Kole tang diagnosis

[nathansreef11]

Just today I was getting home and took a look at my tank . Immediately I could tell something was off because my kole tang was swimming back and forth quickly . He generally hangs out and picks at the rocks . So that was out of character for him . He has a pretty good sized white spot under his fins . Was just wondering what this is and how to treat

 

[melypr1985]

Are you talking about that lighter area below the pectoral fin?

 

[nathansreef11]

Yes

 

[melypr1985]

OK, any other symptoms to go along with it? He's pacing back and forth and that area looks a bit swollen and -of course- discolored. Any heavy breathing, flashing or scratching? Anything in your tank that stings?

 

[nathansreef11]

Are you talking about that lighter area below the pectoral fin?

It's kind of bubbled out. He defidently didn't have it yesterday

 

[melypr1985]

Are there any marks on it that could be an injury?

 

[nathansreef11]

OK, any other symptoms to go along with it? He's pacing back and forth and that area looks a bit swollen and -of course- discolored. Any heavy breathing, flashing or scratching? Anything in your tank that stings?

Generally he seems fine his breathing is normal . Nothing in my tank would sting at least that I know of . Only thing I can think is a galexea coral but I have not heard of those stinging fish just other corals ? Unless I'm mistaken ?

 

[melypr1985]

Generally he seems fine his breathing is normal . Nothing in my tank would sting at least that I know of . Only thing I can think is a galexea coral but I have not heard of those stinging fish just other corals ? Unless I'm mistaken ?

It could potentially sting a fish. I'll say that the spot you are worried about only looks swollen. I don't see any real signs of bacterial infection, injury or other disease. You can dose epsom salt into your tank (reef safe option) to help with the swelling and watch for other symptoms in the mean time.
Epsom Salt: Treats eye and other injuries. Popeye in one eye usually means injury, but popeye in both eyes usually denotes a bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment. Cloudy eye can be a bacterial infection or flukes.

How To Treat - 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of aquarium water. Repeat only once, if necessary. Use only “USP” grade Epsom salt.

Pros - Reef safe, as Epsom salt is just magnesium sulfate.

Cons/Side Effects - The effects of excessive sulfate in a reef aquarium are not fully known.

 

[nathansreef11]

Thank you for the great information . I will go grab some epsom right now

 

[melypr1985]

Anytime. Be sure to update with any new symptoms if they pop up.

 

[4FordFamily]

I agree with Mel, as always. Good luck!