I have a very pale kole tang, although, occasionally he suddenly darkens up some within a few minutes of being pale, then goes back to pale. he likes this spot right where the sump returns... I'd say he spends 90% of the time there and hops out to graze 10% of the time.
He has been in the tank coming on 2 months. He started out pretty dark, but here we are at this pale color over the last few weeks.
He seems to eat plenty. Nori on a clip, loves new life spectrum thera+, picks ay mysis, formula 2 and emerald feast which I add about 1/3 cube each throughout the day.
75 gallon 250watt 20k radiums x2
Ammonia/nitrites/nitrates all 0
SG 1.026
pH 8.2-8.4
Alk ~9
Temp 79.5-81
Other fish:
Pygmy angel
Maroon Clown
6 line wrasse*
mandarin dragonet*
ruby scooter blenny*
Watchman Goby
Cleaner shrimp
*Yes I know they all need pods. I run a large refugium and literally have glass COVERED in pods every morning and throughout the day. They all get "hits" several times a minute while grazing.
As far as the dynamic between all the fish in the tank... It seems perfect. Nobody chases anyone, nobody nips at anyone. Couldn't ask for a better situation considering some of these fish CAN be aggressive.
I soak the frozen stuff in garlic extreme before giving it (only thaw and soak for a few minutes) and he seems to be eating no problem. I can't really come up with a reason for stress unless it's a reflection situation. I know some would argue that 75 is too small but... it seems many have fine time keeping a kole in this size.
If it is a parasite wouldn't it be more obvious? Could this be a white film and not pale color? There are some strange spots near his head as seen in the picture could could maybe be "breaks" in the film?
Any thoughts?
