White 'blotches' on Blond Naso

[Matt Dean]

I want to buy this Naso Tang. The LFS has had it for a month. It's eating pellets, brine and nori, so it's healthy. He says they get these white blotches. He doesn't know why, but says it's NOT any kind of disease, etc. and hasn't developed or changed into anything. This guy is pretty good and respected.

Here's a pic of the one i want. Do you think they will simply go away, or could it be a problem.

It's beautiful otherwise and I REALLY want a nice one with the colors this one has. But my better half doesn't want it if it's discolored. *sigh*

 

[TripleT]

Both his head and lateral line are not looking fantastic to me.

I would pass for now. Maybe if he is looking better in a few weeks.

And if you do decide to get him, make sure you have a good size QT, excellent water quality, and good nutrition ready.

 

[Baldwin]

IMO he looks pretty good. If he is eating like you mentioned, I would say he is in good condition. The fish store guy is right, they do get these blothces. Mine I just received has them right now and he is in quarantine. I have one which is about 10 inches and he had them when i got him, now they are gone.

 

[Matt Dean]

Thanks for the input. It would be a couple of weeks before I took delivery, so I can check on it again. Good to hear the blotches should go away

I will be sure it looks better before I get it.

 

[lhm nole]

And they will darken at times too

 

[bryan007]

I agree I have more than 9 years of experience with this tang genus. To me it looks like stress. Don't know the size of the tank it is in or what other fish may be in it but it looks more like stress blotches than anything else. His eyes are clear and colors otherwise bright. This group of tangs have an amazing ability to change their colors depending on their moods. My vlamingi will often when upset take on a vey spotted look though my Naso does not as he is a vey calm fish and not to much bothers him. Since he is eating well a couple more weeks should rule out any problem if not related to stress. Also if you do buy him make sure you have at least a 200 or better larger tank for him. He will approach 2ft in lenght when he matures. Anything smaller than a 125 at the moment really wouldn't be fair to this beautiful fish.

 

[buckel2]

i would qt him

 

[Matt Dean]

Thanks. I will get them to hold him until i can take delivery. He has a good home to go to Lots of open water and strong flow. I have had a heck of a time finding a healthy one that is nice and colorful.

 

[Vili_Shark]

Those are the spots that juvenile Naso elegans and Naso lituratus get when stressed.
Nothing wrong with the fish and its not permanent.

 

[TampaReefer79]

Yep, blotches are normal. Just from stress. His lateral line looks fine. What size tank are you putting him in?

 

[Matt Dean]

Cool! I just needed some reassurance that it was OK> I trust this guy, but you never know if they know that particular fish well enough, or not.

He's going into my 29 gallon buiocube.......JUUUSST KIDDING!! :spin2:

I have a 5 X 2 peninsula tank with LOTS of flow and lots of open space for him to swim. Water quality is pristine, with top of the line equipment, so he'll be happy. I have all the right foods for him and prepared to take good care of him.

I know alot of people say you need 6 feet minimum, but honestly, when compared to the open ocean, a 5 and 6 foot 'cage' is still a cage. Also, having the 2 foot width really helps, IMO.

Thanks for all the input. This is my wife's favorite fish and one of the conditions for letting me do this tank was to have a Bland Naso:inlove:

Cheers