Cut(?) on my Yellow Tang

[DiscoStuart]

From the image below and video - something is going on with my yellow tang. Looks like it could be a cut on their left hand side just behind the pectoral (I think that’s what you call the side fins?) fin, but hard to tell.

He’s the largest in the tank. Been with the tank mates for a few months now. Will kick the Tomini Tang out of his favourite spot from time to time. But never seen any real fighting.

Seems in character - grazing, exploring, eating.

All fish were QT’d beforehand. Nobody in the last two months.

Tank (4’, 100 gallon) includes
Two clowns
Pink Streaked Wrasse
Tomini Tang
Various snails
Emerald crab (haven’t seen since I put in the tank months ago, so who knows)
Three urchins
Logs of algae

Suggestions other than wait and see?

I’m guessing nothing specific to be done other than observe. But more experienced opinions would help!

We are away for a week (timing, right?) in a few days time.

 

[bluemon]

Does look like a puncture wound from maybe the urchin.

I would keep an eye on it and use antibiotics if things get worse

#fishmedic to help confirm

 

[vetteguy53081]

From the image below and video - something is going on with my yellow tang. Looks like it could be a cut on their left hand side just behind the pectoral (I think that’s what you call the side fins?) fin, but hard to tell.

He’s the largest in the tank. Been with the tank mates for a few months now. Will kick the Tomini Tang out of his favourite spot from time to time. But never seen any real fighting.

Seems in character - grazing, exploring, eating.

All fish were QT’d beforehand. Nobody in the last two months.

Tank (4’, 100 gallon) includes
Two clowns
Pink Streaked Wrasse
Tomini Tang
Various snails
Emerald crab (haven’t seen since I put in the tank months ago, so who knows)
Three urchins
Logs of algae

Suggestions other than wait and see?

I’m guessing nothing specific to be done other than observe. But more experienced opinions would help!

We are away for a week (timing, right?) in a few days time.

I dont see a puncture wound but rather a scrape or tail strike from another tang if present. This is one that should heal on its own but keep an eye on it for healing and not becoming red or sore which will require treatment in a separate tank using seachem Neoplex

 

[DiscoStuart]

I dont see a puncture wound but rather a scrape or tail strike from another tang if present. This is one that should heal on its own but keep an eye on it for healing and not becoming red or sore which will require treatment in a separate tank using seachem Neoplex

I've got a Tomini Tang. Slightly smaller than the yellow and the yellow seems to be the one bothering the Tomini from time to time but nothing major that I've seen. But maybe that's it.

 

[W31Olds]

Looks like injury, I wouldn't be worried. You should see my WT Bristletooth who was warring with my new Purple Tang. Luckily they have settled down. BTW, nice looking Yellow.

 

[KrisReef]

Can you increase the rations remotely? Some extra food may help lower aggression

 

[DiscoStuart]

Looks like injury, I wouldn't be worried. You should see my WT Bristletooth who was warring with my new Purple Tang. Luckily they have settled down. BTW, nice looking Yellow.

Thanks - yeah, it's a beauty! My first reef tank, so potentially small things worry me a bit. Appreciate the perspective.

 

[DiscoStuart]

Can you increase the rations remotely? Some extra food may help lower aggression

I'm at home for a few more days, so can feed heavier.

 

[MnFish1]

I've got a Tomini Tang. Slightly smaller than the yellow and the yellow seems to be the one bothering the Tomini from time to time but nothing major that I've seen. But maybe that's it.

I am assuming that the redness near the tail (some yellow tangs have this naturally) is not new of changing (worsening). If it is it can be a sign of bacteria in the bloodstream - if it's always been there - all good.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

From the image below and video - something is going on with my yellow tang. Looks like it could be a cut on their left hand side just behind the pectoral (I think that’s what you call the side fins?) fin, but hard to tell.

He’s the largest in the tank. Been with the tank mates for a few months now. Will kick the Tomini Tang out of his favourite spot from time to time. But never seen any real fighting.

Seems in character - grazing, exploring, eating.

All fish were QT’d beforehand. Nobody in the last two months.

Tank (4’, 100 gallon) includes
Two clowns
Pink Streaked Wrasse
Tomini Tang
Various snails
Emerald crab (haven’t seen since I put in the tank months ago, so who knows)
Three urchins
Logs of algae

Suggestions other than wait and see?

I’m guessing nothing specific to be done other than observe. But more experienced opinions would help!

We are away for a week (timing, right?) in a few days time.

That sure looks like a cut from the tomini tang to me. If it didn't penetrate the body cavity, it will heal on its own. If it did, then sepsis can set in. No good treatment for that though.

 

[DiscoStuart]

Thanks - h

That sure looks like a cut from the tomini tang to me. If it didn't penetrate the body cavity, it will heal on its own. If it did, then sepsis can set in. No good treatment for that though.

Excuse my ignorance, but how does that happen? What's sharp enough on a fish to cut another fish like that?!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks - h

Excuse my ignorance, but how does that happen? What's sharp enough on a fish to cut another fish like that?!

Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, have a bony scalpel on the caudal peduncle (the "tang" at the base of their tail). They swing this out and use it as a weapon against other fish. Just one hit will cause a wound like that. These wounds are pretty distinctive - like what a knife blade would do. That's what it looks like to me. You'll usually never see this happen - it's over in a split second.

 

[DiscoStuart]

Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, have a bony scalpel on the caudal peduncle (the "tang" at the base of their tail). They swing this out and use it as a weapon against other fish. Just one hit will cause a wound like that. These wounds are pretty distinctive - like what a knife blade would do. That's what it looks like to me. You'll usually never see this happen - it's over in a split second.

whoa! learned something new today. Thanks

 

[MnFish1]

whoa! learned something new today. Thanks

Just be glad you didn't learn it on your hand:). It happens... One reason to be very careful handling/transferring tang. If you look at the picture below - the white area is just in front of the tail fin is the 'scalpel'. You can probably see the mark on your tang