Is my Naso Tang sulking ?

[paultaylor]

Hi All,

About three weeks ago I noticed that my Canthigaster Benetti became unwell. He had a problem with his teeth for a while when food used to get stuck wedged in between the two front teeth. I tried as much as possible to remove it but I think he eventually got an infection from this. I removed him from the main tank into a QT tank and tried with some medication but to no avail. I’m sad to say that he passed on a few days ago

Anyway, the main two fishes, except two clown fish and two gobies, were the Canthigaster and a Naso Tang. These two have been together in the tank for about two years and were inseparable. I’ve started to notice that the Naso tang has started to go off his food a little. He skulks in a corner of the tank now looking very sorry for himself. The question is what’s up ? All the water tests are fine and the other fish seem on good form. I can’t see any marks on his body except a slight dark discoloration of his top fin at the back, though I’m unsure if this has anything to do with it.

Is he sick or just sulking because his tank mate has gone ?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give,
Paul

 

[Anonymous]

I don't know if I'd use the word 'sulking' but it is very possible for a fish to go off feed from the stress of losing a tankmate. Just try to give it a little more attention than usual and maybe some special foods treats to see if it will perk up.

 

[gregx]

It sounds as if he is suffering from depression.