Parasite?

[spsick]

Can’t find anything that meets the description of this. Little stringy white bits on the face of my purple tang. There’s usually a couple. Never any other fish. I’ve had him in the display 6+ months since QT, no new additions since and he’s displayed this for most of it. Super weird.

He’s active, healthy, and eating well.

Short YouTube vid since it showed up better in video than pics.

May 9, 2023

youtube.com

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Can’t find anything that meets the description of this. Little stringy white bits on the face of my purple tang. There’s usually a couple. Never any other fish. I’ve had him in the display 6+ months since QT, no new additions since and he’s displayed this for most of it. Super weird.

He’s active, healthy, and eating well.

Short YouTube vid since it showed up better in video than pics.

May 9, 2023

youtube.com

That’s most likely what I call “mucus plugs”. I see people have blue and purple tangs get that fairly often here. When I’ve seen this in my own fish, I’ve gone skin scrapes and it always just shows mucus under the microscope.
Unsure of the cause, apparently some sort of stress issue. It may get worse, but usually goes away in a few weeks. I have seen ich and mucus plugs mixed on the same fish though. Your’s doesn’t seem to have that, but always watch for other symptoms to develop.
Jay

 

[spsick]

That’s most likely what I call “mucus plugs”. I see people have blue and purple tangs get that fairly often here. When I’ve seen this in my own fish, I’ve gone skin scrapes and it always just shows mucus under the microscope.
Unsure of the cause, apparently some sort of stress issue. It may get worse, but usually goes away in a few weeks. I have seen ich and mucus plugs mixed on the same fish though. Your’s doesn’t seem to have that, but always watch for other symptoms to develop.
Jay

Well that’s a relief thanks Jay!!