Yellow Tang with black spots

Tbone · 04-14-2008, 12:29 PM

I have had the tang for about 2 months now and it has been doing fine so far but now it has got black spots on both sides of him near his tail fin and he's acting like hes trying to rub it on the rocks and on the sand but it also looks like hes trying to kick up some alge too i'm not sure. any ideas?

unclejed · 04-14-2008, 02:21 PM

Sounds like a classic case of "black spot" disease. Believe or not that is what it is called. Ick is actually "white spot" disease. If you can't get it to a quarantine tank my suggestion is to buy Marine-Max and dose per instructions. This is not a chemical it is vitamins and probiotic bacteria with anti oxidants to boost your fish's immune system so it can fight off the ick.

Nereaga · 04-14-2008, 03:42 PM

Hey Tbone,

I will agree 100% with what unclejed is stating. Seems like Black Ich/Tang Disease, it is actually caused by a infestation of flatworms. These worms are parasitic in nature.

It is best to remove the fish from the display. Since the fish can not fight it off, I would put it in a quarantine setup for treatement ASAP. Before doing so I would give it a freshwater dip, to kill all external parasites, then place in the quarantine tank(QT). Most say to use Formalin in the QT to treat. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS PER INSTRUCTIONS!

Trying what unclejed suggests may work for you, it may not. You could also try overfeeding your Tang, soaking the food in vitamin enriched additives, hoping it can regain control of the infection. My guess is it will need some help, because we are dealing with a parasite. The sooner you do that, the better!

Good Luck!

If you need further suggestions, don't hesitate to ask....

Brad

Tbone · 04-15-2008, 12:10 PM

how long do I need to dip him for? Thanks for the help!

Nereaga · 04-15-2008, 04:29 PM

Tbone,

Make sure that when you do dip him, make sure the fresh clean water is brought up in pH, to around where your display tank is. You might have to add in some buffer prior to adding fish. Also make sure water is aerated well and temp is close to display aswell.

I would think the longer the better, maybe 5 minutes max. It all really depends on the fish and how he reacts during the dip. If he starts stressing, then I would only do it for a minute or two and then removed him to the QT. If he is calm then I would let him be for a bit.

Good Luck

Brad

unclejed · 04-16-2008, 01:15 PM

One other trick I read and have success with is while he's in the dip water, take something to gently encourage him to swim. He will want to lay on his side and look dead, don't freak out! The swimming helps get the respiration up to get oxygen into his system along with any medicine you have in the water.

CAMDIDDY · 06-20-2008, 03:40 PM

Im having a similar issue only mine is already in the Q tank.