Blond naso tang big mark on side

[Linden13]

Just noticed this big dark spot on the side of my blond naso tang this morning. I didn't notice it yesterday but possible I just didn't see it since it is only on the one side and I didn't give my tank much attention yesterday. The lights just came on in my tank and I just left for work so I won't be around all day. Any ideas if its some kind of infection or bruise? The tang has been in the tank for about 10 months. Last time I added new fish was maybe 3 months all fish that have been added in the past maybe 2 years were from Dr. Reef. I didn't see any other marks on other fish but couldn't get a good look at all of them they were still hiding/sleeping and I only had a few minutes before I left. Any help will be appreciated thank you

 

[W31Olds]

Could it be a sting from a coral? Another possibility. I have a large Hippo that gets discolored almost bleached areas for time to time with no apparent cause. They fade and full color returns in a day or so. I believe it has something to do with hormones and excitement or maybe stress.

 

[Uncle99]

Just noticed this big dark spot on the side of my blond naso tang this morning. I didn't notice it yesterday but possible I just didn't see it since it is only on the one side and I didn't give my tank much attention yesterday. The lights just came on in my tank and I just left for work so I won't be around all day. Any ideas if its some kind of infection or bruise? The tang has been in the tank for about 10 months. Last time I added new fish was maybe 3 months all fish that have been added in the past maybe 2 years were from Dr. Reef. I didn't see any other marks on other fish but couldn't get a good look at all of them they were still hiding/sleeping and I only had a few minutes before I left. Any help will be appreciated thank you

It not unusual for this fish to display “nocturnal camouflage” from time to time. Can result from a stressful event or environment change.

Just keep an eye on that for 24 hours.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Just noticed this big dark spot on the side of my blond naso tang this morning. I didn't notice it yesterday but possible I just didn't see it since it is only on the one side and I didn't give my tank much attention yesterday. The lights just came on in my tank and I just left for work so I won't be around all day. Any ideas if its some kind of infection or bruise? The tang has been in the tank for about 10 months. Last time I added new fish was maybe 3 months all fish that have been added in the past maybe 2 years were from Dr. Reef. I didn't see any other marks on other fish but couldn't get a good look at all of them they were still hiding/sleeping and I only had a few minutes before I left. Any help will be appreciated thank you

This is not camouflage but rather bacterial often called thumbprints and likely triggered from injury or irritation and should be treated in a separate tank using Seachem Kanaplex 7-10 days

 

[Linden13]

Thank you
At first I thought maybe camouflage but have never seen that fish with a spot before usually its whole body gets darker or lighter.

Bacterial infection was the only thing I could find that looks close.
Any idea what usually causes that? Coral sting or getting scraped on something?
Also what are thr chances of it going away on its own? Just trying to figure out the seriousness of this. I will need to get the meds as soon as I can and I would probably have to use a storage bin to treat him in. I have a small maybe 3 gallon tank or an old 10 gallon tank that was used as a sump so has baffles in it so maybe about 5 gallons swimming area is that big enough for treatment. I would say the tang is about 4 to 5 inches long.

 

[W31Olds]

I'd wait 24 hours to see if it's improved.

 

[Linden13]

Is seachem kanaplex the only treatment? It looks like petco doesn't carry it. I can amazon it but i wouldn't get it till tomorrow is that OK? There is a fish store i can stop at on my way home today that could possibly have it but im not sure.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you
At first I thought maybe camouflage but have never seen that fish with a spot before usually its whole body gets darker or lighter.

Bacterial infection was the only thing I could find that looks close.
Any idea what usually causes that? Coral sting or getting scraped on something?
Also what are thr chances of it going away on its own? Just trying to figure out the seriousness of this. I will need to get the meds as soon as I can and I would probably have to use a storage bin to treat him in. I have a small maybe 3 gallon tank or an old 10 gallon tank that was used as a sump so has baffles in it so maybe about 5 gallons swimming area is that big enough for treatment. I would say the tang is about 4 to 5 inches long.

It looks like a bacterial infection to me. Tough to say if it is superficial or more deep-seated. Antibiotics would be indicated, BUT they need to be dosed in a properly set up hospital tank.

 

[Linden13]

24 hour update. I havnt had a chance to set up a hospital tank yet but kanaplex should be here today and could get a tank set up tonight. The spot is visibly smaller and I think looking better. I havnt seen any difference in behavior and is eating normally. Is it even necessary to put him in a hospital tank and treat or should I give it another 24 hours to see what it looks like?

 

[W31Olds]

Spot definitely looks smaller. I would continue to monitor and not put your Naso thru undue stress.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

24 hour update. I havnt had a chance to set up a hospital tank yet but kanaplex should be here today and could get a tank set up tonight. The spot is visibly smaller and I think looking better. I havnt seen any difference in behavior and is eating normally. Is it even necessary to put him in a hospital tank and treat or should I give it another 24 hours to see what it looks like?

While the whole lesion is much smaller (good!) is the center of it deeper, or the same as yesterday? If the same, then I would wait before trying a treatment.

 

[Linden13]

None of it looks deep that I could see. It looks like it is just on the surface. Dark spot with maybe like a white slime or coating. Hard to get a good look and picture always seems to be facing the other way with the other side facing me. I will try and get a small tank set up tonight just incase and the meds will be here today but I think I will leave him be and keep monitoring him unless it starts getting worse. Trying to get a fish out of a full 6ft reef tank will not be easy. Ill keep updating and any advice is appreciated

 

[Linden13]

Another update its looking smaller again today I would say anything deep looks all surface level. My plan is to just keep monitoring it in the main tank unless someone thinks I should take it out to treat it.

 

[Finn450]

Another update its looking smaller again today I would say anything deep looks all surface level. My plan is to just keep monitoring it in the main tank unless someone thinks I should take it out to treat it.

Good to see...question...do you have anenomes in the tank? I had a new Naso get stung by a RBTA when I introduced him...similar looking spot that went away after a few days.

 

[Linden13]

I just have one rock flower anemone and probably aptasia no other anemone. I was wondering if torches or hammers could possibly do that? Maybe some other aggressive coral?

 

[Finn450]

I just have one rock flower anemone and probably aptasia no other anemone. I was wondering if torches or hammers could possibly do that? Maybe some other aggressive coral?

You may never know...as long as it's improving, don't stress it out trying to catch to medicate. Keep well fed also.

 

[Linden13]

Another update. Still improving almost all better maybe 1 or 2 more days i think. I do think keep all my fish fed well they all look pretty thick to me. I will keep updating daily

Thanks again everyone for all the advice and help

 

[Linden13]

Couldn't get a good picture this morning but you can see there is only a small mark left. Looks like its healing nicely