Red Dot on Blue Hepetus Tang Tail

[damonj2]

A red dot about the size of the end of a pencil just apeared on the yellow tail of my blue hepetus tang. Does anybody know what it could be? I have done a few searches and haven't found anything yet.

Thanks!

[reefhead728]

post a pic if you can.

[leebca]

On the fin itself, it could be a parasite. Was it there when you acquired the fish? How long have you had this fish?

[damonj2]

This tang is in a 55 gallon fo tank. I started the tank in Feb. of this year. I have been trying to give the tank plenty of time to establish itself so the only things I have in there are the blue heputus tang and the cleaner fish (a cleaner shrimp, some crabs, and some snails). The tang's tail has been completely yellow for half a year since we bought it. Two days ago the red dot apeared. It was bright red and the size of the end of a pencil on one side of the tail and on the other side of the tail you could just see a reddish area (it looked like you were just seeing the red through the tail). As this has developed, today a large portion of the tail has a reddish tint and the bright red spot seems to be shrinking. It almost apears as though it is a wound of some sort and the blood is gathering and coloring the tail. Though, I am posting here because I want to make sure I make a good diagnosis and consider well the treatment options.

[leebca]

What kind (provide Latin/scientific name) of cleaner fish do you have? What is the cleaner fish eating? Does it eat a lot or a little? Does the cleaner fish 'clean' the Tang?

[berkdog]

I think damonj2's cleaner fish isn't a fish, but a cleaner shrimp (skunk?), some crabs (hermit?), and some snails (???). damonj2, can you give more details on your clean up crew (does it consist of any fish)?

Bloody tail sounds sad for a fish

[damonj2]

Yes, that would be correct, the only fish I have is the blue heputus tang. My cleaning crew consists of a fire shrimp, an arrow crab, a few hermit crabs, and a few snails. I was planning to add some more fish to the tank (probably a clown next) when I noticed the tail and decided I better hold off until I figure out what's wrong.

[leebca]

Based on that, then the highest probability is an infection that's gotten out of hand. Next on the list is a parasite. Since the fish has been in your care for some time, that makes infection higher on the list. The reason for this is that feeding and foods in captivity are often the cause of a fish to be susceptible to infections.

What you need to do is review the foods you're feeding. You don't mention the size of this fish, but if the fish is under 2" it will eat mostly meaty foods, but still should be provided greens. At 2" and above they tend to switch their food to that of a true herbivore, eating a large quantity of greens. They need to be fed and given vitamin and fat supplements according to what is given in these posts:
Feeding Marine Fish and Fish Nutrition
and
How To Feed Macro Alage to Marine Fishes

Next, review the conditions of the water. Are you sure your water quality is proper? These kinds of infections come about by poor water quality, too. Perhaps you should read this and follow its guidelines:
What is Water Quality

The fish was put into a tank that really wasn't mature enough. Another month or so with the tank in operation with the clean up crew would have been my approach.

Once the fish is eating correctly, and the water is truly top notch, it should heal on its own. However, if what you see is in fact still getting worse, then the fish needs to be moved to a quarantine tank and treated with an antibiotic that is good for surface (topical) infections. Look for an antibiotic that contains: Nitrofurazone. One product is this Furan-2. Also, the product Spectrogram is good for this condition.

Still remember, that even if you have to move and treat the fish, the feeding and water quality must still be improved upon.

Keep me informed of what's happening, just in case it is in fact a parasite.

[damonj2]

Thank you lee. I love how you always give such good and informational responses to us newbies. The fish is about 3 inches long now. From what you are saying I need to make a trip to the pet store and pick up some new food for my tang to give it all the nutrition that it needs. The water quality has been very stable for months now (thanks to advice you gave me a few months ago), so I am pretty sure that the food must be the issue.

To give you an update, the red spot is actually starting to look slightly better today. I hope as I give it better food, it will heal completely.

[leebca]

You're welcome. I try to make things as clear as possible, in 'straight' language, even though in this medium that doesn't always work!

Make sure to let us know if the fish doesn't show signs of improving.