Purple Tang

[aqualab]

My purple tang has some barely noticeable white patches on his body which can only be seen depending on what angle you are looking at him - not raised. Intensity varies - sometimes looks fine other times more noticeable. All other fish appear normal. It is not scratching on the rocks and is eating regularly. Possible sand/floating debris sticking to his skin, water clarity is very good but do have some sand debris kick up every so often due to pump action. Shows no sign of stress. Parameters are good. It is not lethargic or timid. Any ideas? Dont think it is Ick, have had that fight before with a prior fish in a previous tank.

Thanks

 

[kevin2000]

That does not sound like ich which is normally identified with salt like spots.

How long have you had the fish ... was it QT'd ... have you added any new fish lately .. is it having difficulty breathing (rapid)?

It may be just sand debris clinging to the fish ... if so it should naturally fall off within a day.

 

[aqualab]

I have had the fish for three weeks - FedEx screwed up the shipment and I received it almost dead - just barely alive - took a day for him to partially recuperate, a couple of days to act normal - so he was in a very stressfull situation. Pulled through and has been healthy - no labored breathing etc. Spots seem to come and go or at least be more noticeable than other times. Eats like a pig, no scratching - no other fish show similar signs. Very active - hoping it is just floating debris from periodic sand storm attaching itself. Though I dont see the same problem on the other fish - tang's skin easier to adhere to, or just easier to see? Last fish added a week after the tang and is a juv emporer - no issues with him other than difficult to get him to eat anything - would rather pick at the rocks. Hides during feeding time. Even at juv stage still largest fish in the tank other than the female Clarkii clown. No fighting or bullying going on for the most part unless somebody gets too close to the RBTA.

 

[kevin2000]

Your probably just fine .... you might want to read up about amylo (aka velvet) which might be a remote possibility. Fish with amylo can develop a velvet like sheen which often can only be seen at certain angles. However, typical symptems with amylo would include loss of appetite and difficult breathing which doesn't appear to be a problem in this case.

 

[aqualab]

Thanks Kevin, appreciate your help and info