Clownfish Dis F24

FAQs about the Diseases of Clownfishes 24

Bubble on the eye clowns from birth 1/16/12
Hello, I have two tank raised onyx clownfish. They don't look like the other onyx clownfish that came from the same breeder.
<Mmm, some "lines" of such sports aren't well "fixed"; don't breed true>
I've had them for 9 months and they both have always had this bubble on their left eye. I noticed one is getting much bigger and much worse and has what appears to be red behind it. This I believe is the female as it is starting to become the larger of the two. I'm not sure what to do, if anything for these fish.
I've attached pictures for your opinion.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v637/Mickis125/?action=view
<http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v637/Mickis125/?action=view&current=RussellTankwithLEDlighting2011040.jpg>
&current=RussellTankwithLEDlighting2011040.jpg
<Sorry; can't open these links as they're posted. However, such defects as "bubbles in/on eyes are not uncommon... could be genetic anomalies (heritable characteristics) or evidence of emphysematosis (air bubble disease) from exposure to super-saturated gas conditions when younger, or something else. At this juncture/time, there is nothing that can be done to correct it.
Bob Fenner>
Thank you so much for your time,
Mary Brelsford
Re: Bubble on the eye clowns from birth 1/16/12
Thank you for your response-I'm sorry the other links didn't work. I'm hoping these attachments will be viewable.
Mary Brelsford
<9.6 megs... They are... and curious. I can't tell what the root cause is here... genetic, damage, parasitic/infectious. This degree of debility is almost never recoverable. I would euthanize these fish; read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/euthanasia.htm
And our coverage on eye conditions in marines: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Popeyefaq2.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: Bubble on the eye clowns from birth 1/16/12
Thank you for your response. These fish have been like this since birth around 9 months or so.
<...? Ago?>
Due to this, I doubt it would be parasite related.
<Mmm, actually... there are a few varieties...>
They seem to eat like any other fish and seem to be ok otherwise.
Personally, I don't see a need to euthanize these fish, unless I am missing a point somewhere?
<IF I believed/felt they were suffering...>
Thank you again for your time,
Mary Brelsford
<Welcome. B>

Ocellaris Clown Treatment 12/30/11
Hello WWM crew!
I would like to get your opinion on a treatment that I have planned out for an ocellaris clown that I bought in late October. I've had this fish in quarantine with another ocellaris clown (both tank-raised) and a six line wrasse (Marine Aquarium Council certified).
<Mmm, more important than this stamp is the fact that ALL such organisms come through Quality Marine...>
Theoretically, the two clownfish should not have any parasites, since they were bought from ORA and I put them directly from the shipping bag into the quarantine tank that I had set up after a year of being dry. The six line wrasse was being quarantined in another setup (because it was wild caught and may have had parasites) and all quarantine/cleaning equipment was kept separate between the two setups. Here is what I did during quarantine up to this point:
1) Have two quarantine containers for each setup (one pair for clowns, one pair for wrasse). Switch holding containers for each setup every two days, letting the empty one dry out completely after being soaked in hot, fresh, chlorinated water. This was done for 4 weeks for the wrasse and 3 weeks for the two clownfish. My thought here was that this process would eliminate Ich without using chemicals, since it has to encyst somewhere in the container while reproducing (and would thus be removed and killed while the fish were in the other container).
<Ok>
2) After observing no signs of disease on any of the three fish during this treatment, I put all three together in a new ten gallon tank setup (each fish is about an inch long right now). All was well for about a week and a half. Then a few white bumps appeared on each clownfish (none on the wrasse).
<"White bumps" could be many things... non-pathogenic>
The clownfish were scratching a little bit on the rocks as well. I gave each fish a 5 minute freshwater dip, lowered the salinity in the tank to 1.010, and added 200mg of Metronidazole to the ten gallons of water. Two days later, I did a 25% water change and added another 200mg of Metronidazole. I repeated this process for 14 days. I gave the fish another freshwater dip on day 7. The spots were gone at this point (they disappeared about a week into the treatment).
<Then not Protozoal; too delayed response>
3) I have kept the fish in water with a salinity of 1.010 up to this point (about 3 weeks now). About a week ago, one clownfish started expelling stringy white waste and scratching a little bit on the bottom of the tank.
She (I say she because she is the dominant of the two) is actively eating, swimming around the tank, and shows typical behavior towards the other fish in the tank. I'm concerned about her because she spends some time laying (sometimes on her side) on the bottom of the tank.
<Not atypical "clown" behavior for being kept solitarily>
She seems a bit lethargic, but then she peps up when I come over to the tank. I also found a couple of small white spots on her today, she still twitches some, and she still has stringy white waste.
<Again, not necessarily indicative of parasitic disease>
My thought is that I'll treat her with Metronidazole via her food for 3 feedings.

