Yellow Tang Fin rot?

[jjschm]

Hi all,

I was shocked to see my yellow tang look like this today when I went to feed them. He rules this 75g mixed reef tank and has been very healthy. I thought maybe I just didn't notice, but I had a picture of the tank from 4 days ago and he looked great.

The tank is a mature 10yr old reef. I monitor the water conditions closely and there hasn't been a change in the water chemistry recently. The only thing I can think of changing is that I've switched to RODI top off water.

If he wasn't the biggest fish and oldest fish in the tank I'd say one of the other fish went after him.

The other denizens are:

Tomini Tang
Pair of Ocellaris
Two small yellowtail damsels
Purple psuedochromis
Yellow watchman gobi
Flame Angel
Flame Hawkfish
* Snails, Hermits, serpent stars, RBTA.

Is it possible that this is a fast onset disease or an attack? How would you proceed?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Newsmyrna80]

How long have you had him? Have you added anything new to the tank?

 

[jjschm]

I've had him for a couple years. He gets a good diverse diet and algae clips. The last edition was the tomini tang. I haven't seen them interact much in the couple months I've had him. The tomini took a few licks early on, but looks fine now. It just happened so fast. I watched him today and he still feeds normally and picks at the algae clip.

 

[ScottMcN1]

My opinion is somebody is biting him. If you look at the rear fin, it's got a couple rounded half circles. That's usually consistent with another fish nipping at him.

See how he does in the next day or 2 and keep us posted. If you haven't changed anything then it could just be a random case of aggression.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

^agree...someone is beating the tang when you're not looking. Try to move some rocks around. In the meantime keep an eye that the severely torn fins do not become infected. Be prepared to treat with meds in a QT. This aggression will continue as a 75 gallon tank is too small for 2 tangs.

 

[jjschm]

Thanks. I'll keep a close eye on them. I added the Tomini hoping the size and body shape difference would be OK. I was more worried about the Tomini getting roughed up by the Yellow.

Jon