Is it shipping damage or mouth fungus?

[Kim McD]

Trying to figure something out about my new blue eyed bristletooth tang...at the store he was, got him home he was fine, got up this morning to check, and he has a white area on his mouth. Should I get worried it’s fungus or did he hurt himself trying to get out of the bag? He’s eating like crazy and acts like nothing is wrong. He was trying like crazy to get out while I was acclimating him. Not sure what to do. Any advice?

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I’m thinking; what if the fish got its teeth tangled in the net during capture? I’ve had that happen with this group of fish. If so, hopefully it will just be a temporary issue. As long as it’s eating well, I’d not treat it yet. Marine fish don’t develop external fungal diseases, but it could develop into a bacterial infection.
Jay

 

[Kim McD]

I’m thinking; what if the fish got its teeth tangled in the net during capture? I’ve had that happen with this group of fish. If so, hopefully it will just be a temporary issue. As long as it’s eating well, I’d not treat it yet. Marine fish don’t develop external fungal diseases, but it could develop into a bacterial infection.
Jay

 

[Kim McD]

Thanks for the response. Yes, the tang is eating like crazy, still picking at the rocks, acting normal. I’ll watch him more and see how it goes. Beautiful fish, sure hope he’s ok.