Foxface > disease or injury?

PhilM · Apr 26, 2023

My foxface is showing an injury or disease ring on its left flank behind the gills. It does not appear to protrude, but is flat. It has developed over the last 2 days. The fish is acting normal, eating well, and active. I have closely inspected the other fish (tangs, clowns, cardinals) and do not see any issues. I also have nems, banded coral shrimp, and a fire shrimp in this tank. I would really appreciate your suggestions on what this is, how to treat it, and if I need to move the foxface to my small quarantine tank.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

vetteguy53081 · Apr 26, 2023

PhilM said:
My foxface is showing an injury or disease ring on its left flank behind the gills. It does not appear to protrude, but is flat. It has developed over the last 2 days. The fish is acting normal, eating well, and active. I have closely inspected the other fish (tangs, clowns, cardinals) and do not see any issues. I also have nems, banded coral shrimp, and a fire shrimp in this tank. I would really appreciate your suggestions on what this is, how to treat it, and if I need to move the foxface to my small quarantine tank.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Appears to an injury or even sting from coral. This fish has a nice slime coat and should heal on its own However keep an eye on it for any development of rash or infection. It would be a good time to get seachem Kanaplex on hand should it become infected

PhilM · Apr 27, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
Appears to an injury or even sting from coral. This fish has a nice slime coat and should heal on its own However keep an eye on it for any development of rash or infection. It would be a good time to get seachem Kanaplex on hand should it become infected

Thank you for your very helpful and fast response. It is somewhat of a relief. I will watch all the fish carefully for the next week or so. All fish looking healthy and active this AM with no other marks visible on the foxface or others.

If I need to use SeaChem KanaPlex I assume it should be in a hospital tank as I believe it is not suitable for a display tank due to its bad effects on inverts. Please confirm. Is Ruby Rally Pro an alternative for treating right in the display tank? I am concerned that moving fish may cause additional stress and that other fish may be infected.

vetteguy53081 · Apr 27, 2023

PhilM said:
Thank you for your very helpful and fast response. It is somewhat of a relief. I will watch all the fish carefully for the next week or so. All fish looking healthy and active this AM with no other marks visible on the foxface or others.

If I need to use SeaChem KanaPlex I assume it should be in a hospital tank as I believe it is not suitable for a display tank due to its bad effects on inverts. Please confirm. Is Ruby Rally Pro an alternative for treating right in the display tank? I am concerned that moving fish may cause additional stress and that other fish may be infected.

Moving a fish is minimum stress unless you are aggressive with netting. Kanaplex in separate quarantine tank

Jay Hemdal · Apr 27, 2023

PhilM said:
My foxface is showing an injury or disease ring on its left flank behind the gills. It does not appear to protrude, but is flat. It has developed over the last 2 days. The fish is acting normal, eating well, and active. I have closely inspected the other fish (tangs, clowns, cardinals) and do not see any issues. I also have nems, banded coral shrimp, and a fire shrimp in this tank. I would really appreciate your suggestions on what this is, how to treat it, and if I need to move the foxface to my small quarantine tank.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

What tangs do you have in with it? Looks like a tang tail strike that has had a tissue reaction/infection.
It will most likely heal on its own.

Jay

PhilM · Apr 28, 2023

Jay Hemdal said:
What tangs do you have in with it? Looks like a tang tail strike that has had a tissue reaction/infection.
It will most likely heal on its own.

Jay

Jay, There is a Tomini and a Gem tang, both quite a bit smaller than the foxface.