Yellow tang rubbing

[dodger745]

I have a yellow tang that I introduced a month ago. He came to me from a very established Lfs. He was in a tank there for 6 weeks. Fish has always eaten well and is still eating well. The last few days he rubs the base of his tail on the back glass non stop. At first I just thought he was chasing his reflection, but the base of his tail is showing redness. He does not show any spots or signs of ich. Any ideas?

 

[mike007]

Most likely some sort of parasite.Can you quarantine and medicate?

 

[dodger745]

I can dose the tank with prazi. I've been doing a lot of reading and it looks more and more like he is just going after his reflection.

 

[mike007]

I hope that's the case lot better than parasites.

 

[dodger745]

I agree.

 

[Humblefish]

The base of the tail is where their "scalpel" is, so odds are he's just fighting his own reflection. However, if that area is turning red then it means he is injuring himself, and that increases the odds of an infection setting in.

 

[dodger745]

Yes I agree. My wife put a colored towel up against the back glass of the tank to try and knock down the reflections. This is where he has been since this all started. Seems to have fixed the issue for now. He has settled down. I may be forced to paint the back glass which I really hate to do

 

[Humblefish]

I may be forced to paint the back glass which I really hate to do

I would just tape some aquarium background there: http://www.amazon.com/9089-Fish-Tan...BI/ref=zg_bs_2975449011_4/182-4919233-8539654

 

[dodger745]

well he has started to ease up on the reflection fighting and become more normal as before. still eating like crazy. and getting along fine with my other tank mates.