If the symptoms don't go away permanently, I'll gradually increase the salinity in the tank and, once it is back to normal, I'll add CopperSafe.
<... and I would NOT treat Amphiprionines w/ Copper...>
I prefer to refrain from using medications, but I don't want to lose this fish!
<You're more likely to kill them by treating them as you intend>
What do you think is causing these symptoms?
<Mostly the (generic) "stress">
I think it's odd that the submissive clownfish shows no signs of illness... Perhaps whatever is infecting the dominant one is internal and, as soon as it is expelled in her waste, it dies in the low salinity water?
Do you think this treatment plan is the best option? Also, it is my understanding that CopperSafe should not be added to water that is not at the salinity of seawater. Is this correct?
<No, no, and not as much>
Thank you so much for your advice! Brielle

Re: Ocellaris Clown Treatment 12/30/11
Thank you so much for your advice, Bob! It is greatly appreciated and I will not treat them any more. Have a wonderful day!
-Brielle
<And you my friend. BobF>

Fish disease diagnosis troubles, Clown beat, bullied, poisoned and crowded... 12/11/11
Howdy Crew!
After nearly a decade of reefing, I've spent many hours reading and learning from the site, and for that I thank you first. However, I've reached a dead end my attempt to diagnose my troubled O. clown. He's about 1.25" long, been with us for several months, comes from a standard 15L reef tank with 5g sump, and is not currently hosting. Tank mates include three 1-1.25" damsels (blue, Talbot, scissor tail) and 1.25" maroon clown.
<Some tension here; particularly w/ from the Premnas>
No aggression issues to note, and eat like pigs. Water parameters are near "perfect" (1.026 SG, 79.1-79.6F (ReefKeeper), pH 8.1-8.3, nitrates and phosphates are zero). I'm feeding Rod's complete reef food and/or brine every day and exporting nutrients via 10% water changes & filter cleanings twice per week. Filtration includes filter sock, skimmer and Chemi-pure Elite.
<The carbon here may be an issue>
Recently my clown began keeping his swimming activities to the bottom in one location against the current, and two days later only with his nose against the glass and even threatening to stop moving minus very labored breathing. Progression was over 4-5 days. Since the day he'd come home he'd always had a handful of visible black spots that I had dismissed as 'normal' (or so I've read) given his healthy behavior, but now one large spot behind his pectoral fin had reached nearly 1/8". I'd begun to believe this may be Paravortex despite the size and prepared a freshwater dip.
<It may be... a skin scraping/microscopic analysis would be definitive...>
Two dips over 24hrs showed no improvement, and he was quarantined in a large plastic coffee container kept warm in the sump. A run to the store provided some Quick Cure,
<Yikes... too toxic>
and 12 hours later he'd come around 180 degrees!
I've continued treatment over 3 days, dosing once daily per the directions in a 2.5g QT with just a heater and air stone; water changes are 50% every other day.
<Mmm, have you tried an Anthelminthic?>
His eating and behavior says he's healthy and I've diagnosed correctly.
The large spot has shrunk somewhat, but the markings have stayed overall, which disagrees with my diagnosis. Perhaps parasite damage, and not the actual parasite?
<Maybe>
Doesn't appear to be textbook Brooklynellosis, but fits the resistance to FW dips and apparent death by formalin. It fits the description of a bacteria, but not the remedy or immediate response to the Quick Cure. Moving on to bacteria or fungus, and the cure becomes more complicated (gram negative, gram positive...wait...what??).
<None of these>
I can't find a description or image of this exact ailment, so I don't want to put him back in the display and assume he's fine. I have Methylene blue waiting in the wings and willing to move to Maracyn or food soaked with antibiotics, but I hate to treat aimlessly. I've attached three hi-res shots of each side, and the best I could get of the spot behind his pectoral fin.
Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated, and thank you for your time!
Respectfully,
Michael
Walled Lake, MI

Clownfish White discoloration of face 10/6/11
Hi I have had my 2 clown fish for over 2 years now.. They host an anemone and they are very happy.
To this day they are eating well, swimming well, are still social with me when I put my face to the tank.
But they both developed a white patch (not raised at all, just discolored)
each on their face. I need help I have just spent hours on the internet looking for what this could be. (I read through all your disease articles and clownfish articles)
<Mmm, have spiffed up, examined the pic closely. This looks very much like a "burn" from some sort of chemical/physical interaction... Likely a not-friendly Cnidarian>
New additions are 4 crabs to my sump to try and clean up some algae, New lighting (2x 250watt halides and actinics) which is MUCH brighter than my previous lighting) We re-arranged the rock work to allow for more swimming room for my Yellow tang.
Tank Specs
90 gallon
33 gallon sump
over 120 lbs of live rock
Ammonia 0
Nitrates <10 (I suspect due to rearranging rocks)
Calcium 420
DKH 8
Magnesium 1500
<A little high in respect to Ca conc.>
Salinity 1.024
Temp 81
Tank mates: Yellow Tang (3 months)
Hippo Tang (about 9 months)
Lawnmower Blenny (2 years)
Sand sifting Goby (1 month)
Sand sifting star (2 years)
Sand Dollar (2 years)
brittle star (1.5 years)
None of my other fish have any spots at all
I have notices that their anemone has been moving her location (since our new lights) and the clowns have been digging up the sand a bit.
<Of what you list, the anemone is the chief suspect... though there might very well be other life on the rock...>
I have attached a photo.
Thanks for your reply
Brandee
<Watch their behavior carefully... are they "really friends" w/ the Actinarian host? Do they spend an inordinate period of time rubbing their faces against the rock?
Bob Fenner>

