Tang Disease

[mvickramm]

Guys,
I need some help.
I have an Ocean Surgeon Fish....
It is getting some pink growth on it's face near both the eyes....
I am attaching a picture. It looks like a fungus?
Please tell me what it is.
Thanks,
Vick

 

[HumbleFish]

Could be: injury/battle damage, coral sting or a bacterial infection. However, I would lean more towards the latter. How long have you had this fish?

 

[mvickramm]

I have had him for 2 yrs now. Its FOWLR.... so no corals. Thanks for your reply

 

[HumbleFish]

I have had him for 2 yrs now. Its FOWLR.... so no corals. Thanks for your reply

If it is bacterial infection (worst case scenario) then the fact that you've had him 2 yrs suggests gram positive (good news). You can soak his food in vitamin supplements and hope the natural immune system can fight this off. Or QT and treat with antibiotics. Being it's a FOWLR, you could probably treat with erythromycin in-tank, but I personally hate to do that unless all the fish are showing symptoms.