Wounds on Foxface!!??

[returnofsid]

Hi Lee, and others.

I'm hoping to get some help with this, as soon as possible.

I just noticed that my Foxface was hovering, in the bottom, front corner of my tank. Upon further inspection, I find 3 serious looking wounds on it's side. In order to get photos, I fed Red Marine Algae, and it eats just as pig like as always.

Tank mates include:
Pair of B/W Occellaris
Red Headed Solon Fairy Wrasse
Atlantic Blue Tang (Introduced on 3/24/10)
Tomini Tang (Has been with with the Foxface for months)

The tank is a 200 Gallon Deep Dimension 48"X36(front to back)X27"Deep (Full Reef)

I can only assume that this damage was inflicted by one of the Tangs. In observing the tank, I've never seen any aggressiveness between either Tang and the Foxface. The day I introduced the Atlantic Blue Tang, there was some serious aggressiveness between it and the Tomini Tang. However, that lasted about an hour or so. I haven't witnessed any aggression between any of the fish since.

I feed dried Red Algae, dried Green Algae and live Ulva, that grows in my refugium. I feed the herbivores 3-4 times daily. They also get Rod's Food Herbivore Diet, every other day, along with the Algae feedings. When I feed, all 3 eat, together, and show no aggression towards one another. Once in awhile, when eating, I will see the Foxface extend it's dorsal spines, towards other fish, but very seldom.

Here's pics. In the first picture, there appears to be a small wound under the left eye, as well, though I don't see this injury by eye, when inspecting the fish. Please excuse dirty glass. Any suggestions on how to treat this fish?

[ToddTT]

Wow... ouch!

I'd imagine you need to prepare to QT the foxface. That will remove the source of the injuries (the atlantic blue, has to be!) and allow you to treat infections if the injuries get worse.

And it looks like you need a long term solution for keeping the two in separate tanks.

Bummer.

[returnofsid]

Well, as of now, the Tomini Tang is the dominant Tang, even though the Atlantic Blue is slightly larger.

I don't think I'll need to permanently separate the fish. As I said, I've seen no aggression at all, even now. Right now, all 3 herbivores are eating together, and behaving themselves just fine. When not eating, if they swim near one another, I don't see any signs of aggressive behavior.

I'm thinking that this was an isolated incident. I am able to QT if needed, but am hoping not to...lol. I'll observe all the fish, closely, for the next few days and see how it goes. If I do see any sign of the Foxface going downhill, I'll remove and QT it.

[ToddTT]

Well, as of now, the Tomini Tang is the dominant Tang, even though the Atlantic Blue is slightly larger.

I don't think I'll need to permanently separate the fish. As I said, I've seen no aggression at all, even now. Right now, all 3 herbivores are eating together, and behaving themselves just fine. When not eating, if they swim near one another, I don't see any signs of aggressive behavior.

I'm thinking that this was an isolated incident. I am able to QT if needed, but am hoping not to...lol. I'll observe all the fish, closely, for the next few days and see how it goes. If I do see any sign of the Foxface going downhill, I'll remove and QT it.

I don't have a lot of experience with fish aggression, but if this was a pack of dogs, one of them just became the alpha. I hope things have been sorted out, and it doesn't happen again. And that stress levels in the tank are low.

Good luck!

[returnofsid]

So far, Foxface seems to be doing just fine. I haven't witnessed any further aggression in the tank. Keeping fingers crossed that this was just an isolated incident!!

[leebca]

Very good photos. The injuries do look like that made by a Tang. The Tang 'slaps' with its 'scalpled' tail.

I think I've mentioned before just how subtle fish interact. You have a tank of fish in the Tang family -- The Rabbittfish is in the family with the Tangs. It may have been a misunderstood or accidental transgression. Just be on the lookout for any negative changes. If this injured fish becomes infected or in any way ill, the others will probably harass it.

Have the QT setup and ready with antibiotics standing by should the fish get infected. For now, just leave the fish where it is.

[returnofsid]

Lee, what specific antibiotics would you recommend I have on hand?

[leebca]

Too many of these kinds of infections start out as surface (topical) but then turn internal (systemic). One antibiotic that can handle either one/both is Maracyn Two for Saltwater fish. The Maracyn Two for Freshwater fish is the same antibiotic, but the one for Saltwater has an appetite stimulant, which I'm not convinced is useful.

[returnofsid]

Thanks for the great advice!!!
Foxface is healing nicely!!