Parasite, disease, or hitch hiker?

[newbie-to-reef]

Today when I came home from work I noticed that my coral beauty had about a 2mm wide slit in her tail. I hadn't really noticed anything weird with her in the past few days but this fish really likes to hide in the back of the tank or in the rock so I probably hadn't been getting the best look at it anyway. Do you have any idea what might cause this?

 

[brians4671]

how long have you had the fish? could be one or a combination of things. i would not sweat it til you see additional problems.

 

[newbie-to-reef]

The fish has been in this tank for about three weeks and I know the lfs only had him four days, because he ordered her just for me.

 

[brians4671]

it happens could have been nipped by a tankmate?. just make sure there is no change in the appetite and watch it heal.

 

[Playa-1]

No idea

 

[tmz]

Don't wait too long to treat . The parasite will encyst when it leaves the fish and multiply 200 to 300 fold. It will then attack again . this can occur oover a few days to a weekor more.

 

[IslandCrow]

I'm with brians4671 thinking that it's probably another fish taking a nip at the coral beauty. You could also have some sort of predatory crab or mantis shrimp hiding in your tank. A wound like that should heal pretty quickly, though, so I'd just keep an eye on all of your fish for additional injuries. Otherwise, you probably don't have too much cause for concern unless you see some sign of infection.

Don't suppose you could post a picture?

 

[tmz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13057514#post13057514 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tmz
Don't wait too long to treat . The parasite will encyst when it leaves the fish and multiply 200 to 300 fold. It will then attack again . this can occur oover a few days to a weekor more.

Sorry about this post. I typed it for another thread and lost track of the page I was on. I agree there is probably not much to worry about unless the wound becomes infected. Again if I caused concern ,I apologize.