Powder Blue Tang Spine

[Keywest99]

Have you guys ever seen a Tang that can't retract a spine after attacking another fish? I guess he damaged it after attacking a new Pakistani Butterfly fish. He is in isolation now, and there is slight damage to the Butterfly. I think Powder Blue Tangs are about the most aggressive fish. When I introduce a new fish I always feed them first, then not only do I turn off the light, but also cover the tank with a plastic tarp that doesn't allow any light in for up to 12 hours. If that doesn't do it I isolate the tang. I cut a piece of plexiglass the same dimensions of the inside of the tank and drilled dozens of 1/4" holes in it. Then trap the tang inside of that(about 20% of the tank). My other fish never bother new fish.

 

[Shufflepig]

I had a powder blue whose one scalpel was extended and would not retract. The fish acted normal otherwise. It stayed that way for 2-3 weeks then slowly over days improved and went back to normal.

 

[cocoReefer]

Ive seen that on a yellow tang before, cant remember how long is was like that. It did go back to normal though