Black Ich?

[Jasongski]

I have a ‘newer’ cycled tank (2 months since cycle ended) and my clown appeared with black spots on only his pectoral fins. The tank was set up with both dry rock/sand and cycled using Dr Tim’s. The only other inhabitants are small frags of gsp, paly’s, and mushrooms. The clown eats like a beast and has shown occasional scratching once or twice. He has been in my tank alone for over a month before spots appeared. Eating and active with no signs of strained breathing.

I just found it odd that on his white body the spots only appear on both fins. And I never see him around the frags. So from any older hands at this, does it appear to be a parasite or something else?

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites -0
Nitrates - 5
Ph - 7.8
Salinity 1.026
Temp - 79

 

[Brew12]

I do not believe that it is black ich. If it is, it is the most unusual case I have seen and very minor at this point.

I do worry about the scratching you are seeing. That is typically a sign of Flukes. Flukes can be confirmed with a fresh water dip. Here is a link if you have questions on how to do one. https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/video-how-to-do-a-freshwater-dip.214/

Fortunately, if it is flukes or black ich, they can both be treated with Praziquantel (Prazipro) which is completely reef safe. For now, you may be best off just observing for any worsening symptoms.