What to do ? Sick tang

[Eric23]

This happened really quick... This was and still is eating well on lrs reef frenzy, mysis, and grazing algae in my tank. I would like to try and save it, please tell me what to use and how. I have a spare 10 gallon I can set up as a hospital tank if necessary.

 

[Hemmdog]

@Frtdrmrose7 @HotRocks @4FordFamily @ngoodermuth any chance you fish pros could lead this guy in the right direction?

 

[HotRocks]

Do you run carbon? Have you recently changed your carbon?

If the fish is eating, it's definitely not eating enough. Very emaciated.

Did you treat this fish prior to adding to tank? Have you seen any white stringy poop?

 

[Eric23]

Do you run carbon? Have you recently changed your carbon?

If the fish is eating, it's definitely not eating enough. Very emaciated.

Did you treat this fish prior to adding to tank? Have you seen any white stringy poop?

I have some chemipure in my sump that's about a month old.

Fish is and has been eating but yes it does look emaciated

I haven't noticed anything abnormal as far as poop goes

 

[Eric23]

Got this fish about a month ago. Came from a medicated tank at a local fish store

 

[4FordFamily]

Do you run carbon? Have you recently changed your carbon?

If the fish is eating, it's definitely not eating enough. Very emaciated.

Did you treat this fish prior to adding to tank? Have you seen any white stringy poop?

Agree.

I think I see infection on the body and possibly tattered fins. When you remove the fish, do a freshwater dip in a dark bucket and look for “sesame seeds” dropping off. If they are there, flukes explain the tattered fins.

Any other tangs present? Could also be bullying.

 

[Eric23]

Agree.

I think I see infection on the body and possibly tattered fins. When you remove the fish, do a freshwater dip in a dark bucket and look for “sesame seeds” dropping off. If they are there, flukes explain the tattered fins.

Any other tangs present? Could also be bullying.

No other tangs in the tank just fairy wrasse

 

[4FordFamily]

No other tangs in the tank just fairy wrasse

Anything bullying it or chasing it?

 

[HotRocks]

I have some chemipure in my sump that's about a month old.

Fish is and has been eating but yes it does look emaciated

I haven't noticed anything abnormal as far as poop goes

A tang that eats well but looks as yours does, likely has something going in internally. My guess would be an internal flagellate. The external issue is hard to tell. I have seen flukes cause quite a bit of damage externally.

Maybe start with a 5min FW dip and see if anything dislodges. I would move the fish to a QT feed food soaked with General Cure and Focus. If anything dislodges then you'd also want to use praziquantel in the water column as well. Antibiotics may be necessary as well

 

[Eric23]

Anything bullying it or chasing it?

Not that I've noticed at all

 

[Halal Hotdog]

What's causing that white pigmentation? Could you make a video of this fish during feeding time?

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

What's causing that white pigmentation? Could you make a video of this fish during feeding time?

Flukes can cause a loss of pigmentation and so can poor health overall. I’m guessing this fishes problems are stemming from being extremely malnourished. I would strongly suspect internal parasites.

 

[Eric23]

Better pics now that the lights are fully on

 

[Eric23]

This guy is tiny and not going to be easy to get. I have a medication tank warming up and a fish trap in the tank. I'm hoping he goes in there quickly but I'm doubtful

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

I would go with the advice given by @HotRocks and @4FordFamily

 

[Big G]

This guy is tiny and not going to be easy to get. I have a medication tank warming up and a fish trap in the tank. I'm hoping he goes in there quickly but I'm doubtful

Try waiting until the tank has been dark for a couple of hours and the room dark too. Using a small flashlight, shine it into the tangs eyes - it will mesmerize the tang, usually making it easy to net. Just keep the light steady on the eyes while netting.