Gem Tang quarantine question pest ID

[NarcoReefer]

Hey guys,

I’ve had this gem in copper QT for about two weeks. He’s eating great and has put on noticeable mass since. It is active all day and is even territorial when I linger in front of the tank.

This is my first Gem so not sure if the spots on him are just natural coloration or if it could potentially be flukes or something else. Can I please get your thoughts on the slow mo video I uploaded? Thanks guys!

QT Set up- 20 gal long
35ppt
2.3 copper power
78 temp
sponge filter w/ air stone

 

[Jekyl]

Can you please post the video to YouTube and supply the link? Having issue with the video.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey guys,

I’ve had this gem in copper QT for about two weeks. He’s eating great and has put on noticeable mass since. It is active all day and is even territorial when I linger in front of the tank.

This is my first Gem so not sure if the spots on him are just natural coloration or if it could potentially be flukes or something else. Can I please get your thoughts on the slow mo video I uploaded? Thanks guys!

QT Set up- 20 gal long
35ppt
2.3 copper power
78 temp
sponge filter w/ air stone

Always a tough fish to detect disease on but from pic- I see stress spots which can be from intimidation from tank mate, water quality issue or just scared
Lower white intensity to keep it relaxed and see if spots subside

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hey guys,

I’ve had this gem in copper QT for about two weeks. He’s eating great and has put on noticeable mass since. It is active all day and is even territorial when I linger in front of the tank.

This is my first Gem so not sure if the spots on him are just natural coloration or if it could potentially be flukes or something else. Can I please get your thoughts on the slow mo video I uploaded? Thanks guys!

QT Set up- 20 gal long
35ppt
2.3 copper power
78 temp
sponge filter w/ air stone

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Is the tang alone in the QT?
What is the ammonia level of the tank?
How long have the spots been present?

This could be a skin reaction to flukes. At some point, you'll want to treat for that. I try not to dose copper and fluke medications at the same time though. Flukes take longer to harm the fish than do protozoan diseases, so it is best to continue the copper and deal with it later as long as the fish isn't showing other symptoms (not eating, breathing fast, incessant scratching or cloudy eyes).

 

[NarcoReefer]

Always a tough fish to detect disease on but from pic- I see stress spots which can be from intimidation from tank mate, water quality issue or just scared
Lower white intensity to keep it relaxed and see if spots subside

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Is the tang alone in the QT?
What is the ammonia level of the tank?
How long have the spots been present?

This could be a skin reaction to flukes. At some point, you'll want to treat for that. I try not to dose copper and fluke medications at the same time though. Flukes take longer to harm the fish than do protozoan diseases, so it is best to continue the copper and deal with it later as long as the fish isn't showing other symptoms (not eating, breathing fast, incessant scratching or cloudy eyes).

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick response!

He is in QT alone.
Ammonia is <0.02 ppm
Spots come and go but I would say about a week max.
I did a fresh water dip but freaked out cause he started playing dead. Only lasted about a minute. (I later read they tend to do this)

I plan on treating with Prazipro in about a week.
Would you recommend otherwise?

I’ve noticed that when bright whites come on he turns pale white/brownish color. I did lower the lights significantly to blues and he definitely seems more relaxed.

here’s a better picture taken just now

 

[MnFish1]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick response!

He is in QT alone.
Ammonia is <0.02 ppm
Spots come and go but I would say about a week max.
I did a fresh water dip but freaked out cause he started playing dead. Only lasted about a minute. (I later read they tend to do this)

I plan on treating with Prazipro in about a week.
Would you recommend otherwise?

I’ve noticed that when bright whites come on he turns pale white/brownish color. I did lower the lights significantly to blues and he definitely seems more relaxed.

here’s a better picture taken just now

The picture you just showed look like stress coloration. The other ones look different (i.e. like possible flukes) - as long as it looks healthy , I would proceed with quarantine protocol (you are using copper now, the next step is prazipro which will help if there are flukes. BTW - when I say 'stress' - it can be something as simple as the lights coming on in the morning. Do they go away in the daytime? moving 'small' spots the reappear could be ich - but you're treating for that. The larger white areas do not look like ich.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick response!

He is in QT alone.
Ammonia is <0.02 ppm
Spots come and go but I would say about a week max.
I did a fresh water dip but freaked out cause he started playing dead. Only lasted about a minute. (I later read they tend to do this)

I plan on treating with Prazipro in about a week.
Would you recommend otherwise?

I’ve noticed that when bright whites come on he turns pale white/brownish color. I did lower the lights significantly to blues and he definitely seems more relaxed.

here’s a better picture taken just now

Yes on prazi. Apply initial dose at 85% of recommended and allow to remain 8 days, do a water change and apply one more dose for 8 days
It’s important to run an airstone during treatment as prazi reduces oxygen

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick response!

He is in QT alone.
Ammonia is <0.02 ppm
Spots come and go but I would say about a week max.
I did a fresh water dip but freaked out cause he started playing dead. Only lasted about a minute. (I later read they tend to do this)

I plan on treating with Prazipro in about a week.
Would you recommend otherwise?

I’ve noticed that when bright whites come on he turns pale white/brownish color. I did lower the lights significantly to blues and he definitely seems more relaxed.

here’s a better picture taken just now

The larger white spots, with the lower ones in a row and the upper row slightly angled is the stress/night coloration that this species shows. The first picture seemed to show sort of raised pinhead spots, those are something else.