Small hole in my Tangs forehead

[Reefer_Madness]

So a couple of weeks ago I picked up a White Tail Bristletooth Tang for my tank.  Super healthy and happy fish so far.  When I put him in the tank I noticed a small hole or indentation in his forehead by his eye.  Since have never had tangs before, I didn't think anything of it.  The hole appears to be shrinking, but I did a google search and it looks like this is a common ailment for the tangs.  Since the internet is full of opinions and such, I wanted to ask if any WAMAS members have had experience with this. I would request that no Tang Police comment with lectures on this thread. 

 

I can't get a clear photo of the hole, but other than the little crater, the fish is healthy as heck and really a model citizen.  Since I have very peaceful fish, he is really comfortable and doesn't hide.  When I picked him up he was in a tank with three other tangs and hiding in PVC pipe.  In other words he didn't look to be in his comfort zone.  He is now for sure.

 

I have heard that stray voltage or malnutrition cause the forehead hole.  I have my sump and tank grounded, so that shouldn't be a problem anymore.  I also feed my fish very well, so that shouldn't be an issue anymore either. 

 

The holes does seem to be shrinking since I got him.  I guess I am just wondering if this is going to be a problem that I need to address more, or should I just wait and see?  I'd like to get some feed back from people that have first hand knowledge.

 

Ben

[Coral Hind]

Was the tang already in captivity or fresh from the ocean? If it is healing and getting smaller it might have been a damaged area from swimming into something.

[Reefer_Madness]

Was the tang already in captivity or fresh from the ocean? If it is healing and getting smaller it might have been a damaged area from swimming into something.

It was from the ocean. I was thinking the same thing. I'll keep an eye on it.

[Coral Hind]

If fresh from the ocean then I doubt it would be HLLE. Keep us updated.

[Reefer_Madness]

If fresh from the ocean then I doubt it would be HLLE. Keep us updated.

I think you are exactly right. In the matter of days the hole is noticeably healing. Not fully healed yet, but on its way for sure.

[Rob A]

I have a giant sailfin with a hole on is forehead. I'll see if I can get a pic. I'm pretty sure my hippo has had it too.

[Rob A]

My giant sailfin has had this hole or whatever for years. One on both sides. My naso has very tiny ones but my hippo is fine.

[Rob A]

My giant sailfin has had this hole or whatever for years. One on both sides. My naso has very tiny ones but my hippo is fine.

The thing that looks like a spot on his final is actually on the glass and not on the fish.

[Reefer_Madness]

For some reason those sailfin tangs have that issue often. My dad has one that has had a sore like that for years. I've seen others with the same sore.

 

Your tang looks fat and happy though. That's good.

Edited June 11, 2015 by Reefer_Madness

[Rob A]

Thanks! I love him but I am unable to add my hard corals to the tank because he is like a bull in a china cabinet. Anythig I add ends up in pieces. He's at least 8 inches long and just as tall with those fins.

When I upgraded to this 220 a couple years ago I was just getting into sps and anything I tried to put in there would end up in pieces. So, all my sps are in a 30 gall frag tank but I'm prepping a 75-100 gal I got from DCReefer to hold them until the day I can move them into the display.  

Edited June 11, 2015 by Rob A

[Reefer_Madness]

Was the tang already in captivity or fresh from the ocean? If it is healing and getting smaller it might have been a damaged area from swimming into something.

You were right. The 'hole' is completely healed. He must have just bumped his head into something. Thanks for the feedback.