Hippo Tang

[minibikemike]

Just picked this fish up December 6th from a LFS. Seems to be doing good but today I noticed this spot on her right side that looks like a hole. This fish will not sit still for a picture and seems camera shy. Hope my pics can help figure this out. The fish is in a 10 gal. quarantine tank with lots of live rock and a hang on filter with uv light, and activated carbon. Feeding LRS Herbivore Frenzy soaked in selcon and the fish has a crazy appetite! I have noticed her scratching twice on her left side but the little spot is on her right. Worried about her health and want to do the best I can for her successful introduction into my reef.

 

[IKD]

Could be HLLE starting. Are you giving any algae sheets (Nori) soak in Selcon? The scratching could be signs of Ick (Hippos are magnets for Ick). Do you see any white spots on the body? I would monitor closely. Also, is he hanging out in the corner a lot? He could be stressed if there’s no hiding/shelter spots.

 

[IKD]

I also saw this article. You mentioned activated carbon and theory #3 seemed worthy of at least reading

HLLE - Head and Lateral Line Erosion Disease Treatment - Hackers' Reef

HLLE is a disease that afflicts many of the ornamental marine fish in our hobby. The acronym stands for Head and Lateral Line Erosion. Facts & Prevention...

www.hackersreef.com

 

[minibikemike]

Could be HLLE starting. Are you giving any algae sheets (Nori) soak in Selcon? The scratching could be signs of Ick (Hippos are magnets for Ick). Do you see any white spots on the body? I would monitor closely. Also, is he hanging out in the corner a lot? He could be stressed if there’s no hiding/shelter spots.

Does hide out in the corner but has lots of hiding space within the live rock. Just gonna have to monitor the situation. Also gonna remove the activated carbon.

I also saw this article. You mentioned activated carbon and theory #3 seemed worthy of at least reading

HLLE - Head and Lateral Line Erosion Disease Treatment - Hackers' Reef

HLLE is a disease that afflicts many of the ornamental marine fish in our hobby. The acronym stands for Head and Lateral Line Erosion. Facts & Prevention...

www.hackersreef.com

Gave it a read and decided to give it a try and monitor the fish.

 

[IKD]

Hey, just wanted to see how the recovery attempts went for you.

 

[minibikemike]

Hey, just wanted to see how the recovery attempts went for you.

Removed activated charcoal and added a ground probe. Fish healed up within days!

 

[IKD]

That’s great news!!