"Blemish" on Clownfish

[Eric1493]

Hi all,

I recently noticed a small patch of lighter color on one of my new clowns. I don't have pictures at the moment, but it's not a raised area or anything, just discolored. No bumps or other symptoms, it almost looks like a birth defect. Is this something I should be worried about?

Thanks

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

A picture would really help- try to get one under white light, not blue. If the spot just showed up, it is unlikely to be from a birth defect, and if you are seeing it on just one side of the fish, it is less likely to be normal. Still, it may just be a minor scrape. Is the fish eating well and holding its fins erect?
Jay

 

[CrazyCrab]

Could be anything no telling without a pic. Get ready with focus and metro!

 

[Eric1493]

A picture would really help- try to get one under white light, not blue. If the spot just showed up, it is unlikely to be from a birth defect, and if you are seeing it on just one side of the fish, it is less likely to be normal. Still, it may just be a minor scrape. Is the fish eating well and holding its fins erect?
Jay

Thank you! The patch probably didn't just show up, I just got the new pair yesterday. I don't recall if it was like that at the store. It is only on one side and doesn't appear to be red at all. I will post pictures once I get home. They are both definitely eating well and swimming normally.

 

[Eric1493]

Could be anything no telling without a pic. Get ready with focus and metro!

I will try to get a pic soon! I do have metro on hand, but I don't think it looks like uronema, if that's what you're saying. The area is a lot lighter than it's surroundings, not darker.

 

[Eric1493]

 

[Eric1493]

I've attached a bunch of pictures. To my understanding, this isn't uronema because it's not red and there are no raised scales, which is the only "patchy" disease I know. @Jay Hemdal ? Thank you to everyone in advance!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I've attached a bunch of pictures. To my understanding, this isn't uronema because it's not red and there are no raised scales, which is the only "patchy" disease I know. @Jay Hemdal ? Thank you to everyone in advance!

Correct, that does not look like Uronema. Little "bumps and scrapes" I tend to ignore, but this one is kind of on the borderline of being concerning, size-wise. If it grows in size, or spreads to a new area, you should consider dosing with a broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic. You might want to get your ducks in a row - have the meds on hand, etc. because you never know, if you don't need them this time, perhaps the next...

Jay

 

[Mike from TN]

Just a shot in the dark but could it possibly be a heater burn? From the pix, it kinda looks like their trying to “cozy” up to your heater. Clowns DO do some pretty weird stuff!

 

[Eric1493]

Correct, that does not look like Uronema. Little "bumps and scrapes" I tend to ignore, but this one is kind of on the borderline of being concerning, size-wise. If it grows in size, or spreads to a new area, you should consider dosing with a broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic. You might want to get your ducks in a row - have the meds on hand, etc. because you never know, if you don't need them this time, perhaps the next...

Jay

Gotcha, thanks! I'll try to get some antibiotics tomorrow. Thank you again!

 

[Eric1493]

Just a shot in the dark but could it possibly be a heater burn? From the pix, it kinda looks like their trying to “cozy” up to your heater. Clowns DO do some pretty weird stuff!

Yes, they seem to like the heater lol. It certainly could be a heater burn, but they weren't like this when I put them in the tank, so I don't really have a way of knowing. If it was a heater burn, would it be lighter than its surroundings?

 

[Mike from TN]

Yes, they seem to like the heater lol. It certainly could be a heater burn, but they weren't like this when I put them in the tank, so I don't really have a way of knowing. If it was a heater burn, would it be lighter than its surroundings?

Not really sure as I’ve never seen a burn on a fish. Just seems like they are spending a lot of time there, unless you rapid fired the pictures. My Clowns have a “thing” for the Mag Float.

 

[Eric1493]

Not really sure as I’ve never seen a burn on a fish. Just seems like they are spending a lot of time there, unless you rapid fired the pictures. My Clowns have a “thing” for the Mag Float.

oh they definitely have a “thing” for the heater. I’ll be sure to pay more attention to it. Thank you!

 

[Mike from TN]

Maybe check into getting a cage for the heater. I know that some heaters come with them but you can also buy them separately.

 

[Eric1493]

Maybe check into getting a cage for the heater. I know that some heaters come with them but you can also buy them separately.

Dang, I've never seen one before. I'll definitely check it out, hopefully, it fits the eheim jager heaters. Thanks!

 

[Mike from TN]

Even if it turns out NOT to be a burn, it might make sense because they hang out there.

 

[vetteguy53081]

very unusual how theyre hanging around heater. . which makes it a suspect

 

[Eric1493]

Even if it turns out NOT to be a burn, it might make sense because they hang out there.

That's true. I think I'll pick one up as a preventative.

 

[Eric1493]

very unusual how theyre hanging around heater. . which makes it a suspect

Definitely. The only thing is that the room is about the same temp as the tank, and the heater rarely turns on. They would have to be caught by surprise or sleeping if it was the heater, which is very possible.