Re: Clownfish White discoloration of face 10/6/11
Thank you so much for the reply.
<Welcome>
I have a much clearer picture for you. I took it today with the halides on.
Could it be they were lip locked? fighting perhaps? I ask because 1 clown has white on upper 'lip' and one has white on lower 'lip'?
<Good question, and another (though more remote) possibility. I see in your new pic that the host is a badly bleached Heteractis crispa... It being stressed might very well be a contributing factor here. Do please see WWM re the health of this anemone species>
So you say the anemone is the chief suspect.. If he were in fact 'burning or stinging' the clowns wouldn't they stay away?
<No; unfortunately... please learn to/use the search tool, indices on WWM>
The clowns seem to love the anemone so much, they feed him and don't let anyone near him. I have not seen them rubbing up on anything at all.. They dug around in the sand for a bit after our rock reorganizing. (nitrates are back to 0 after a water change) and a few days of heavy skimming.
What is a good lever for my magnesium to be at?
<... See WWM re... a ration of about 1:3... BobF>

sick clown fish 9/22/11
Please advise... I have a sick maroon clownfish that is several years old.
She ate fine last night, this a.m . I noticed she was laying on sand bed under rock and not interested in coming out. My LFS is closed today, if not I would have taken her their to hospital tank. I want to take her out of tank because others are starting to pick at her. Will she be ok in a 5 gal bucket w/ aerator and tanks water until morning?
<Better in a floating plastic colander in the tank itself>
I just did a water change Sat. I have a 125gal. There are 2 skunk clowns and a coral beauty also in tank I have just acquired a very small Cortez ray
<Mmm, not compatible. This is actually a "cool" water species; not tropical>
and I have some coral. I tested water and 0 ammonia and nitrite, about 10 nitrate ph is 8.4 w/ lights off.
Thanks for any help.. Eileen

Clarkii clownfish 9/10/11
Crew:
<James>
I have looked through your FAQ's about clownfish and I am not able to diagnose what is wrong with this Clarkii. It is about 3" long and I have had it for about 3 years. A few weeks ago I noticed a white raised dot on its operculum. I was not too concerned, but now it is much larger, and another area also on the operculum, appears "blotchy". I have attached the best photo I could get of the affected area. All parameters are excellent and the fish behaves normal. I would appreciate any assistance.
<I've seen such quite a few times... never demonstrated to be pathogenic...
Likely best to consider as some sort of "pimple"... I'd leave alone. Bob Fenner>

re: Clarkii clownfish 9/11/11
Thanks for your advice. It turns out the clownfish went to a cleaner shrimp repeatedly and the following morning it was gone.
<Ah, good. Cheers, BobF>

