Can someone help me identify this??

[CmbFish]

Hello, I was hoping for some help in identifying the white stuff on the mouth of my new tang. I just received this Two Spot Bristletooth Tang from an online store on Friday. I have already sent them this information and is waiting for a response. I noticed yesterday that the Tangs mouth has this white stuff in it. He was hidden for a couple of days but has been out and eating and grazing. I didn't really notice it until yesterday, it could have been there originally. Thank you in advance!!!

 

[blaxsun]

#fishmedic

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hello, I was hoping for some help in identifying the white stuff on the mouth of my new tang. I just received this Two Spot Bristletooth Tang from an online store on Friday. I have already sent them this information and is waiting for a response. I noticed yesterday that the Tangs mouth has this white stuff in it. He was hidden for a couple of days but has been out and eating and grazing. I didn't really notice it until yesterday, it could have been there originally. Thank you in advance!!!

It looks like physical damage. That part of the fish is "out front" and will be involved if the fish hits anything. It is REALLY common to see this in new fish, after they have been netted up by a dealer and then put in a plastic bag. The damaged skin then becomes necrotic and sloughs off. That is the white strings that you see.

Treatment would require dosing an antibiotic in a treatment tank. As long as the fish is still eating, then you may not need to treat it though. That said, new fish can have other issues as well, it is always best to quarantine them when possible.

Jay

 

[CmbFish]

Thank You Jay. The Tang has been eating since day one and most of all he's constantly swimming and grazing. I will keep an eye on him and make sure it heals.