny Trigger Story - 09/23/06
I just moved my three-inch male Blue Throat Trigger from quarantine to the display tank 24 hours ago, and he has remained hidden in a nook in the rockwork of my 90 gallon tank ever since.
<<Not unusual...can be rather shy/timid as triggers go>>
I’m not worried about him.  He acted the same way in quarantine for the first three or four days only to come out and be friendly for the following month.
<<Indeed>>
I have two RBTA (a recent split), a B/W Ocellaris Clown pair, a Twin-spot Hogfish and a small Wheeler’s shrimp goby that hasn’t found his pistol shrimp yet.  I have probably twenty snails, two large cleaner shrimp, one hermit crab and one small porcelain crab that came with some live rock, all running well and getting along for the past seven or eight months.
<<Excellent>>
Anyway, the trigger has taken up residence in the same cave as the porcelain crab.
<<The porcelain crab hasn't taken up residence in one of the anemones?>>
Now here is the odd thing.  The crab, which can’t even be an inch long, seems to be trying to bully the trigger out of its hiding spot.
<<Amazing creatures we keep, eh!>>
They seem to have come to an arrangement and aren’t bothering each other at the moment.
<<Ah, yes...and will likely cohabitate just fine>>
I just thought y’all would like to hear about a tiny crab picking on a trigger that is probably twenty times his size.  Thanks y’all for the wonderful work you do.  My fish and I owe you for all of your great advice.
Jonathan
<<Were pleased to be of service...and thank you for sharing.  EricR>>