Clownfish with PopEye and acting differently... No reading 7/9/11
Hi,
I have two tank raised clownfish (there was no description of the breed)
<Easy enough to identify. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clownfis.htm
and I have had them together for a while, at least 12 months I think it has been.
One is orange and the other is black. My other tank was smaller and the black fish which was newer ate the orange fishes tail fin but doesn't anymore.
The tank is still small at 30 litres
<Too small for these fish>
with only live rock, a coral which is barely living
<?... for what reasons? Which species?>
and some plastic plant which I put in a few months ago to increase the colour.
The black clownfish's right eye is now slightly larger and kind of white and it is hovering around the bottom and tries to eat but it is like it couldn't be bothered when it gets close enough.
Is this a disease and could it be contagious?
Thanks, Courtney.
<Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Black Ocellaris Clown... not fdg., ill... from? 7/7/11
Dear Crew,
I really love your website and the wealth of accurate information it provides. I have a Black tank raised Ocellaris clown that has not been eating for around a week. The single time I witnessed it defecating the feces were long, stringy, and white like a worm.
<Mmm, sometimes indicative of parasitic involvement...>
The clown had not been properly acclimated (Its bag toppled over in the water while it was acclimating)
but the temperature was the same if not the PH and salinity. I have tried marine flakes, frozen foods of different kinds, and live brine shrimp. It takes no notice of the food at all.
<What other livestock are present?>
No other symptoms are apparent. I have tried epson <Epsom, not the printer> salt which has so far had no effect on the fish. If this is a protozoic affliction what treatment regiment should I use?
<Metronidazole and an Anthelminthic. Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm
and here: http://wetwebmedia.com/ClnWormDisF.htm
It says in a couple of the SW books I have to feed food soaked in tetracycline, but the fish is not eating.
Tank Stats
Cycled
1 year old ( Used to be quarantine for a bigger, now torn down, tank)
10 gallon
<Mmm, small>
1.021 salinity (Measured by Hydrometer)
<Too low... raise to 1.025-6. See WWM re spg.>
0 nitrite
0 ammonia
Aqua clear 50 with a sponge and some LR bits
Bak Pak protein skimmer run intermittently
<I'd run continuously>
weekly water changes of 10%
<And change more of this small volume out. Bob Fenner>
Re: Black Ocellaris Clown 7/8/11
Thanks you very much,
The clown is the sole inhabitant of the tank except for a clean up crew (brittle star, hermit crabs, some bristle worms)
He/she is only a inch long and I do plan to upgrade to a 20 gallon once the clown grows.
<Ah, good>
I have a couple more questions, what do you think of feeding via the water (adding dextrose the water) until I can get the needed medications (Not sure my lfs will carry these)?
<Not advised>
And what about a hyposalinity treatment at around 1.012 for three weeks?
<Also>
These were the other recommendations I got when brain picking at lfs/ forums.
Thanks Again
<Read where you've been referred. B>
-Jacob

Clownfish floating on sides not breathing 4/27/2011
Hi,
<<Welcome to WWM Hayley>>
I've just got a quick question,
<<Okay>>
we just purchased 2 Clown fish and since we put them in our tank they have floated on their sides at the bottom of the tank.
<<Labored breathing? Moving at all?>>
Just wondering is there any reason for this or is this just what they normally do?
<<Sounds as if something environmental are affecting these fish, likely weren't acclimated properly to begin with. Please start reading (here are a few separate but important links); http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acclimat.htm ; http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clownfis.htm ; http://www.wetwebmedia.com/watrqualmar.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QuarMarFishes.htm; http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/1/aafeature2 >>
Thanks,
<<Anytime and good luck.>>
Hayley Matthews
<<Adam J.>>

Skunk clown with hemorrhoid
Good evening,
Silly question but fish can't get hemorrhoids right?
<Something similar... in this case a prolapsed "colon">
My skunk clown is in quarantine and being treated for Ick with hypo. Kind of gross but its but is protruding from its body and looks like a big blister. Do you know what this? Hope you can see from the picture.
<These cases generally re/solve themselves in time on their own. Just good care and nutrition. Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Eric

Brooklynella? Plus 12/19/10
Good morning!
<Joan>
I think my fish has Brooklynella but he has a symptom that I don't read as connected to this disease. His scales on his head seem to be peeling! Hope my photos are not too big (I don't know how to resize them)
<Easily done... you could use your search tool, investigate what software for images you have on your machine/s>
Got two wild-caught clowns on 12/10.
<Yikes... am sure you know that captive-produced are superior in several respects>
Both were fine and swimming and eating actively for a few days. Then one got a pinkish looking spot on both sides of his head on his front white line. It really looked like his scales were peeling. He was put into a hospital tank and later died. The other one who was still in QT then contracted the same thing. Both developed a cottony type of slime on their sides. Neither was really breathing heavily or labored. I re-set up the hospital tank (after cleaning) and he has been in there since last Tuesday, 12/14. Not really knowing what this was started treating with Paraguard daily.
<A good product, though I think this trouble is more than parasitic... Such bad stress, impugned immunity that bacteria are decomposing this fish>
The white slime resolved itself quickly and is gone within about a one day treatment of Paraguard. As you can see in the photos the fish is still alive (slowly getting his bright color back on the front, but his rear half is still slightly faded but he never really lost his color) but it still looks like his scales are peeling on top of his head. He seems to be active and swims around his tank; eats a little. What is this?
<Bacterial... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm
and the linked files above where you lead yourself>
I am treating with Paraguard as this is all I have. I have no LFS where I live for over 200 miles (I live in rural Montana) so everything I get has to be purchased online (and then either wait 5+ days for delivery or spend $28 for overnight shipping for an $18 fish what to do?).
<Mmmm>
What should I get to get this cured or should I just keep using the Paraguard?
<The latter... It's really up to this fish at this point, whether it will rally or no>
The other fish I got with this order a Humu Trigger, Tribal Blenny and a cleaner shrimp have no signs of disease and they were in the same QT with the clowns. Could these other fish have caught this disease and it is just dormant in them and show up eventually in my display tank months down the line?
<Not really. Clownfishes from the wild are "uber-stressed" in the process of being removed from their always present symbiotic anemone, being held sans food for days... shipping damage period. They're far more likely to failing health issues than most other fish groups. Bob Fenner>
Joan

