Purple Tang Emergency/Injury and Possible Illness - Help!

[softieatheart]

This morning when I checked on the tank my Purple Tang was sucked up against the maxi jet.

I got him off, he is alive and acted dazed at first but is rapidly improving.

I am not sure why this happened. He is not new to the tank, no recent additions or problems. All other fish are fine. He was acting fine last night and fed normally before lights out. Tank parameters have been consistent and are right where they should be.

Most of his body has returned to his normal coloring, but the part that was sucked up against the jet is very pale and a little dented looking. His top fin is a teensy bit ragged, too. Currently swimming around and took some bites of nori from the clip.

I put some Prime in to help with slime coat.

What else should I do?

 

[HumbleFish]

I would soak his nori/food in vitamin supplements to help with the healing process. But if he starts looking bad and/or stops eating, I would move him to a QT. It's a judgement call really. Being in a tank by himself would allow time to heal without having to deal with other fish (feeding, aggression).

Btw, is this a really small tang? A healthy fish should be strong enough to avoid being sucked up by a maxi jet; IME.

 

[softieatheart]

Btw, is this a really small tang? A healthy fish should be strong enough to avoid being sucked up by a maxi jet; IME.

No. He is medium sized (appx 4"+) and absolutely should have been able to avoid it. He has not had a problem with the jet since I put it there months ago, at any rate.

I can only conclude that he is probably ill, but am grasping at straws what to treat for given getting sucked into the jet is the only sign of illness.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[softieatheart]

Bump. Anyone?

 

[Dmorty217]

Hard to tell what the problem may ultimately be, I would soak all food in selcon, Zoe, vitachem, zoecon.... Vitamins to help with the tangs overall health and immune system. If he bounces back I wouldn't be worried, if you start finding him there often I would be worried

 

[MrTuskfish]

Sounds strange, but a thin fish stuck to a PH can really mess up his insides