Yellow Tang with brown streaks

[denisec]

I noticed yesterday that my yellow tang has some brown streaks on the back 1/4 of his body. They are streaky looking but kinda in a patch, doesn't appear to be on his fins. He acts, eats normal. Any thoughts? Does this sound like a virus/bacteria/parasite thing or doe you think my condylactis anemone might have gotten ahold of him?

 

[beth]

Brown or RED streaks??? Take a good look under good lighting to make sure you can make the distinction. Red stricks usually means bacterial infection, which the yellow tangs are nortoriously prone and usaully show this with reddish streaks.
Brown spots or coloration on tangs are sometimes seen, and could be a sign of stress. Is the fish normally a very viberant yellow? Notice any stress with the fish? Yellow tangs tend to be extremely skiddish, so you will usually see in their behavior any sign of trouble.
[ August 18, 2001: Message edited by: Beth ]

 

[denisec]

looked closer with just the white bulb on and it looks red... what next?

 

[beth]

What kind of tank do you have? Red streaks usually spells bacterial infection. Unless your tank is PURE FO [no LR, LS, inverts] then you can not treat the tang in the main tank. [And even if it is FO, if you have the option to use a separate hospital tank, that is the better choice].
Can you setup a hospital tank? You can treat with Maracyn2 double the dose recommended on the package. Provide a good deal of aeration--as tangs need more of this. You could also feed the fish medicated flake food, if it is still eating. You can feed the fish garlic soaked food as well, as garlic supposedly has a bit of a natural antibotic quality to it. Do not ignore the tang's vegetarian needs and grazing needs. This fish is a vegetarian not a meat eater, and it is also a grazer and needs to have both vegetarian and grazing needs met.

 

[denisec]

thanks a bunch!! I'll get right on it.. I have started the garlic.. I'll see about the medication..

 

[beth]

That is a good idea! I always forget to suggest FIRST a water change, before proceding with treating for bacterial infections--or any diseases for that matter. Thanks, Terry.

 

[denisec]

I did about a 10% water change yesterday. What how much more how soon should I do?

 

[beth]

If the water change has not improved the situation, then procede with the medication theropy I suggested.

 

[denisec]

I have a tank that is virtually empty right now. 2 molly fry (yes saltwater) and a crab and a couple of snails. I assume I need to take them and the live rock out. What about the crushed coral?
If I try a bigger water change. How much would you say? How long do you think it would be before I saw results?
Denise

 

[beth]

50% water change. LR and inverts do need to be removed. You can leave the substrate in, but it is better not to have substrate when you are doing medication therapy. However, since it is there, it sounds like you have an established tank going, right? then removing it may cause problems with re-cycling.
You should see improvement within 24hrs if the water change is going to do any good.

 

[denisec]

Thanks a bunch!! Ya'll are wonderfull again. I do have an establish tank but I was hoping to hold it intact for a couple of tank raised seahorses I hope to be able to afford in a few weeks. I'll try the big water change tonight and if that doesn't do the trick I'll medicate him in the other tank.
Denise

 

[denisec]

Did the big water change last night, he looks better this morning, still streaky but not as much. Cross your fingers that it gets better throughout the day.

 

[denisec]

He's looking bad as every guess the water change just help a bit and now he is scratching himself I have moved him to the other tank and am going to take out the live rock and the crab. The only med. I have in house and the LFS is not close by is for freshwater tanks.. It is Jungle Fungus Elinator for bacteria problems. active ing. solium chloride, nitrofurazone, furazolidone, potassium dichromate. Can I use this?

 

[denisec]

ok I am treating with an antibiotic and he looks almost back to normal. How long should I leave him in hospital tank after he looks 100%?