Clownfish, Ich, Quarantine, and not eating... 12/16/10
Hi Crew! I have a few questions concerning the recent quarantine of a clownfish with a mild case of Ich. Yesterday, I decided to move him to a 10 gallon quarantine tank
<For what reason/s? Are there other fishes in the infested tank?>
with a bio-wheel filter, powerhead for circulation, couple of pieces of live rock, and water from my display tank. Parameters are nitrate approx. 10, no nitrites, no ammonia, pH is a little low at 7.8.
<Actually, this is a base ten log... 7.8 is dangerously low>
Temperature is steady at 80 F. Before transferring him yesterday he ate 3 small food pellets soaked in Selcon. I transferred him to the QT and kept lights off until offering him a small amount of food which I knew he wouldn't accept, but I thought, what the heck. I then turned the lights off for the night to let him calm down.
Upon checking on him today, he is acting fine other than swimming along the bottom of the tank frequently (which I painted a dark color) as if he were looking at something, and mildly pacing the tank. Not what I would consider swimming erratically, but it may be to more experienced people such as yourselves. His respiration is somewhat fast, but he is swimming a good bit (not "darting" however). He acts relaxed part of the time, and "checking things out" the rest. He has been in QT for 26 hours as of writing this, and it has been just as long since he ate anything. An important detail that I forgot is that I am treating with Seachem Paraguard.
<With the live rock present?>
Upon trying to feed him after 24 hours of no food, he takes the frozen brine in and then spits it out. This was his favorite food of in the display. Any insight on when I should start worrying about his feeding, and what I should do if that time comes?
<The move, disease... stress>
Another important tidbit is that I separated him from an anemone that he has hosted for about 5 years. Could this play part in his anxiety and hunger strike?
<Definitely so. In the wild, there are NO Clownfishes found w/o anemone hosts>
Any help you all can provide is greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much, and Merry Christmas!
Heath
<And you, Bob Fenner>
Re: Clownfish, Ich, Quarantine, and not eating... - 12/16/10
Hi Bob,
<Heath>
Thanks for the speedy reply. To answer your questions, The fish is being treated for a mild case of Ich. Also, Seachem told me that the live rock would be ok in the QT
<Mmm, I disagree>
and any absorbtion would be small and not enough to effect the treatment.
<They (SeaChem) have evidently removed the MSDS for this product but an excerpt:
"ParaGuard[NFPA 1,0,1]: Principal ingredient is glutaraldehyde with ameliorating ingredients, pH 7.
ParaGuard also contains malachite green. Malachite green is a possible carcinogen. Ingestion may cause severe gastric disturbance. May cause moderate irritation of mouth. If ingested, drink large quantities of milk or water. Universal antidote (charcoal) is useful. If enough is swallowed to cause distress, seek medical attention. Eye contact will cause severe irritation. Flush eyes copiously with water. Seek medical attention."
... I would NOT put Gluteraldehyde nor Malachite Green in with "reef life"... It will assuredly mal-affect the live rock>
I have a few more questions now, how long do I have before it is dangerous for the fish to not eat?
<Days, perhaps a couple weeks>
Should I transfer him back to the display to get him to eat if he doesn't eat after the time you suggest?
<Up to you... this is posted on/in WWM>
What is a safe way to get my pH up in a QT?
<Also...>
Is it safe to use a small amount of Seachem reef buffer?
<... can...pre-mixed...>
I was scheduled to do a water change in the QT this weekend for husbandry reasons. Would a silk plant possibly serve as a surrogate for the anemone since he has hosted other things in the past?
<Not really>
Sorry for all of the questions, I am just trying to be a good steward of the pet that I have.
<Understood/stand>
Thanks again,
Heath
<It might do you good to read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clndiscrypt.htm
and peruse the linked files above. BobF>

