Help ID'ing this disease...

[MOHFpro90]

Hello all,

We recently purchased a Philippine Yellow Tang from the LFS, and a few days ago I noticed what I initially thought was some Ich on his lips and forehead. After doing a bit of research I felt it probably wasn't Ich, and I cant seem to find anything definitive, which is why I have arrived here.

He has a white fuzz on his lips and forehead, he is eating well, swimming fine, not lethargic, not rubbing against anything, and all of his fins look to be in good shape. I have taken a few pictures to give you a better idea, and maybe point me in an appropriate course of action to resolve this.

Also, we had a cleaner shrimp when we purchased this tang. About a week later, the shrimp was nowhere to be found. I am not sure if the tang decided to take him out, but this disease did not appear until after the shrimp was gone.

Here are two pictures I took, best ones I could get of him.




1. How old is this aquarium? 2 years.

2. If less than six months old, what is ammonia level? 0

3. What is SG of this aquarium? How measured? 1.024, with an IO Hydrometer, which has corresponded to the LFS's refractometer every time I have my water tested there.

4. When was the last fish added to this aquarium? This Tang, 3 weeks ago.

5. Was it quarantined? If so, how? And how long? Was it prophylactically treated? How? It was not.

6. If you are using a copper based medication, which one? How often do you measure level? When? N/a

7. If you are using hyposalinity, how did you calibrate your refractometer? N/a

8. Please describe in detail, the appearance of the fish? If there is one or more pimples, are they lumpy? What color? White, mold-like fuzz on lips, face and forehead.

9. Please describe the behavior of the fish as best you can. Is it acting reclusive? Is it always up towards the top of the aquarium? Is it avoiding light? How active is the fish? Acting normal, swimming and eating, however he does seem to go into a hole under some rock and stay there every few minutes like he might be avoiding light.

10. Is the fish eating? What? Yes, algae off the rocks as well as some flake food and marine algae.

Thanks all!

 

[alprazo]

You should really consider QT.

Anyway, the tang looks pretty thin and beat up. It could be just that. I would beef it up for now and see what happens.

 

[mobyich]

This might help. http://www.petsask.com/fish/my_pale_tang_have_some_white_fuzzy_cotton_looking.html

 

[MOHFpro90]

Tested my pH at 8.0, so I dont think thats an issue.

Going to stop by the LFS this morning and see if they have any suggestions. Will see if they have any food for him to help his immune system and beef him up.

I know I need to set up a QT, its been on my list, I just have yet to follow through with it. Been very busy lately, but I will definitely be doing it before purchasing another fish.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Was this fish showing any signs of illness when you bought it, your post sounds that way?
Just an opinion that may/may not have anything to do with your fish: Hawaii has magnificent yellow tangs. I avoid, if at all possible, any fish from the Philippines, Indonesia, or simply labeled as "Indo-Pacific". Fish collection in much (not all) of this area is very poorly policed, handling and shipping can be substandard, and cyanide is still fairly common. There are usually better sources for most fish; they may be pricier, but the origin of a fish has a lot do do with its future. A dealer who knows his sources is a big help too.

 

[MOHFpro90]

MrTusk, he was in great shape and showed no signs of being ill when we purchased him. I examine all of the fish in the LFS when I go, since they share the same water column, if any of them are sick, I wont purchase anything. Nothing was out of the ordinary, however, and this tang looked very healthy and vibrant.

Duly noted about the fish from those areas. I was not aware of the things you mentioned, and it will make me think twice next time!

I stopped by the same LFS I purchased him from, and the gentleman there said it looked like some sort of bacteria. He suggested a QT and treatment with FuranII.

Being that about 4 hours after going to the LFS, I ended up in the ER, I probably wont have the energy or ability to set up the QT until tomorrow or tuesday. Is there anything I can do in the mean time to reduce the risk to the fish? Lights off? Feed with garlic infused algae?