Yellow Tang issue Help -

[higorc]

Hi,

Can anyone help me with what's going on with my yellow tang? I've had this guy for over 2 years with no issues. Only new addition to the tank recently was a file fish, mandarin and some snails from live aquaria a couple weeks ago.

3 days ago he started swimming slow and not eating. A couple days ago he started showing this on his body. I am afraid if I try to get him out I'll stress him even more. I've never seen this before and am not sure what to do.

Thanks guys

 

[redfishbluefish]

This one is for @Jay Hemdal .

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi,

Can anyone help me with what's going on with my yellow tang? I've had this guy for over 2 years with no issues. Only new addition to the tank recently was a file fish, mandarin and some snails from live aquaria a couple weeks ago.

3 days ago he started swimming slow and not eating. A couple days ago he started showing this on his body. I am afraid if I try to get him out I'll stress him even more. I've never seen this before and am not sure what to do.

Thanks guys

While its most likely bacterial, I can’t rule out a rare fungal infection. Is it only on the right side of the fish or does it extend to the left?
Do you have a treatment tank available?
The trouble with infections that involve large areas of skin is that the fish then has trouble maintaining proper osmotic balance with the water.
Jay

 

[higorc]

While its most likely bacterial, I can’t rule out a rare fungal infection. Is it only on the right side of the fish or does it extend to the left?
Do you have a treatment tank available?
The trouble with infections that involve large areas of skin is that the fish then has trouble maintaining proper osmotic balance with the water.
Jay

Hi Jay, it's on both sides. Do you think it's contagious? I have other tangs in the tank. I don't have a treatment tank. Is this something I can treat the whole tank with something?

Would a water change help?
Thanks

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

There are two basic types of bacterial infections; primary that invade healthy tissue and secondary where the bacteria invades previously damaged tissue. Primary can be contagious, secondary usually is not.
There are not any true antibiotics that I would consider reef safe. There are a number of herbal tonics being sold as reef safe but they are not true antibiotics and don’t have much good science behind them.
Jay