Sailfin Tang

[mskylie7]

I have a Sailfin Tang that has (it looks like a scratch) down its side. The wierd thing is that this scratch looks like tiny little pin pricks. Its aroung his eyes and down its body. The even weirder this that its on both sides and its exactly the same on both sides. I havent added any new fish in months. Hes in a 55gal with a Powder Blue Tang and 2 Hermit Tangs. All of my readings are good. Hes eating and acting normal. I haven't been home lately because I am in the process of moving but my dad said that it just showed up the other day. I just want to make sure that there isnt any serious or any parasites. Any help would be much appriciated. Thanks

[Ninong]

Hi mskylie7,



What exactly do you mean by "down its body?" Are you talking about a vertical line or a horizontal line? If it's horizontal, are you looking at it's lateral line?

Do you have any pictures?

[mskylie7]

Its a horizontal line from eye to base of tail and its exactly the same on both sides. I will try and get some pictures. But they look like a line of tiny pin pricks. Thanks

[Ninong]

That's the lateral line. It's perfectly normal unless it starts to erode, then it's called HLLE (head and lateral line erosion).

[zhenya]

I would also like to ask what is Hermit Tang? I;ve never heard of a tang with such name. Perhaps you meant hermit crabs?

[mskylie7]

Sorry about the delay...my modem died and just got a new one set up... Could someone explain about the lateral line dealio? I have never heard of it before, I've done a little research but haven't had much time. Thanks for the help!

And yes I meant hermit crabs.

[Ninong]

I googled "fish lateral line" for you: http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...h+lateral+line

If there is erosion in the lateral line, it is called HLLE (head and lateral line erosion). It's a condition caused by nutritional deficiency and it can be reversed by appropriate nutrition. You can read about HLLE in some of those google hits.

I'm not sure from your description is you have a problem or not. Check those references and then post any questions you may still have.