Emergency!!

[bmbpka]

Looks like my Kole tang took a barb right above his tail from my foxface. Only thing I can think of. He is freaking out with what looks like a spike going through his back side.

Should I pull it out or will nature fix it’s self?

I’d get a pic but he won’t stop moving!

 

[Sako338]

It may stress him too much to catch him and remove it, no expert here just thoughts.

 

[bmbpka]

It may stress him too much to catch him and remove it, no expert here just thoughts.

I don’t think I could if I tried at this point. I noticed him earlier today freaking out on my Wyze camera. Thought he was just being a goof. Finally got home and notice something through him.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Saltwater fish have the ability to heal and repair themselves quickly. Letting nature take its' course- should heal on its' own

 

[bmbpka]

Saltwater fish have the ability to heal and repair themselves quickly. Letting nature take its' course- should heal on its' own

Feel bad for the dude. I don’t think they were fighting. The are pails. Think the big baby foxface got startled and got him.

 

[EmdeReef]

Is it still stuck? Are you sure it’s from your foxface? Can you post pics?

At the minimum you should watch for infections which can spread very quickly. Any discoloration that doesn’t go away in a day or two or starts getting worse is a cause for concern.

 

[bmbpka]

Is it still stuck? Are you sure it’s from your foxface? Can you post pics?

At the minimum you should watch for infections which can spread very quickly. Any discoloration that doesn’t go away in a day or two or starts getting worse is a cause for concern.

Ya it’s still in there. Unless it’s flesh. I tried to get a photo but he is spazzing out. None are coming out clear.

 

[bmbpka]

Best I could get photo wise. I’m almost wonder if it isn’t the barb, but the scales pushed out from going through. He has the exact same wound on the other side.

 

[motortrendz]

Way to hard to see in the picture. If the barb is through and not there I'd let him be. If it's still in him me personally I'd want to remove it and watch for infection.

 

[EmdeReef]

A pic without the blues on would be easier to see. In any event, an infection is your biggest potential problem.

Some fish are much better at healing on their own.

It may also bother the tang to swim if there’s something stuck in its tail. Regardless it would be somewhat challenging to take anything out without sedating him...

 

[bmbpka]

A pic without the blues on would be easier to see. In any event, an infection is your biggest potential problem.

Some fish are much better at healing on their own.

It may also bother the tang to swim if there’s something stuck in its tail. Regardless it would be somewhat challenging to take anything out without sedating him...

Best I got. I can’t get any closer or he won’t come out. He knows I’m trying to get him out. Or atleast I was.

 

[Hemmdog]

Best I got. I can’t get any closer or he won’t come out. He knows I’m trying to get him out. Or atleast I was.

His scalpel ?

 

[4FordFamily]

That’s just the fish’s scalpel. They’re called surgeonfish (tangs) also because they have these. They use these to stab or scratch offending fish encroaching on their territory.

They have them on both sides. Nothing to worry about!

 

[bmbpka]

That’s just the fish’s scalpel. They’re called surgeonfish (tangs) also because they have these. They use these to stab or scratch offending fish encroaching on their territory.

They have them on both sides. Nothing to worry about!

Seriously?! I have never seen this protruding out it’s side? Wow I’m an idiot. Wonder why he is freaking out then...

 

[vetteguy53081]

All tangs have it. This is how we all learn.

 

[bmbpka]

Welp just read up on tang scalpels . Thanks everyone! Sorry for getting everyone all worked up for nothing! Learn something new here every day!

He is going nuts in the corner because he is probably trying to fight his reflection.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welp just read up on tang scalpels . Thanks everyone! Sorry for getting everyone all worked up for nothing! Learn something new here every day!

He is going nuts in the corner because he is probably trying to fight his reflection.

Yup this is pretty normal tang behavior as well. Is this an “only tang” household?

 

[bmbpka]

Yup this is pretty normal tang behavior as well. Is this an “only tang” household?

He is the only tang in the house.

 

[4FordFamily]

He is the only tang in the house.

I figured, more of that behavior when they don’t have tang roommates. They have “successfully” kept other tangs out of their territory so the reflection tang is easier to notice.