Possible disease 11/20/10
I have noticed my large Bicinctus female clown has small grayish spots on her body (not very numerous may I add). She has had them for a few days now.
She has been through Ick before but this looks more like velvet. There has been a recent addition of a flame angel over the last few weeks but this has had little incident.
<Was this last quarantined, dipped/bathed?>
However I am asking your opinion as the male counterpart of the pair shows no sign of this. She feeds and shows no sign of distress or heavy breathing at-all.
More confusingly she shows no sign of scratching either. I have upped the ozone dose into my main display to see if this helps at all.
Any ideas at all?
Jim
<... perhaps stress coloration. You might benefit from perusing here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Re: Possible disease, Clown 11/20/10
Thanks for your expedient reply. Yes the angel was quarantined prior to addition (for 4 weeks).
<Ah, good>
Stress coloration does look likely. There are a few colonies of Aiptasia in the tank so whether these have stung her. She certainly doesn't show the signs of brook or Oodinium here at all.
Thanks
<Else both clowns would show... Bicinctus IS a very tough species. BobF>
Re: Possible disease... was clnfsh... 11/24/10
Thanks for your information Mr Fenner. I have concluded this is a stress outbreak of ICH, (the flame angel shows a tiny dusting of spots on his tail).
<Stress is almost always a determinant factor...>
Although minor in my main display tank I am now upping ozone as before.
Plus as I can't quarantine all fish (the QT is currently occupied by a hippo tang). I was wondering whether a 1 off 1% Metronidazole soaked feed along with the ozone would help the clown get on the right side of this minor outbreak?
<Possibly... at least will help, not hurt>
She has been like this before and always pulled through this.
Is a 1 off treatment enough or should I repeat once a week?
<I'd try the once... not a good idea to repeatedly administer Metronidazole... is very hard on fish's kidneys/nephros>
I know you should be careful with this powerful drug (I have purchased fish zole).
Your thoughts please
Jim
<There they are Jim. BobF>

Clownfish disease 11/10/10
Good Evening
<Good morrow Eric>
I am hoping you can assist with a problem that I have. I recently adopted a ocellaris clown and a skunk clown from a fellow reefers who can no longer tank care of them. Both of the fish were just recently added to my 90 gallon reef after a roughly 2 month quarantine period. The ocellaris had a large bump on his side that did not change for weeks. I assumed it was Lympho and would resolve on its own. Today when I got home from work the lump is no longer there and it looks like the flesh is missing. Does this
look like some type of aggression or some other disease I am dealing with?
<To me... possibly the resultant/sore from a physical or stinging encounter. In all cases, only treatable w/ time going by>
I also have another ocellaris in the tank, but I have not noticed any aggression. I have included a picture. The affected clownfish is the second one in the back. You can see the white area on the back part of the body.

I also wanted to add the fish is swimming and breathing normally and has a very healthy appetite. I appreciate your time in reading.
Thanks,
Eric

Re: re: Clownfish disease 11/10/10
Bula Bob
<Eric>
Did not realize you were in Fiji.
<Back last night>
I actually just returned last week from honeymoon. The diving is incredible! I did all my diving around Taveuni and let me say the reefs were in pristine condition.
<Glad to read, realize. Have been in the Somo Somo strait, stayed at Garden Isle Resort. This time on the Nai'a mainly in the Bligh Water (sound)>
The injury is starting to look a little better. The area is not as swollen however there is another white bump on the same side which looks more like a raised scale.
I am thinking this is from the Duncans coral.
<Could well be>
Either way I will keep an eye on things. I appreciate your response and will let you know if things worsen.
Thanks
Eric
<And you, BobF>

