What Is This???

[Nosaj82]

Hi,

What is happening to my pyjama cardinals tail? Is this some type of infection? Should I be concerned?

Thanks

 

[Flippers4pups]

Could be bacterial, but I think I see a dusting on its body. Let's get others opinions.

#reefsquad

 

[LiveWire]

I would first guess another fish is nipping at the pajama cardinals. What other fish do you have in the system?

 

[LesPoissons]

is he being picked on that youve noticed? otherwise ich/tail rot/bacterial infection etc? water parameters?

 

[Retro Reefer]

Agree with others, kinda looks like your typical nipping.. how does the fish look overall? Colors? any skin abnormalities? hard to tell exactly from the picture but it does appear a little “chalky“ looking.

 

[Reefer Reborn]

Looks like a nip to me. I notice the extra long wispy dorsal, looks pretty healthy. My PJ is a troublemaker at night and have seen many fish lunge at it as she speeds up into their territory like a weirdo.

 

[Idoc]

If you're seeing no aggression toward the fish, then I would definitely be concerned with an infection. I agree with @Flippers4pups that the body may look shaded/dusty in coloration. Pics under white lights would help with identifying if something else is at play.

 

[Nosaj82]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I have a yellow tang, ocerelis clownfish and two chromis.

i have seen absolutely no aggression. This cardinal just hangs out and minds his own business...night time may be a different story lol. In saying that the yellow tang and chromis are recent additions to the tank so maybe this is a coincidence.

the cardinal eats fine and behaves the same as he did when he was introduced to the tank. Everything else on him seems good to me.

I will test water tomorrow and post the results

 

[Saltyreef]

What size is the tank?

 

[Nosaj82]

What size is the tank?

Display tank is 144 gallons and the sump is 90 gallons.

 

[Nosaj82]

Here is some pics under normal white lighting.