purple tang with HLLE

[shawpanther23]

I have a purple tang with head lateral line erosion. It is roughly about 4" long and I have had it about 1-1/2 years and about 6 month ago started to developed hlle.I don't think its from lack of nutrition ,he is feed algea from my sump,nori sheets,and Rods food.He is housed in a 85 gal reef with peaceful tankmates ( he is the dominate fish).Water parameters are all in check. He doesnt seemed stressed and eats very well.Could it be possible that he is just out grown my tank? I have a 245 fowlr also if I were to transfer him would it stop the hlle ? Would any other fish develope it?

 

[MrTuskfish]

I don't think anyone knows the exact cause of HLLE. But a PBT needs a lot more swimming room (tank length, not column). Tangs spend most of their time on the outer area of the reef, swimming great distances. IMO, this could be the problem, part of the problem, or none of the problem. HLLE usually goes away with good diet and pristine water. Include Selcon or a similar vitamin. Even if it doesn't cure the HLLE, which can take months, the fish belongs in a larger tank. I have nothing formal to back it up, but have kept many tangs for many years and I think the frustration of being cramped did contribute to your fish's HLLE. It is not contagious. BTW; PBTs can "snap' when cramped and turn very nasty, very quickly.

 

[Mrscribbled]

Purple tangs are pretty much destined to develope HLLE, desjardinii's are second on the list.

 

[kv2wr1]

Feed a variety of foods and use vitamins (I like selcon and vita-chem) and beta-glucan (some fish food has it already in it). That combined with excellent water quality and flow should improve it over time.

I saw a huge sailfin tang at the lfs that was emaculate. No HLLE. I asked what they fed him and they said nori, mysis and cichlid pellets. The pellets had beta-glucan in them as well as some vitamins.