sick clowns 11/5/10
Hello Crew,
I have two sick clownfish, I think. It might be stress. That is what I am hoping you can clarify for me. I was looking at your articles and FAQs and would like a second opinion. I just got two tank raised black and white ocellaris clowns.
They are my first fish in a 75 gallon fowlr that ran for over a two months with just live rock and sand. All levels tested 0 except nitrates which were 20-30ppm before the fish went in. I used the API Saltwater Test Kit. The store that sold them told me it would be ok to immediately put them in the tank since they were tank raised and the first fish in the tank.
<Should be fine>
I drip acclimated them.
For a few days they were shy but both have eaten and seemed ok. I checked the water and all levels were fine, except my nitrate had spiked to 100 ppm from about 20-30.
<? From what cause/s?>
I have tried not to overfeed them. I decided to start doing frequent water changes and cleaned all of my filtration. Last night after a water change, I noticed that that one of them has what looks like raised
bumps in the skin, a fat lip, and some damage to one gill. It also looked like their may be white markings, but I think it may be a glare off the bumps because I can only see them when the fish swims at certain angles. I netted the fish and could not see them at all when I pulled him close. I was worried it could be
Brook but your FAQs say that is almost a non-issue with tank raised.
<Yes, is so... unless mixed in systems with wild-caught Clowns>
I was ready to write it off as stress, but now the other one has been showing clamped fins and seems to rub its belly on the rock which would indicate the onset of ich or velvet. It also began nipping at the other one last night, as if it wanted it to stay away. They had been staying close up until this point. Does it sound
like I should move to QT?
<Is the water quality better there? If so, I would move them>
I have no other fish in the tank. I will continue water changes to raise the water quality
<Mmm, there are other means... read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm
and the linked files above>
and be much more careful with feeding for now unless you think otherwise. Thank you so much to whomever answers this.
Your help is truly appreciated.
Fred Grimes
<Do please keep me/us updated. Bob Fenner>
Re: sick clowns 11/5/10
Hello Bob,
<Hey Fred>
You have no idea how good it is to hear from you. Really worried here. I got the fish from Premium Aquatics. They claim not to sell wild caught fish if there is a tank raised version and they keep the tank raised and wild caught on separate systems. Shouldn't be much chance of cross contamination, but I will contact them to discuss the situation and get their thoughts. I don't see how they could have picked it ich or velvet in my tank, it has ran empty for over two months. I will move the fish to a smaller QT tank tomorrow and run it bare with a small power filter and a Cascade 300 filter that I run empty just to get the extra water flow and aeration benefits of the spray bar. The fish did show some small white specks, but again, it could be light reflecting off of the raised bumps. Just hard to see with them darting around the tank They are both still quite active and eating. I am thinking I will prepare a freshwater dip before QT as an extra precaution, or could this be a mistake considering they already show signs of stress?
<All could well be "just stress". I'd hold off dipping, manipulating these fish for now>
Thanks again for all of your help.
Fred
<Welcome. BobF, going to sleep>
Re: sick clowns 11/09/2010
Hello again Bob, Update on the clownfish situation. Spoke with one of PAs people. They agree with you that it is stress. Got both fish into QT and they are seem to be ok. Been feeding twice a day (too much?).
<No, fine>
Once I do a light feeding of pellets. I give them one or two at a time and do not give more until they are gone. The second feeding I have given them Mysis shrimp mixed in Selcon. They seem to be doing ok besides one showing aggression to the other. Lot of nipping, shaking, and general harassment with no real damage done.
<No big>
They are between an 1.25" to 1.5", so it's probably sexing off. One stays in the corner while the apparently more dominant explores, only to come back and harass some more. I have been trying to read up and figure try to find the cause of my nitrates. The guy at PA thinks I may still be cycling. I had a theory about a possible cause and was wondering what you thought. I read that does best in SPGs of 1.023-1.025. Mine is around 1.018 (based on advice from an LFS owner I spoke to).
<I'd raise>
Could I be seeing die off on the rocks?
<Yes>
Thanks again for all the help and this website, I feel like I am on it constantly checking different FAQs. -Fred
<Me too. B>
Re: sick clowns 11/10/10
Hello again Bob,
To update you on the fish, the larger one is looking in excellent health now, but the slightly smaller one is suffering because of it. The larger one has become relentless. They started out fine together. They swam together stayed together and showed no sign of problems. Maybe the sudden drop in water conditions caused them to go crazy. The smaller one has become reclusive, barely eats, and is usually relegated to a small corner of the tank. It seems to be hiding, but the other one comes and nips on it, seems to slap it with its tail, and then settles in front as if it is beckoning the other one to follow. I have been pouring over the FAQs looking for answers. My best guess is that the larger one is trying to pair off, but the other one is just close enough in size that it is refusing to be subjugate.
<Perhaps>
I have separated them so the smaller one can get a break to recover.
<Good>
Its bumps have subsided and color has gotten better. I was thinking of treating the QT with Seachem Stressguard to help heal its gill.
If it makes the recovery, can I put them back together and hope it goes better with the fish healthy.
<Yes... early on a morning when you will be about to observe, possibly re-separate them>
Would I be better served returning the aggressive one and trying a significantly smaller one to form a pair?
<Not really>
If I take the second route, what are the chances of getting an orange ocellaris to pair with the black one?
<Pretty good... better than 50%>
Thanks again for all your help. Here's hoping my next email will find me with two healthy fish that are getting along better.
-Fred
<Ah yes. BobF>

Clownfish Gets Pale, Then Rebounds/Clownfish Health 11/3/10
Hi crew,
<David, seems I recall you have wrote us recently.>
Back again. I have been scouring the forums and the FAQs, and have not found a clear answer for what I am seeing. I just got my first two fish for my aquarium, two ocellaris clowns (one black and white, one orange). Both were bought tank raised from Premium Aquatics. I selected two eager looking ones that came close to the front of the tank while the others stayed back. I acclimated them directly to my main 75 gallon tank since there were no other fish in it. All parameters have stayed in the proper ranges with little no fluctuation since I brought them home. The problem is that the black and white seems to get pale and stays in one spot when the lights are off. After it notices me or I turn the lights on, it starts swimming and the color returns. It also has what looks like an abrasion around its gill. I didn't notice, but pictures I went back over reveal that it was there when I purchased it (poor selection on my part by placing too much stock in the fish's apparent eagerness). The fish eats fine, in fact it is the more aggressive eater of the two. The orange also seems to get pale, although it is to much less of a degree and a little more difficult to notice in an unlit tank. Again, when lights are on all color and activity returns. I am feeding them Spectrum marine pellets and Mysis shrimp. I saw a few forums that say this paling in the dark is normal, but I am skeptical and trust you peoples' advice.
<Is normal with most marine fish, no problem here.>
Also I can't seem to get them over watching their reflections, especially the orange (has shown signs of becoming the dominant one). Sorry about the long very specific email, and thanks in advance.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
-Dave
Re Clownfish Gets Pale, Then Rebounds/Clownfish Health 11/3/10
James,
<David>
Yes I did write recently. I always give the back story over again in case the crew member that answers isn't the same one.
<Is a good idea.>
Thanks for putting my mind at ease.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
-Dave

