Orangetip Bristletooth Turning White?

[vichabod]

Hello, everyone!

I'm posting on behalf of my dad, so please bear with me.

He's got a 60-gallon tank with an Apex system, and all parameters have been checked and double-checked. All other fish, anemones, and corals seem fine, but something is going on with his orangetip bristletooth. We noticed about a month ago that he had a white spot on his face, and it's now spread significantly.

No odd behavior, still eating, etc. That being said, he was full-grown when we got him six years ago, and I have no idea how long his previous owners had him, so it wouldn't be a shock if he's just old.

Any advice is appreciated, and I'll answer any questions as best I can!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello, everyone!

I'm posting on behalf of my dad, so please bear with me.

He's got a 60-gallon tank with an Apex system, and all parameters have been checked and double-checked. All other fish, anemones, and corals seem fine, but something is going on with his orangetip bristletooth. We noticed about a month ago that he had a white spot on his face, and it's now spread significantly.

No odd behavior, still eating, etc. That being said, he was full-grown when we got him six years ago, and I have no idea how long his previous owners had him, so it wouldn't be a shock if he's just old.

Any advice is appreciated, and I'll answer any questions as best I can!!

While there's such a thing as old age, this may also be bacterial but to balance this out, you can safely add Ruby Rally pro to tank even with coral and inverts in case bacterial and see if any improvement which will take a couple of days.

 

[vichabod]

While there's such a thing as old age, this may also be bacterial but to balance this out, you can safely add Ruby Rally pro to tank even with coral and inverts in case bacterial and see if any improvement which will take a couple of days.

I'll pass this along! Thanks so much!!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hello, everyone!

I'm posting on behalf of my dad, so please bear with me.

He's got a 60-gallon tank with an Apex system, and all parameters have been checked and double-checked. All other fish, anemones, and corals seem fine, but something is going on with his orangetip bristletooth. We noticed about a month ago that he had a white spot on his face, and it's now spread significantly.

No odd behavior, still eating, etc. That being said, he was full-grown when we got him six years ago, and I have no idea how long his previous owners had him, so it wouldn't be a shock if he's just old.

Any advice is appreciated, and I'll answer any questions as best I can!!

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

There may be two issues here - minor Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) around the head (in front of the eyes) and then the general mottled coloration. The HLLE is pretty common in tangs and can be caused by using dusty carbon. It usually does not go away, but it won't be fatal. The mottled coloration looks too diffuse to be a bacterial infection, but I cannot tell you what it is. The length of time it has had this also points away from bacteria - in most cases, external bacterial infections either resolve on their own, or get much worse, they don't linger on for a month like that.

It may be age related, but I can't say for certain. If the fish is still eating well, I wouldn't worry too much.

Jay

 

[MnFish1]

My impression was HLLE - and age-related or perhaps nutritional. Does the coloration change at all when the lights are fully on? Since his behavior is normal - and no other tank mates have been added (I assume) - and nothing else is sick - I'm not sure I would do any treatment - except nutrition, water quality, low stress. If you look at some of Jay's articles - HLLE can be caused by certain types of activated carbon.

PS - age (I guess) is unlikely as well - since tangs can live to be decades old in the wild. If it is getting worse, you could consider an antibacterial as already recommended.