Big Bellied Powder Brown Tang

I have had a ~2.5" Power Brown Tang in my 46BF QT for 30 days now. When I got it, it was quite thin (which seems to be common with them from what I have seen at various LFS). After about a week in the tank, it got quite the big belly. No idea why. It is in there with a ~3" Kole Tang and 2 small Occy Clowns. It "goes" every night at feeding, so I don't think that is an issue.

When I got it (sorry for the crappy cell pics!):





Now:





The first day I noticed it, it also had a cut/abrasion on its stomach. It healed right away, but not the big belly. Again, no idea if its related or not. Seems to be quite healthy otherwise. Eats just fine (the Kole Tang actually eats more than eat, but it gets plenty to eat), has only had a couple of spots of Ich, and otherwise appears normal. Spends most of the day picking at rocks and macro algae. I have done two doses of Prazi-pro, but that is it as far as medications.

Any ideas?

 

In the picture, it looks more like it has lost weight, rather than has a big belly - the ridge just below the lateral line is very apparent now, as are the ribs in front of the abdomen. I would make sure he is getting plenty of food (Algae, etc.). Unfortunately by the time they start looking skinny it may be too late. He could have internal damage (not casued by you) but from the collection process. Not trying to be negative - just sharing what I have seen in the past.

 

No worries on being negative, I appreciate any advice! The stomach itself definitely "bloated up" overnight like I stated. It is far larger than when I first got it. As far as feedings, it does not care for prepared algae sheets or flakes too much (although I feed daily; the Kole Tang eats them right up). It loves Mysis and other meaty foods though. I feed frozen foods every night, I have at least 12 different foods so quite the variety.

Thoughts on what to do from here?

 

For some more info, the 46BF it is in has been setup for 18 months. As you can see, it has plenty of live rock and macro algae, so it is not in a sterile HT or anything. My 125 obviously a lot more rock and green algae. Would it be advisable to move it, or keep it where it is?

 

gosh Marshall. I think I would keep it where it is and give a varied diet. I don't think there's a lot you can do except feed and keep good conditions and hope whatever it is gets better.

 

I tend to think there's some sort of an internal issue/infection/parasite. But not really being a tang guy, I am not certain what's the best course of action here.

 

Thanks Hunter, that is what I think as well. I was hoping someone had seen this before in a tang and could give advice on what to treat with, if anything.

 

Ok. so let me see if I get this.. YOur tang looks "Stopped UP" ? Sort of like it is constipated?

My Naso had this happen. I think it involves a parasite. When this happened her appetite greatly diminished until she finally passed it. When she did, she was really skinny and we worked hard to fatten her back up. She looks good now...

 

Well that is how it looks, however I see it "go" every night during feeding. So I am thinking this is the problem :-/ It also voraciously eats meaty foods as mentioned. I supplement with algae sheets or flakes which it does pick at.

 

More greens.. lots of greens.