Regal Tang

[MickTheFin]

I've come home from work tonight to see what looks like hairs growing out the side of my Regal Tang. The "hairs" are about 3mm long and are pointing straight out. He doesn't seem bothered by them and continues to eat normally.

The only thing I can think of, is maybe he got too friendly with a bristle worm? Is there anything I should do for him?

Cheers,
Mike

[johnl69]

I think you may be right about the bristle worm (or other hairy creature) personally I would leave it and watch it carefully if it shows signs of infection then I would move it to a hospital tank you could move it now but you may just cause it unnessecary stress.

john

ps a pic would help

[MickTheFin]

I just tried for a photo but he isn't co-operating :( It looks just like when you miss a bit shaving. There's about 4 or 5 little hairs sticking out on the black marking right in the middle of his side.


He doesn't seem bothered at all by them, so I think I'll just keep an eye on him and see how it goes.

Mike

[Zeus]

Hi,

Sounds like it could be Bristleworm bristles. What colour are the bristles? Do they look like they are in a random pattern or are they projecting radially from the black centre?

Campbell

[MickTheFin]

They're a transparent/white colour, and yes they point outward, radially from a small patch...

Cheers,
Mike

[Zeus]

mmmm.... I wonder if somehow a Bristelworm has taken a bite at the Tang. Yes I know they won't attack live animals but if the Tang were perhaps lying against a rock with his side covering the hole a Bristleworm was in the worm may have simply been trying to get out and bit the Tang. Maybe?

Does sound the Bristleworm bristles though, I haven't heard of any disease or parasite that fits your description.

Campbell

[MickTheFin]

Thanks. They do look like bristleworm bristles...

What's the best thing to do? Will they fall out on their own?

Cheers,
Mike

[Zeus]

Yes, I think they will, much the same as a wood splinter (skelf?) works it's on way out of your skin.

Campbell

[moorish]

i would just leave them as long as he is feeding and swimming about ok they should eventually come out on their own.derek

[MickTheFin]

I've just got in from work and taken a look at him. The bristles are still there, but he's swimming around and eating OK. They don't seem to be bothering him at all...

Lets hope they drop out soon :)

Thanks guys,
Mike

[MickTheFin]

A little update...

The bristles must have dropped out because there's no sign of them now and you can't even tell where they were - tang is still as happy as ever eating me out of nori...

Thanks for all the help guys.
Mike

[Tangman]

Hi Mike thats good news m8, glad the tang is ok m8 see you soon when i come to drill your tank. Twiggy:D:D