MarineFlake
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I have a scopas tang that is about 5". About a month ago I noticed that on both sides of the tang toward the rear just front side of the 'spurs' the scales got real black. They seemed to form a kind of small circle. I though maybe I was not feeding it proper (Though its been on the same diet for more then a year now) I started putting a 2" x 3" sheet of green and sometimes purple seaweed in its clip every day (instead of 2 - 3 times a weeK). I also started to add some freeze dried krill to its (and all the other fish in the tank) staple diet of flakes. All the other fish were and continue to be fine. The twist...I went on vaca and had a friend feed. All the while the tang seemed to be gaining weight back (Due to cutbacks from nitrate issues, the tang had gotten a little 'pinched', a sign of underfeeding). It was/is never lathargic, always active. The only changes before I went on vacation was those dark spots (black scales) just front side of its spurs. Anyway, when I went on vaca I put 2 clips in the tank of seaweed (green and purple) and I also clipped a good portion of macro algae from my other tank and dropped it in (Chaetomorpha sp, aka Chaeto) as a fail safe. Fast forward 2 weeks after my vaca. I noticed the chaeto was still in the back of the tank where I left it. My buddy did a good job of feeding, no one lost weight. Another week passes and the chaeto disappears. Why do I look? Cause there is this white stringy looking stuff (Like bleached clear chaeto) hanging from the tangs butt. At first I freak thinking its bloat or something, but then I looked and all the cheato is gone. I *assume* the tang went on a binge and consumed it during the week or so and its coming out in, well, not so pleasant a manner. Fish is still fine, swimming, appetite is great. Fast forward to today...I get home and notice the scales seem to have a wide (about 1/2") white verticle line that is white-ish. Not pale white, but kinda like someone rubben baby powder on its body in a vertical line just past the half way mark on its side. The other side looks ok, but I also notice some, for lack of better words, blonding in spots on its fins. The fish is happy, great appetite, not showing aggression or stress, just these strange visual signs. I feed the food dipped in Selcon a couple times (started this a couple months ago) a week so I wouldn't think it to be a vitamine deficiency, however, thats why I am here. I am more a coral reef guy. Fish came with the tank and I do care for them, Im just not as informed about fish as I am with coral. My question...*puff* *puff*...Is it sick? Is it going to be sick? Is it growing or going into 'heat' or something? If you have input, please advise.
Peace.
Peace.