Chevron Tang Fins looking odd

[nauti1us]

Hi All

Looking for some guidance regarding my Chevron Tang.

This fish has been in my 210 Gallon Mixed Reef for well over fours years. He's housed along with many other fish including wrasses, Pygmy Angels and two three other Tangs: Purple, Yellow, A Tomini Tang and a Kole.

The problem I'm seeing is the rear fins of the fish appear to be sort or ragged... not critical but they just don't look right... they used to be smooth and clean and now they look edgy for a lack of a better word.

The Kole tang is starting to show signs of the same thing. The Yellow and Purple Tang along with the Tomini all look fine.

I feed Roggers food daily so I'm confident I'm feeding them good quality food.

Just curious if the Chevron/Kole species of Tang is more prone to fin issues based on Nitrates or other issues... All these fish including the Chevron and Kole are all otherwise healthy and eating normally.

If anyone has seen something similar to this I'd appreciate some feedback.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[skibum9884]

Any pictures?

 

[nauti1us]

Sorry no... was sitting here at work and decided to post this question.. tomorrow I'll try and take a shot and post it...

 

[ssavader]

Matt, if there is no sign of fin disease, i.e., fungus, bloody streaks, or other common signs, then think pistol/mantis shrimp. My tank has been set up for over four years and I have two fish with the same issue, torn and tattered caudal fins. both these fish hide/sleep in the same part of the reef, and now I'm hearing "popping" from this area. I'm convinced a tiny pistol/mantis shrimp has grown up and is now doing the damage. I have a trap set up and am hoping for a capture. Are you hearing anything similar?

 

[nauti1us]

Nope... not hearing anything like that. This reef has been set up for prolly 8 years in it's current location with the same rock with no additional rock ever being added...

I've had experiences with mantis shrimp many many years ago when I first started reef keeping ... and I'm not hearing anything of the sort. Not so say there might be a crab or something else doing this...

The fins look jagged, not torn or mutilated in any way.... it's very strange.

 

[pw154]

Could be the start of lateral line errosion