I have a Blue Hepatus Tang that has been developing a strange spot of faded skin. It seems to have only effected the black on it'* face and about half way back it'* body. I don't know what could be causing it. It eats well and does not get harassed by the other fish. Water quality is normal, salinity is 1.022.

Any thoughts on what could be wrong?

I dont know much about marine fishes, but i have kept tropical for 10yrs...


Lets get some background info..
Did teh spot start slowly and develop? has it been getting bigger? \Was it a sudden change, or slow progression?

I think what Toasted one is saying. Is it big enuff for 1 sandwich or two

It has spread over a few weeks while I've been trying to understand what the deal is. I haven't been able to find anything that has helped. I haven't tried freshwater dipping, and I'm not sure I should. I don't want to stress the fish and kill it.... It'* only big enough for a half sandwich at best....

it has been present for a few weeks and not spread to any other fish?

thats a good sign ( atleast for the rest of the aqualife )

That is correct. No other fish is affected. I'll try and snap a picture, but it is a very shy fish that tends to hide when you step in the room.

Then how can you tell it has this spot lol



Have you checked with your local fish store ?

I can look into the holes it hides in and see it, but when i try to get a picture while it'* in a hole, you can't see anything... The local fish store doesn't deal in saltwater fish. The store I purchased the fish from is stumped as well, much to my amazement. I uncovered an article on the net that started talking about MHLLE or something along those lines. It lists a nutrient deficiency as a possible cause. Perhaps the kelp I have is bad? I don't know...

A guy that used to run a pet store has recommended I switch foods for the entire tank. I've just been using the tetra fish flakes(they appeared the same on the label as everything else), and he leads me to believe that there is a significant difference in the flake foods. I'll give it a shot and see what happens. Wish me luck!

Changed food to Omega One but the fish wouldn't eat it. Also talked to another pet store(local and doesn't even carry salt water fish). Turns out my water is lacking certain elements that both the tang, and my angelfish require. Two spots had just formed on my angelfish on Friday, I purchased this stuff "Mydor" which adds trace elements to the water. Today, my tang looks darker in the face, back to the way it should. It appears to be getting better. The angelfish still has the two spots, but I expect them to disappear within 4 to 6 weeks(healing time for marine head and lateral line erosion, or MHLLE). Should anyone else have a tang or angelfish that develops "blank" spots in the color of the skin, I strongly recommend you find a bottle of this stuff that puts trace elements back into the water. If things change for the worse or completely heal, I will report back in this thread.


P.*. Caught it while it was out. 100_0384.jpg