Clownfish acting different

[gustavviklund]

My bigger clown started to show some unusual behaviors today where she swims really fast for a couple of seconds and picks at rocks and sand. It's not all the time, just occasionally.
Is this normal?

Here's a video:

 

[Idech]

It’s flashing (scratching) so there is something bothering it. Disease or parasite.

@Reefmedics

 

[gustavviklund]

It’s flashing (scratching) so there is something bothering it. Disease or parasite.

@Reefmedics

Ok so what am I supposed to do now?

 

[Idech]

Ok so what am I supposed to do now?

@Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

My bigger clown started to show some unusual behaviors today where she swims really fast for a couple of seconds and picks at rocks and sand. It's not all the time, just occasionally.
Is this normal?

Here's a video:

Scratching/flashing in fish is often a sign of flukes (external parasitic worms). In clownfish though, it could just be some random odd behavior, as they are known to act kind of strange at times. Is the fish still eating well and not breathing too fast? If so, you might want to just observe it for now. If you see these symptoms, it could be more serious and you could consider treating with praziquantel for flukes.

Jay

 

[gustavviklund]

Scratching/flashing in fish is often a sign of flukes (external parasitic worms). In clownfish though, it could just be some random odd behavior, as they are known to act kind of strange at times. Is the fish still eating well and not breathing too fast? If so, you might want to just observe it for now. If you see these symptoms, it could be more serious and you could consider treating with praziquantel for flukes.

Jay

Thank you for the response! Yes it's eating really well. I dont think there is any fast breathing. If so, do i see that on the gills or the mouth?
I have't seen the behavior any more since i made the original post, but i will observe her more tomorrow.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you for the response! Yes it's eating really well. I dont think there is any fast breathing. If so, do i see that on the gills or the mouth?
I have't seen the behavior any more since i made the original post, but i will observe her more tomorrow.

You can see rapid breathing in either the mouth of the gills - just count the movement of either. I find that taking a short video and then using that to get a count helps. For example, if you count 15 breaths in a ten second video, the breathing rate is 90 beats per minute. Clownfish should be less than that rate.

Jay