Blue tang; Unsure

[Knightrider2022]

Hey!
So I am new to owning a Blue Tang. The one I have is very juvenile, and had a small bump forward of his dorsal fin when purchasing him.
Now it is almost like peeling skin. I just want to make sure this is normal and there is nothing to worry about.

still eating normal, had it about 5 weeks,

Thank you!

also, any other advice with these fish would be great.

 

[SteamReef]

In my opinion and experience, this appears to be lymphocystis (white cauliflower-like bumps), as it doesn't appear that your blue tang has any other symptoms of other diseases. Lymphocystis is a very common disease and is exacerbated when there is stress, but it is not fatal. There is no real treatment for this disease except by simply keeping your water clean and feeding your tang with vitamin-enriched foods.

However, according to your previous posts, it appears that one of your fish has ich. It would be ideal to take all your fish out of your tank and treat them.

Source: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lymphocystis.257461/

 

[MnFish1]

As as @SteamReef said - this looks like lymphocystis - which is a viral infection - that will usually go away on its own. It can come on with stress (shipment, water conditions, bullying). I would suggest you watch it - it may very well get worse - the good news - is its not likely to harm the fish - and - if you have other healthy fish in the tank - its not likely to spread

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

The focus is too soft for me to hazard a guess as to this being Lymphocystis or mucus from an injury. In the sample photo above, see how the Lymphocystis mass is sharp and angular, and a bit gray? In the OP's photo, it looks less angular and whiter, more like mucus.

Jay

 

[MnFish1]

The focus is too soft for me to hazard a guess as to this being Lymphocystis or mucus from an injury. In the sample photo above, see how the Lymphocystis mass is sharp and angular, and a bit gray? In the OP's photo, it looks less angular and whiter, more like mucus.

Jay

Curious - either way - it's benign? (ie not requiring intervention)?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Curious - either way - it's benign? (ie not requiring intervention)?

Benign if mucus or lymphocystis, but it could be bacterial.
The OP can try for a clearer photo or compare to the sample picture provided.
Jay

 

[Knightrider2022]

In my opinion and experience, this appears to be lymphocystis (white cauliflower-like bumps), as it doesn't appear that your blue tang has any other symptoms of other diseases. Lymphocystis is a very common disease and is exacerbated when there is stress, but it is not fatal. There is no real treatment for this disease except by simply keeping your water clean and feeding your tang with vitamin-enriched foods.

However, according to your previous posts, it appears that one of your fish has ich. It would be ideal to take all your fish out of your tank and treat them.

Source: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lymphocystis.257461/

Thank you, all the other fish have been isolated. This is a different tank. I appreciate your information and concern though!

Also, The other fish seem to not have ICH anymore, but I am going to leave them isolated a little longer.

 

[Knightrider2022]

Benign if mucus or lymphocystis, but it could be bacterial.
The OP can try for a clearer photo or compare to the sample picture provided.
Jay

I will try to get another photo.

One thing I would like to note is my cleaner shrimp just ate whatever this was right off of my tang. There are still residual marks, but the white that was kind of just floating off of it is completely gone.

 

[MnFish1]

Benign if mucus or lymphocystis, but it could be bacterial.
The OP can try for a clearer photo or compare to the sample picture provided.
Jay

Yes - sorry - I meant - if lymphocystis