Sailfish tang nipped fins and heavy breathing.

locktee · Mar 1, 2022

I just got this tang a few days ago and can’t seem to get him to eat. I’m pretty sure my coral banded shrimp was picking on him as I seen it chasing him, and noticed he had nipped fins. I got rid of the shrimp ( I’ve been wanting to recently anyway). Is there any hope to save him? I’ve read an airstone would help with the breathing but I have no experience with tangs. All levels are good.

threebuoys · Mar 1, 2022

locktee said:
I just got this tang a few days ago and can’t seem to get him to eat. I’m pretty sure my coral banded shrimp was picking on him as I seen it chasing him, and noticed he had nipped fins. I got rid of the shrimp ( I’ve been wanting to recently anyway). Is there any hope to save him? I’ve read an airstone would help with the breathing but I have no experience with tangs. All levels are good.

Are those white spots/specs on the body of the tang, or are they spots on the glass?

If on the fish, looks a lot like velvet or possibly crypto.

I assume you di not QT the fish. If it has these parasites, you will need to set up a QT tank and treat with copper power or copper safe. For safety sake, even if the white spots are not on the fish, you should consider QT
See the sticky on current QT procedures for details.

While in QT you can try a variety of foods to get him eating. What are you trying now?

locktee · Mar 1, 2022

They are on him. I didn’t notice them at all. I didnt quarantine I don’t have a set up for that yet I guess I’ve put it off long enough. Should I be worried for my other fish?

threebuoys · Mar 1, 2022

locktee said:
They are on him. I didn’t notice them at all. I didnt quarantine I don’t have a set up for that yet I guess I’ve put it off long enough. Should I be worried for my other fish?

You should be worried about all of the fish in the tank. The infection on the tang appears to be advanced. You need to begin treatment immediately in a QT. You will need to allow the display tank to remain fallow for 45 - 75 days before adding back fish to it.

If this is velvet, the urgency is even greater than crypto. It can progress very quickly to beyond help. Heavy breathing is a sign of velvet.

mehaffydr · Mar 1, 2022

locktee said:
They are on him. I didn’t notice them at all. I didnt quarantine I don’t have a set up for that yet I guess I’ve put it off long enough. Should I be worried for my other fish?

Yes you should be concerned. If its Ich or Velvet it is now in your tank. Fast breathing is a sign of velvet and velvet spreads and kills fast. I think you need some expert help here @vetteguy53081 @Jay Hemdal , These guys are the exerts and can give the best advice but you will need a Quarantine tank and will need to get all fish ut of the display.

locktee · Mar 1, 2022

Alright I got him out I’ll update in a few days and let you guys know how it goes. Thank you so much!!!!

vetteguy53081 · Mar 1, 2022

Fish is showing ich and will need to be quarantined and treated with coppersafe for 30 days. When dosing any form of copper, be sure to monitor therapeutic level 2.25-2.5 with a relible test kit. Do not use API brand.
To expand on this, the qt tank should be aerated and have the same water conditions as the main aquarium.
Mardel Coppersafe from Fritz Aquatics treats both freshwater and saltwater ich, along with other diseases, including Velvet (Oodinium) and other external parasites. However, because it is a copper-based treatment made from chelated copper sulfate. To use Coppersafe, add 1 teaspoon of medication for every 4 gallons of water, or 1 cup of every 190 gallons. The solution will remain active in the tank for more than one month.
Cupramine, a copper-based treatment from Seachem, treats not only saltwater ich, but also other ectoparasites in freshwater and saltwater tanks. An ionic copper medication, rather than chelated copper, it is non-acidic and doesn't damage the biofilter bacteria. To use Cupramine, turn off UV filters and ozone filters, and remove chemical filtration, such as activated carbon. For every 10.5 gallons of water, use 1 mL of treatment, and then wait 48 hours. Repeat the treatment, and leave at this concentration for 14 days. Test the water for copper levels before redosing the tank.
I do prefer coppersafe when it comes to tangs