black specks

jsheffel · 01-31-2007, 10:40 AM

Can anyone tell me what these black specks are (and what I need to do, if anything, to get rid of them)? They are only on the tang (none on any of my chromis' or on my goby).

**leebca** · 01-31-2007, 11:07 AM

It is commonly referred to as "Black Ich." The black spots are not the organism. The black is the blood/hemorrhaging that is caused by the organism burrowing into the fish. The organism is invisible to the naked eye.

The organism that causes this is a group of flat worms. They are killed and the fish gets free of them by doing formalin dips every 3 days until you don't see the black spots anymore.

Yellow Tangs are most noticeably affected by these worms.

The formalin treatment is explained in this article:
Formaldehyde: Friend or Foe - Treating Saltwater Fish Diseases

Because the fish has to be repeatedly caught, it is best to move the fish to a quarantine/hospital tank while it is being cured. Also, since these worms do infect other fish, it is best to move the fish as soon as possible.

Good luck!

jsheffel · 01-31-2007, 12:22 PM

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. I guess I'll need to get my quarantine tank up ASAP.

01-31-2007, 10:40 AM	#1
jsheffel Tenant Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 85	black specks Can anyone tell me what these black specks are (and what I need to do, if anything, to get rid of them)? They are only on the tang (none on any of my chromis' or on my goby). Attached Thumbnails

01-31-2007, 11:07 AM	#2
leebca Moderator - LEE Join Date: May 2006 Location: So CA Posts: 2,219	Re: black specks It is commonly referred to as "Black Ich." The black spots are not the organism. The black is the blood/hemorrhaging that is caused by the organism burrowing into the fish. The organism is invisible to the naked eye. The organism that causes this is a group of flat worms. They are killed and the fish gets free of them by doing formalin dips every 3 days until you don't see the black spots anymore. Yellow Tangs are most noticeably affected by these worms. The formalin treatment is explained in this article: Formaldehyde: Friend or Foe - Treating Saltwater Fish Diseases Because the fish has to be repeatedly caught, it is best to move the fish to a quarantine/hospital tank while it is being cured. Also, since these worms do infect other fish, it is best to move the fish as soon as possible. Good luck! __________________ LEE Post your fish care and health questions on the Reefland MARINE FISH: CARE, HEALTH AND DISEASE TREATMENT Forum.

01-31-2007, 12:22 PM	#3
jsheffel Tenant Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 85	Re: black specks Thanks. That's what I needed to know. I guess I'll need to get my quarantine tank up ASAP.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Black ich	Puffy_SK	Marine Fish: Care, Health and Disease Treatment	5	12-06-2006 08:04 AM
Black sand	CSeaSee	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	16	10-23-2005 02:48 PM
Is this black ich?	fishgeeksrus	Reef Aquariums	2	07-24-2005 12:02 AM
F/S Black top - MH	fishpoo	For Sale or Trade Zone	0	07-03-2005 04:12 PM
?'s for Black cap	wastedincome420	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	5	02-19-2003 03:26 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)