Swallowtail Sick or Wounds? What to do?

[Xavier434]

I have a Swallowtail Angel with what appears to be wounds, but I am not sure and I always like to double check with this community. The funny thing is that there are several spots and they are only on one side of the fish. I have had the Angel for at least a year now. I need opinions about what the problem is and how to best respond. I have pictures and a video below. Most of my tank inhabitants are peaceful except a Purple Tang who I have had for a long time and he has always been a dick, but if he caused this problem it would be the first time he has physically harmed anything like this.

Tank/Water specs:

Size: 190 gallon
Salinity: 35.9
ORP: 444
PH: 7.93
Alk: 7.51
CA: 547
MG: 1291
Nitrate: 39.6
Phosphate: 0.08

 

[Tcook]

Those look like abrasions from rock or another fish. Maybe was testing the purple or foxface on who is boss or jousting for a sleeping crevice. Happened between my Tomini and Watanabe a few months ago. Beautiful angel btw.

 

[Xavier434]

Fighting while inside a rock crevice is a good theory. It would explain why everything is only on one side and why all of the spots appeared seemingly overnight. Glad it isn't a disease. I appreciate the quick reply!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a Swallowtail Angel with what appears to be wounds, but I am not sure and I always like to double check with this community. The funny thing is that there are several spots and they are only on one side of the fish. I have had the Angel for at least a year now. I need opinions about what the problem is and how to best respond. I have pictures and a video below. Most of my tank inhabitants are peaceful except a Purple Tang who I have had for a long time and he has always been a dick, but if he caused this problem it would be the first time he has physically harmed anything like this.

Tank/Water specs:

Size: 190 gallon
Salinity: 35.9
ORP: 444
PH: 7.93
Alk: 7.51
CA: 547
MG: 1291
Nitrate: 39.6
Phosphate: 0.08

This is either scrape/injury or with presence of foxface may even be bite marks.
Have you noticed any aggression with other tank members? Often if you suspect aggression but dont see it, you can set your cell phone on video mode for about 40 mins and drop a little food and walk away - YOU MUST walk away as they know youre there. Often the aggressor is more aggressive at feeding time trying to steal the food.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I agree, probably abrasions/damage. The differential diagnosis would be scale damage from flukes, but that would show up on both sides of the fish.
Jay

 

[Xavier434]

Just a quick follow up and happy ending to the story. The angelfish is now completely healed. There was no development of infection and nothing that indicated parasites or disease in the process. I didn't do anything to the tank to assist with healing. So I think you all were correct about the wounds being the result of abrasion against some of the rock work.

Thanks again!