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Firefish are hardy fish that do not have the extreme disease susceptibility of blue tangs, but they can contract marine ich, velvet, and other common reef fish diseases. Most disease problems are introduced through new fish added without quarantine. A 4-6 week quarantine protocol is the most effective prevention available.
The Most Important Rule: Quarantine All New Fish
Quarantine all new marine fish for 4-6 weeks in a separate hospital tank before adding them to the display tank. A 10-20 gallon tank with a heater, filter, and hiding spot is sufficient. Never add a new fish directly to a display tank with an established firefish.
Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans)
Symptoms: Small white spots resembling grains of salt on the body and fins. Fish may flash against rocks, breathe rapidly, or lose appetite in advanced cases.
Treatment: Cannot be treated in a reef display tank. Move affected fish to a hospital tank. Effective treatments include copper-based medications and hyposalinity (1.009 for 4-6 weeks). Leave the display tank fallow for at least 72 days.
Prevention: Quarantine all new fish. Stable water quality reduces susceptibility.
Marine Velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum)
Symptoms: Fine gold or rust-colored dust on the body and fins. Rapid breathing, flashing, loss of appetite. More aggressive than ich - fish can die within days of visible symptoms.
Treatment: Move to hospital tank immediately. Copper-based medications or chloroquine phosphate. Display tank fallow for at least 72 days.
Prevention: Quarantine all new fish. Velvet is highly contagious and can wipe out a tank quickly.
Brooklynella
Symptoms: Excessive mucus, skin sloughing, rapid breathing, loss of appetite. Progresses rapidly.
Treatment: Formalin baths or formalin-based medications in a hospital tank. Act quickly.
Bacterial Infections
Symptoms: Fin rot, open sores, cloudy eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite.
Treatment: Improve water quality first. Antibiotic treatments in a hospital tank for confirmed infections. Address the underlying cause - stress or poor water quality will cause recurrence.
Stress-Related Health Problems
Many firefish health problems are stress-related. Chronic stress from insufficient bolt holes, aggressive tankmates, or poor water quality suppresses immune function. A firefish hiding constantly or not eating should be evaluated for stress causes before assuming disease.
- Ensure adequate bolt holes throughout the rockwork
- Check for aggressive tankmates
- Test water parameters - ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity. See our Best Reef Test Kits guide
- Ensure the lid is secure
Hospital Tank Setup
- 10-20 gallon tank
- Heater matched to display tank temperature
- Sponge filter or HOB filter
- PVC pipe or plastic hiding spot - no live rock or invertebrates
- Lid - firefish will jump from a hospital tank too