Gem tang with two white spots on mouth, each side

Biff0rz · Nov 27, 2020

This was not present yesterday, he's been in qt for the past 11 days doing ttm. Other fish do not have spots or showing any signs. He's eating normally and not scratching. Pics are sort of crappy because I did a small water change not long ago and it kicked up small junk. Water change was same temp and the new saltwater was made 3 days ago, salinity matching and a powerhead mixing continuously.

Jay Hemdal · Nov 27, 2020

One concern I have with TTM is the extra handling damage it can cause. Did you move the fish in a net? Perhaps it snagged its teeth... I see that a LOT with angels and bristletooth tangs, but I wouldn’t rule it out with Zebrasoma.
Jay

Biff0rz · Nov 27, 2020

Jay Hemdal said:
One concern I have with TTM is the extra handling damage it can cause. Did you move the fish in a net? Perhaps it snagged its teeth... I see that a LOT with angels and bristletooth tangs, but I wouldn’t rule it out with Zebrasoma.
Jay

Nope, I used this:

Biff0rz · Nov 27, 2020

Also wondering if a ph/salinity/temp/ammonia swing could cause this?

Jay Hemdal · Nov 27, 2020

Not specifically. That sure looks like it could be physical damage though. Any chance that the tang struggled a bit and got its snout in one of those holes? I will say though, that if the fish held still while you dipped it up, this device seems much better than using a net! In looking back at the pictures, I see some other spots. Some seem to be on the tank glass and others in the water, but the first pic seems to show some on its dorsal fin. I know these fish are so pricey, I want to try and cover all bases for you here. The fish does look good and full-bodied, so that is good!
Jay

Biff0rz · Nov 27, 2020

Jay Hemdal said:
Not specifically. That sure looks like it could be physical damage though. Any chance that the tang struggled a bit and got its snout in one of those holes? I will say though, that if the fish held still while you dipped it up, this device seems much better than using a net! In looking back at the pictures, I see some other spots. Some seem to be on the tank glass and others in the water, but the first pic seems to show some on its dorsal fin. I know these fish are so pricey, I want to try and cover all bases for you here. The fish does look good and full-bodied, so that is good!
Jay

He is in qt with another tang, but they have not been squabbling at all (I've been watching a ton). He didn't get his snout in any of the holes or anything, I think this was transfer #6 and it was just like the others. I transfered him 3 days ago so this just popped up over night. I find it easier to catch / release them in the colander, plus it's very gentle imo.

On the other spots - he's a gem so there's those, haha. But yea, what you're seeing is tank junk from nori. I'll go take another look at all his fins and see if I notice anything that's not right. As you mentioned they aren't cheap and cannot be too careful.