Clownfish Breathing Heavy and Corkscrewing

uzak3 · Aug 31, 2019

Hi R2R,
So about three weeks ago I got a clown pair and I freshwater dipped them before putting them into the DT. When I put the smaller of the pair into the FW, his gills opened all the way, he flopped over, and it looked like he passed out. I immediately put him into saltwater and he began swimming crazily doing barrel rolls. A little bit later, he was still swimming sideways occasionaly but it was pretty minor and he was eating well. However, starting a few days ago hes been in the corner of the tank staring at the wall all day except for during feeding. Today, he began swimming more erratically when he’s not staring at the wall and he started to breathe really heavily.
I’m not home at the moment so I can’t test levels but I have some Monti Caps doing well lol. I will update on all my params asap.
Any ideas on what could be going on?
Thanks

Gareth elliott · Aug 31, 2019

Sounds like gill damage of some kind could be a parasite or ammonia damage before you received him.

I would first try a Methylene Blue bath. Tank water in a bucket with an airstone for 10-30 minutes.
Will help get O2 to the fish, as well as apply antiseptic to any wounds in its gills. (Has very slight antiparasite properties too)

Next would qt the fish in either prazi pro or gc.

Keep a eye on the fish for any other signs of parasites like ich or velvet.

Would qt both fish not just the problem one as if its parasites both likely have them.

uzak3 · Aug 31, 2019

Gareth elliott said:
Sounds like gill damage of some kind could be a parasite or ammonia damage before you received him.

I would first try a Methylene Blue bath. Tank water in a bucket with an airstone for 10-30 minutes.
Will help get O2 to the fish, as well as apply antiseptic to any wounds in its gills. (Has very slight antiparasite properties too)

Next would qt the fish in either prazi pro or gc.

Keep a eye on the fish for any other signs of parasites like ich or velvet.

Would qt both fish not just the problem one as if its parasites both likely have them.

Great thank you!