Kole eye tang with open mouth

[Newsmyrna80]

I was looking at a Kole eye tang at the LFS yesterday and I really wanted him. But his mouth appeared to stay open a lot. Is this normal behavior for them? He did hide behind the rocks quite a bit so it was hard to study him for any length of time.

 

[DasCamel]

I was looking at a Kole eye tang at the LFS yesterday and I really wanted him. But his mouth appeared to stay open a lot. Is this normal behavior for them? He did hide behind the rocks quite a bit so it was hard to study him for any length of time.

If he's grazing for algae 24/7 probably healthy. If it's open and hiding even with live rock around, I'd be concerned. Problem, they shutdown and hide if stressed by the surrounding very easily. I could never get mine fully comfortable in a QT.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I wouldn't touch it. It could be mouth damage or cotton mouth. In other words not a good sign bc it may eventually starve to death from not being able to eat food. You should wait till they get a healthier one if that's the fish you are looking for.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

It was picking at rocks but it's mouth didn't seem to close. I didn't know if that was normal. Thanks for the answers!