Blue tang is acting drunk

[smedley93]

I'd appreciate some advice on how to handle my tang.

1st let me say that I haven't made any additions to my tank in over a year. So a few weeks ago I noticed my blue tang would sit on the sand quite a bit but after a few minutes she'd be back to actively swimming around. Then last night she was in her spot she normally sleeps between 2 rocks and would'nt come out at feeding time. This was very atypical for her as she is normallly a very good eater. This morning she was still "holed up" so I pulled a rock out to get her out of her hole and she just nose planted to the bottom of the tank and into a corner. I netted her and have her in a nursery net. She is laying on her side and acting like she can't swim.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[RBU1]

If your water quality is good and you don't see any visible issues its gonna be hard for anyone to help. I would do a large water change and see what happens.

 

[KeMo]

how long have you had the tang for ? It kina sounds like old age to me. Does not seem to have the energy . Are your parameters good. What about other fish in the tank ? are the acting the same ?

 

[smedley93]

Water parameters are all good and the other fish are acting fine. I've had the tang for 3.5 years. She is swimming and eating again but I do see some white discoloration on her beak and what looks like a red spot on her lower cheek we'll call it. I think the red spot may be from her banging into rocks. I've treated the tank with ick attack. So far so good.
Thanks for the replies. I thought she was a goner

 

[Recty]

I highly doubt treating with ich attack will do anything, since for one it doesnt do much anyway and for two, your tang doesnt have ich. Needlessly medicating an already stressed fish isnt the greatest idea in the world...

Any anemones in your tank?

 

[Chris27]

Lay back on the vodka dosing....

One thing that I have learned over the years is that Hippo Tang's are neurotic and their behavior keeps their owners on there tip toes.

If it's eating and swimming now, I wouldn't worry too much.