New Biota Yellow Tang - Fin nipping or something else?

Sambino · Feb 23, 2024

Hello R2R,

I just got this Biota Yellow Tang delivered yesterday and noticed right out of the bag that it had some fin damage. The dorsal and pelvic fins seem to be mostly affected as it looks to be a lot more transparent and a little lighter in color than the rest of the fins and the spines do not fully extend to the edge of the fins. Is it possible that this is just a case of fin nipping prior to shipping or does it look like something else?

vetteguy53081 · Feb 23, 2024

Sambino said:
Hello R2R,

I just got this Biota Yellow Tang delivered yesterday and noticed right out of the bag that it had some fin damage. The dorsal and pelvic fins seem to be mostly affected as it looks to be a lot more transparent and a little lighter in color than the rest of the fins and the spines do not fully extend to the edge of the fins. Is it possible that this is just a case of fin nipping prior to shipping or does it look like something else?

Often they do as they’re kept in tanks with several others and can also be net damage
Report it to shipper but often it grows back in

MnFish1 · Feb 23, 2024

You should report it to biota. With pictures - in case it worsens. I.e. - its not related to anything you did in all likelihood IMHO

Sambino · Feb 23, 2024

Thank you for your quick responses! I sent biota an email about the fins with a picture attached and they tell me that they are certain it is only fin nip damage and should heal quickly. I will be sure to post here and email Biota again if it seems like the problem gets any worse.

Jay Hemdal · Feb 23, 2024

Sambino said:
Thank you for your quick responses! I sent biota an email about the fins with a picture attached and they tell me that they are certain it is only fin nip damage and should heal quickly. I will be sure to post here and email Biota again if it seems like the problem gets any worse.

We've seen a couple of other cases of this - the fins have begun to regrow here, so shouldn't be a problem. I suspect it is from the way the tangs are raised, under pretty crowded conditions.

Jay