Power Bron Tang - physical injury - looks like eye has been "spiked"

[w16227]

Cannot get a pic right now - but it almost looks like my tang had a fight with a smaller blue-leg hermit.

There appear to be several small blue spikes in a group around his eye. No other damage. They really look like the legs of a small blue leg hermit - I think I even see the specked areas of orange (though the fish is pretty fast and hard to see this kind of detail).

I do not have a QT running --- but can get one in under a day if needed. BUT - I would be very wary of even trying to net the guy. The spikes would probably catch on the net - not good in the location around the eye.

He was eating - and while more active, did not appear stressed out.


Suggestions?

Treatment would be for physical damage - but with an eye on gentle physical treatment unless he expels the spikes somehow.

The only fish with even a remote capability of this in the tank is my rabbitfish. But unless his spikes are dramatically smaller than they appear when he is showing them - not a real chance he is the guilty party. Maybe a bristle worm? Ideas?

I will try and get some pics tomorrow.

 

[iamwrasseman]

do you have a spiny urchin ? are you thinking that the hermits legs broke off in his eye or body ?

 

[w16227]

do you have a spiny urchin ? are you thinking that the hermits legs broke off in his eye or body ?

I have a tuxedo urchin -

I almost looks like he has "eyelashes". Obviously messing around somewhere in the tank and "something" took offense.

Might be a spike in the eye as well - very close.

Lights coming on soon - I will try and grab a pic.

Also - a reef tank, so in tank treatment is tricky.

My hope it to keep his strength up - and hopefully he will work the pieces out himself.

 

[w16227]

no pics - camera is not fast enough, but he is still not showing signs of distress.