My fish has a hole in his side. What is it?? (Pics)

[SchnitzelReef]

It's a dussumieri tang. Been in my system for 4-6 months. Just noticed it first time today. Fish is acting totally normal. I'm assuming this fish is probably toast, I don't see how he would recover from this. But does anybody know what it is?

 

[Dmorty217]

Wow that's a scalpel mark from another tang I'm assuming. You need to get the fish out and treat with antibiotics or hope for the best

 

[ThRoewer]

Wow that's a scalpel mark from another tang I'm assuming. You need to get the fish out and treat with antibiotics or hope for the best

Yep, looks like he got into a fight with another tang and lost. Antibiotic treatment is highly advised. That and hoping no vital organs where injured is pretty much all you can do.

This is another reason why I don't put tangs into my tanks: I don't like aggressive fish that come with deadly weapons attached. Ever thought about why they have those scalpels in the first place? Surely not for decoration.

 

[pyithar]

man that's a nasty cut. maybe the yellow tang did it? it's always around in the pics. if it's eating and everything, i guess it'll be fine. good luck.

 

[Maritimer]

Don't give up on this fellow - I've seen fish with some pretty grievous injuries (even those inflicted by sharks!) make a complete recovery. They've got pretty amazing powers of healing - not "Wolverine" level, but still . . .

~Bruce

 

[rvareef]

poor guy, how big is your tank? My guess is your other tangs know he will get huge so they are trying to take him out now

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Tank is 8' 250g. I guess I'll feed heavy and hope for the best. Thanks guys