Blue Hippo Tang Tail Spot

[JoeyTurnstile]

I have a seemingly otherwise healthy juvenile blue hippo tang with a single spot on its tail, no other indications of ick. Any ideas?

 

[Marine Betta]

I have a seemingly otherwise healthy juvenile blue hippo tang with a single spot on its tail, no other indications of ick. Any ideas?

Can you post a video and picture(s) under white light? It’s hard to see it clearly under the blues. Are there any behavior changes, and was the fish QT’d? She looks fat and healthy, so I’m guessing you’ve had her for a while? Based on the pictures provided, it looks like an injury caused by minor aggression or moving through the rock work. If it’s that, it should heal on its own. It could also be lymphocytosis which is viral. It will go away on its own. I don’t want to say for certain until I see the pictures under white light.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a seemingly otherwise healthy juvenile blue hippo tang with a single spot on its tail, no other indications of ick. Any ideas?

Looks to be a fin ray issue from possible damage
Keep an eye on it for healing

 

[JoeyTurnstile]

Can you post a video and picture(s) under white light? It’s hard to see it clearly under the blues. Are there any behavior changes, and was the fish QT’d? She looks fat and healthy, so I’m guessing you’ve had her for a while? Based on the pictures provided, it looks like an injury caused by minor aggression or moving through the rock work. If it’s that, it should heal on its own. It could also be lymphocytosis which is viral. It will go away on its own. I don’t want to say for certain until I see the pictures under white light.

I've had her since January 25th 2026, and she's been great since she's been here. She eats like a pig, and there hasn't been any noticeable behavior changes other than she's more outgoing and hiding less. She was QT'd at the fish store for 45 days and they did run copper, I did not QT her here. I do have a few longer term residence (Bimac's and Foxface) that have chased her a bit, but I have not noticed anything excessive. She does spend a lot of time darting in and out of the rock work, so I suppose that could be it too. I'll try and grab an all white light video today and upload. Thank you for your response.

 

[W31Olds]

My Hippo has had that in the same location. Not a problem so I wouldn't worry. My Hippo and probably all are quite prone to scrapes and stress marks. They love to wedge into small spots regardless of size, especially at night for sleeping. I hope you have a large Tank. Mine is already a 6" beast in 18 months and was originally 2".

 

[vetteguy53081]

My Hippo has had that in the same location. Not a problem so I wouldn't worry. My Hippo and probably all are quite prone to scrapes and stress marks. They love to wedge into small spots regardless of size, especially at night for sleeping. I hope you have a large Tank. Mine is already a 6" beast in 18 months and was originally 2".

Expect 10" + as mine is an easy 10"

 

[JoeyTurnstile]

My Hippo has had that in the same location. Not a problem so I wouldn't worry. My Hippo and probably all are quite prone to scrapes and stress marks. They love to wedge into small spots regardless of size, especially at night for sleeping. I hope you have a large Tank. Mine is already a 6" beast in 18 months and was originally 2".

Yeah I’ve noticed her wedged into crazy spots, so that could very well be it! Tank is 125g, room for her to grow :)