Gem Tang fin rot?

[MGarvo2]

Gem Tang help please! Eating like a champ. Not afraid of any tank occupants/not getting bullied. My current theory is bacterial infection from transport or something, that got infected. Had for about a week. Can’t see in photo, but there is a small area that is whitish near the base of the area. Needing QT advice, antibiotics? Which antibiotic?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Gem Tang help please! Eating like a champ. Not afraid of any tank occupants/not getting bullied. My current theory is bacterial infection from transport or something, that got infected. Had for about a week. Can’t see in photo, but there is a small area that is whitish near the base of the area. Needing QT advice, antibiotics? Which antibiotic?

Not fin rot but aggression from another fish either a clown or another tang as a guess. You will have to find culprit and separate or house separately temporarily to reduce further damage

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Gem Tang help please! Eating like a champ. Not afraid of any tank occupants/not getting bullied. My current theory is bacterial infection from transport or something, that got infected. Had for about a week. Can’t see in photo, but there is a small area that is whitish near the base of the area. Needing QT advice, antibiotics? Which antibiotic?

What tankmates are in with it?
Is that yellowish spot on the body, or is it just something on the glass?
You may never see aggression - it's over in a split second....

This could have begun as minor damage to the fin and then developed into fin rot.

 

[Jesse Sunday]

Gem Tang help please! Eating like a champ. Not afraid of any tank occupants/not getting bullied. My current theory is bacterial infection from transport or something, that got infected. Had for about a week. Can’t see in photo, but there is a small area that is whitish near the base of the area. Needing QT advice, antibiotics? Which antibiotic?

Is he new to the tank? What other fish are in with him?

Not fin rot but aggression

Rot and not HLLE?

I'm only curious because I recently picked up a Gem Tang and he's in rough shape... came with nearly no dorsal or anal fins. He's seems super happy, eating like a pig so I'm hoping his new home (my 130) will allow him to recover and regrow.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Is he new to the tank? What other fish are in with him?



Rot and not HLLE?

I'm only curious because I recently picked up a Gem Tang and he's in rough shape... came with nearly no dorsal or anal fins. He's seems super happy, eating like a pig so I'm hoping his new home (my 130) will allow him to recover and regrow.

As long as no new aggression, these have potential to restore themselves. I see it came like like that and not via your tank which should do well then. The type of damage is likely from tail strikes from another tang

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Is he new to the tank? What other fish are in with him?



Rot and not HLLE?

I'm only curious because I recently picked up a Gem Tang and he's in rough shape... came with nearly no dorsal or anal fins. He's seems super happy, eating like a pig so I'm hoping his new home (my 130) will allow him to recover and regrow.

Missing fin edges in Zebrasoma tangs are a symptom of HLLE, but not this type of fin damage. If you post a pic of your fish, I may be able to tell for you......

 

[Jesse Sunday]

Missing fin edges in Zebrasoma tangs are a symptom of HLLE, but not this type of fin damage. If you post a pic of your fish, I may be able to tell for you......

I would truly appreciate that!!!

Here's Charlie... He was added to my tank a week ago. He's since been swimming around seemingly happy and not bothered by anything. He's the largest (by far) fish in my tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I would truly appreciate that!!!

Here's Charlie... He was added to my tank a week ago. He's since been swimming around seemingly happy and not bothered by anything. He's the largest (by far) fish in my tank.

Oh boy- seen this with yellows. This is not growing back and is from previous heavy aggression or gross deformity seen often. Jay is correct on mild HLLE along with missing skin likely from old puncture or bite injuryoften associated with diet and/or water quality.
Some foods to offer are:
LRS Heribivore diet
plankton
Chopped scallops
Formula 2 frozen
Mysis shrimp

Maintain good water quality and add selcon vitamins to foods occasionally

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I would truly appreciate that!!!

Here's Charlie... He was added to my tank a week ago. He's since been swimming around seemingly happy and not bothered by anything. He's the largest (by far) fish in my tank.

Yep - that sort of fin erosion is how Zebrasoma tangs sometimes show HLLE. It won't likely grow back, but it is unlikely to get any worse, and the fish can live for years in that condition.

 

[MGarvo2]

Yes, agreed. The yellow is glass reflection.

Is he new to the tank? What other fish are in with him?



Rot and not HLLE?

I'm only curious because I recently picked up a Gem Tang and he's in rough shape... came with nearly no dorsal or anal fins. He's seems super happy, eating like a pig so I'm hoping his new home (my 130) will allow him to recover and regrow.

He is new. About a week. Seems to actually be settling in beautifully, aside from the dorsal fin issue. As for other fish, I only have 2 that I’d be concerned with, a Flame Angel and a Maroon Clown. But, the Clown rarely leaves his anemones, and is only a couple weeks longer in this tank, so relatively new. The Flame Angel started swatting his tail at him initially, but has since stopped.

Good luck with yours. Did you treat him with anything?