Eye problem in new clownfish 10/25/10
Dear crew -
<David>
We just got a new clownfish and when we brought it home, we noticed that there appears to be something on its left eye. We're trying to figure out whether this is (a) dangerous to the clownfish itself or (b) dangerous to our tank.
<Your pic is too blurry to make out much, but it does appear that this fish has something attached to it's eye and places on the body... could be a Protozoan parasite... possibly Uronema, other... Read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm>
(We don't have a quarantine set up,
<Too late this time>
but the store we got it from generally is good about quarantine
<Mmm, is this a wild-caught specimen? Appears to be... tank bred/reared ones are vastly superior>
and he looked fine at the store.) For lack of a good description, it looks like a thin clear film over the left eye, almost like the translucent tube of a sponge. It definitely is not red like the Popeye pictures on the website. There's also a purple splotch behind the left eye.
The right eye looks absolutely normal. The fish has a really normal coloration and is swimming normally. It appears curious, looking around, and watching us through the glass.
We've attached a picture.
Thanks!
Dave and Laura
<Do send along a "progress" report if you would. I do hope this "is nothing", but doubtful. Bob Fenner>

True Percula clownfish anal duct sore? 9/22/10
Hello,
My female true Percula clownfish seems to have developed what appears to be a anal duct block or sore. At first it appeared to be the initial stages of the egg-laying routine that we typically observe.
The anal duct was open and a slight pinkish mass could be see, along with what looked like clear vesicles. She doesn't appear to be fast breathing, scraping or swimming erratically. She does seem to hover on one side of the tank more than usual. She also has not been eating. She makes the attempt, but spits out everything. The breeding pair of clowns ( of which she is the "momma") have been in the tank for 8 months have has an issue.
My concern is if this in an infection of some sort. The other inhabitants in the tank appear to be fine.
<Mmm, often such cases are labeled as "prolapsed colons"... Naught to be done really... other than perhaps adding a modicum of Epsom Salt>
Sorry for the lack of pictures. The anal duct seems to be extremely dilated or the sore gives appearance as such. The edges do look somewhat frayed. The condition has been observed for 5 days now with possible a slight improvement in overall size of the internal bulge that terminates at the anal duct.
Tank specs:
60 gallon cube with 20 gallon sump.
T5, metal halide lighting
High flow Rio pump in sump, Hydor pump in tank, rotating pump in tank.
Good coralline growth through out
Healthy propagating Duncans 5 heads started from one
Multiple Zoanthid colonies
2 varieties of Xenia
Healthy growing pipe organ coral
Healthy chalice coral
Clean up crew of Astrea, bumble bee snail, 3 hermits
Healthy polyps (small colony)
Several mushrooms (small)
Two very large mushrooms that continue to grow,
Star polyps
Fragged Montipora
100? Collonista snails
<Wow>
One pigmy cherub angel
One lawnmower blenny
And the mating clowns
What I have done different in last 2 weeks.
1) stupid impulse buy of Condy anemone, subsequently removed 6 days ago. Clowns stayed away for the Condy, but it did burn some corals
<And possibly the Clown>
2) Started minimal feeding with Cyclopeeze five days ago.
<This is fine>
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Robert
<Please search WWM with the term-string: Clown Prolapsed Colon
Mmm, or see the highlighted bit here:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/custom?q=cache:VmRKfm0xDJAJ:www.wetweb
media.com/clnfshdisart.htm+Clown+Prolapsed+Colon&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
In case this is a biological issue.
Bob Fenner>
Re: True Percula clownfish anal duct sore? 9/27/2010
Thank you for the reply and sorry for the delay in response. I unfortunately had to leave town for a week during this episode. The momma is now eating and the bulge is gone and the duct closed.
<Ah good>
It appears to have healed. I appreciate your advice. Now I'm seeing some bleaching on the chalice coral and almost complete bleaching of the Montipora,
<?!>
One of the biggest Duncan polyps also seems to have been bleached out, but retains its usual morphology. I did the usual testing and water changes and will monitor closely. My wife did tell me that the large hermit crab was harassing the other tank inhabitants and that my little girl added a shell from her beach combing collection "to give him a new home". I fished out the shell when I returned, as it was not "tank ready". Hopefully this was the culprit. Otherwise everything else appears fine. It's amazing how often disaster seems to visit this tank while I'm away ;(
<One corollary of a/the "Murphy's Law" doubtless>
Once again thanks for your help. It's sites like yours that keep us from doing more harm than good.
Robert
<Welcome. BobF>