Yellow boxfish white spots?? What are they

[fishlover2004]

I have done a lot of research, talked to many salt water experts, CAN NOT pin point what is going on with my boxfish. He has white spots all over and they look almost fuzzy. Will include a photos, won’t let me attach a video so they aren’t great . I tried a fresh water dip and nothing came of it( already figured it’s not ich anyway) they are spreading and I am worried for him.. no one seems to know what he has. Any ideas?? No other fish in my tank have anything on they’re skin and are fine. Water parameters are good.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have done a lot of research, talked to many salt water experts, CAN NOT pin point what is going on with my boxfish. He has white spots all over and they look almost fuzzy. Will include a photos, won’t let me attach a video so they aren’t great . I tried a fresh water dip and nothing came of it( already figured it’s not ich anyway) they are spreading and I am worried for him.. no one seems to know what he has. Any ideas?? No other fish in my tank have anything on they’re skin and are fine. Water parameters are good.

Pics are a little fuzzy, but may be mucus cones associated with cryptocaryon which is Marine ich. Other possibility is bacterial tufts which I dont think these are. As these fish are prone to ich, assure the dots dont increase in the next day or two. If so, they can be tricky and dont fare well with hyposalinity but First choice would be General cure or Coppersafe at 2.0 monitored with reliable test kit such as Hanna brand.

 

[fishlover2004]

Pics are a little fuzzy, but may be mucus cones associated with cryptocaryon which is Marine ich. Other possibility is bacterial tufts which I dont think these are. As these fish are prone to ich, assure the dots dont increase in the next day or two. If so, they can be tricky and dont fare well with hyposalinity but First choice would be General cure or Coppersafe at 2.0 monitored with reliable test kit such as Hanna brand.

Thank you I will look into this

 

[fishlover2004]

Pics are a little fuzzy, but may be mucus cones associated with cryptocaryon which is Marine ich. Other possibility is bacterial tufts which I dont think these are. As these fish are prone to ich, assure the dots dont increase in the next day or two. If so, they can be tricky and dont fare well with hyposalinity but First choice would be General cure or Coppersafe at 2.0 monitored with reliable test kit such as Hanna brand.

Here are some better photos maybe this helps

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Those spots are pretty large to be ich (even given that size is relative and this is a small boxfish). I think these are mucus plugs, a reaction to some stressor. Does the fish eat and behave normally?

What are all those white lines in the last few pictures? Nematodes on the glass?

Jay

 

[vetteguy53081]

Here are some better photos maybe this helps

Yes they are and thank you. These are mucus plugs . While copper based treatment is most effective, General cure is safer for this type of fish and will take longer to be effective. If copper, I recommend use of Coppersafe or copper power at therapeutic level 2.0 -2.25 For a FULL 30 days (do not interrupt this 30 day period) monitored by a reliable Copper Test kit such as Hanna Brand- No API brand. Also monitor Ammonia levels while in quarantine with a reliable test kit and add aeration during treatment using an air stone.
The display tank will have to be kept fishless (FALLOW) for 6-8 weeks to assure the existing parasites go through their life cycle without a host fish and die off
A quarantine tank can be as simple as a starter kit from Walmart which most of the needed essentials.

 

[fishlover2004]

Those spots are pretty large to be ich (even given that size is relative and this is a small boxfish). I think these are mucus plugs, a reaction to some stressor. Does the fish eat and behave normally?

What are all those white lines in the last few pictures? Nematodes on the glass?

Jay

He does eat normally and seems content for the most part. Not sure which white lines you’re talking about but it’s either just residue from the salt splashing out of in the corners there is like some type of sealant.

 

[fishlover2004]

Yes they are and thank you. These are mucus plugs . While copper based treatment is most effective, General cure is safer for this type of fish and will take longer to be effective. If copper, I recommend use of Coppersafe or copper power at therapeutic level 2.0 -2.25 For a FULL 30 days (do not interrupt this 30 day period) monitored by a reliable Copper Test kit such as Hanna Brand- No API brand. Also monitor Ammonia levels while in quarantine with a reliable test kit and add aeration during treatment using an air stone.
The display tank will have to be kept fishless (FALLOW) for 6-8 weeks to assure the existing parasites go through their life cycle without a host fish and die off
A quarantine tank can be as simple as a starter kit from Walmart which most of the needed essentials.

should I quarantine all of the fish? And if so , should I quarantine them is this tank? I have another tank on hand that is 10 - 15 gallon. I know the boxfish might not be comfortable in that tank for a long time so that’s why I am curious if there is a way I could turn my 70 gal into a quarantine tank .. just don’t know what I would do after the treatment is over, would I need to change all of the water? Let me know what you think is best.

 

[vetteguy53081]

should I quarantine all of the fish? And if so , should I quarantine them is this tank? I have another tank on hand that is 10 - 15 gallon. I know the boxfish might not be comfortable in that tank for a long time so that’s why I am curious if there is a way I could turn my 70 gal into a quarantine tank .. just don’t know what I would do after the treatment is over, would I need to change all of the water? Let me know what you think is best.

Likely no need to but as Jay too indicated- mucus plugs. At times, they subside but at times they increase. I believe the number increased overnight. Often this is due to skin irritation and in lieu of ich and reason I said to observe overnight. Start with assuring water is prisitine and not elevated in ammonia-ph-salinity levels.
A good reef safe and general cure is Ruby Rally Pro. You can add that Before taking steps to set up quarantine and treatment. Ruby Rally will also protect other occupants and treats an array of issues like bacterial, skin, worms, velvet and more and safe with inverts

 

[fishlover2004]

Ok

Likely no need to but as Jay too indicated- mucus plugs. At times, they subside but at times they increase. I believe the number increased overnight. Often this is due to skin irritation and in lieu of ich and reason I said to observe overnight. Start with assuring water is prisitine and not elevated in ammonia-ph-salinity levels.
A good reef safe and general cure is Ruby Rally Pro. You can add that Before taking steps to set up quarantine and treatment. Ruby Rally will also protect other occupants and treats an array of issues like bacterial, skin, worms, velvet and more and safe with inverts

I will do these things and update. Thanks for your help

 

[lemonchello]

Hi ,
I have the same problem -white Spots on my Yellow Boxfish. Could you please write an update what do you think was it ?
treatment plan ?
Results ?
I will be very grateful for your response.
Many thanks ,
Karina