Trigger not doing well.

[Bryce Peterson]

Any ideas on why this trigger is so lethargic? I recently transferred my fish to a 30 gallon while setting up my tank in a new house. Ever since then, one of my blue throats has gradually stopped eating and swimming. Seems content to stick to the hob intake. No labored breathing or strange markings noted. I have had this fish for 10 months without issue. Although, he never was very active compared to my other one. All other tank mates are acting normally.

 

[Humblefish]

Did he used to have a mate? I had a male Blue Throat that started moping after the female died. You also have to keep a close eye on their teeth, as they can overgrow and prevent the fish from eating.

 

[Bryce Peterson]

No mate just another male. My wife said he was depressed because his friend the leopard wrasse died in the move. He does seem to be moping. Would the overgrown teeth be something you could see?

 

[melypr1985]

he's got some tattered fins, but otherwise looks ok. May just be really stressed out from the move and unfamiliar surroundings. If you look really closely you'll be able to see his teeth.

 

[Bryce Peterson]

Caught the yellow tang stabbing him and the other tankmates. It even stabbed the starry blenny. Never done that in the 90. Unfortunately, my live rock was all in a 55 at the other house and I lost the heater. Before I knew it, I had lost all my bristle worms and brittle stars (and who knows what else). The new tank will have to cycle. Any suggestions? Could the tang be the culprit? I don't want to lose my other trigger and starry blenny.

 

[melypr1985]

Could the tang be the culprit?

Could be. He would act that way if he was being bullied. You could remove the tang altogether, or set up a larger QT with more hiding spots. Or just add more hiding spots first.

 

[Humblefish]

I hate Yellow Tangs!