Black spots on clownfish

Euphyllia97 · Dec 10, 2019

Hi all!

Lately I have noticed that one of my clownfish has started to get some black spots especially on his right side.

Noticed my little buddy has been hosting a zoanthid colony and almost always with his right side against the colony. I think black spot is very unlikely as my other clownfish shows no signs. Have had this clownfish for over a year now.

Eating well and active as always. So he is not really suffering. However I would like him to stop hosting this colony of zoanthids.

1) Would it be a good idea to add 2 BTA’s to the tank and hope for him to go and host one?

2) How long will it take for the black spots to disappear once he stops hosting the zoas? Any medication needed?

Below a picture.

D-Nak · Dec 10, 2019

Those look like marks as a result of a coral sting. The zoas can be the cause. BTAs are hit-or-miss with ocellaris and percula. Even if you introduce a BTA, your clown may still prefer the zoas.

If you're comfortable adding a natural host species of anemone, such as H. magnifica or S. gigantea, the likelihood of your clowns leaving the zoas is a lot higher.

The black spots may or may not disappear over time. Sometimes they become the equivalent of a scar, but it really depends on if the spots are caused by constant rubbing (consistently getting new spots) or by more potent stings (which could cause scarring). There's no need for meds. The spots typically don't bother the clown at all.

Euphyllia97 · Dec 11, 2019

D-Nak said:
Those look like marks as a result of a coral sting. The zoas can be the cause. BTAs are hit-or-miss with ocellaris and percula. Even if you introduce a BTA, your clown may still prefer the zoas.

If you're comfortable adding a natural host species of anemone, such as H. magnifica or S. gigantea, the likelihood of your clowns leaving the zoas is a lot higher.

The black spots may or may not disappear over time. Sometimes they become the equivalent of a scar, but it really depends on if the spots are caused by constant rubbing (consistently getting new spots) or by more potent stings (which could cause scarring). There's no need for meds. The spots typically don't bother the clown at all.

Hi! Thanks for your answer!
I have added a red and green BTA today as this is where my clowns lived in my old tank. (Anemones not transfered due to immature tank)

Seems like they already gound their new home