Yellow tang needs help…

DaneGer21 · Jan 1, 2023

I’ve had my yellow tang for years and years, well after dinner this evening I noticed what looks like maybe a worm or something maybe has stabbed into the side of it. I can’t really tell what it is. It is reddish looking. About 1mm is sticking out(or superficial), and another 3mm or so “inside”. Nothing has been added to my tank in years.

I’ve taken a few pictures the best I can…

Any help or ID is appreciated!

vetteguy53081 · Jan 1, 2023

DaneGer21 said:
I’ve had my yellow tang for years and years, well after dinner this evening I noticed what looks like maybe a worm or something maybe has stabbed into the side of it. I can’t really tell what it is. It is reddish looking. Nothing has been added to my tank in years.

I’ve taken a few pictures the best I can…

Any help or ID is appreciated!

May be an injury from scalpel from another tang in the tank and right at the Lateral line. If worm would likely be a trematode and you can give fish a 5 minute freshwater dip IN A CLEAN bucket the same temperature as display tank which should dislodge it, as would praziPro or formalin.

DaneGer21 · Jan 1, 2023

There are two other tangs in the tank, so an injury is suspect.

As for the worm, I’ll dig out my fish trap just in case

dwest · Jan 1, 2023

My immediate reaction is that he was scraped by another tang as well. If so, he should be healed up in a few days.

DaneGer21 · Jan 1, 2023

dwest said:
My immediate reaction is that he was scraped by another tang as well. If so, he should be healed up in a few days.

The yellow tang, as well as all others, have always been super healthy and plump. So if it is just a superficial cut, it’s health should clear it up quickly.

I appreciate your insight!!!