Clownfish dead.

[Maebh]

I just had a clownfish die and I don't know what from? I got him and another one three days ago. The other one seems fine if a bit darty. I saw him attack the other one once but then I separated them. The dead one was fine but hiding when I got him, was pretty pale and hiding on day two, yesterday was super pale with what looked like an injury on his front fin and his backfin was ripped up, and had and then today it was all worse and then he died.

I don't think it's the parameters because I've got two snails and two hermit crabs in there along with the other clownfish and they all seem to be doing perfectly fine. I did check them but there were one or two that I couldn't test with my test kit and they were calcium, magnesium, phosphates and ammonia.

pH was a bit low. I have photographs of him over the past couple of days (and after he died but I'm not sure if I can post them because I wouldn't want to upset anyone).

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just had a clownfish die and I don't know what from? I got him and another one three days ago. The other one seems fine if a bit darty. I saw him attack the other one once but then I separated them. The dead one was fine but hiding when I got him, was pretty pale and hiding on day two, yesterday was super pale with what looked like an injury on his front fin and his backfin was ripped up, and had and then today it was all worse and then he died.

I don't think it's the parameters because I've got two snails and two hermit crabs in there along with the other clownfish and they all seem to be doing perfectly fine. I did check them but there were one or two that I couldn't test with my test kit and they were calcium, magnesium, phosphates and ammonia.

pH was a bit low. I have photographs of him over the past couple of days (and after he died but I'm not sure if I can post them because I wouldn't want to upset anyone).

We see the worse of pics on here and often helps identify a potential issue
Often aggression from a larger clown plays a role in injury and death from whats called clown Hierarchy
How old is tank and how did you cycle the tank?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I just had a clownfish die and I don't know what from? I got him and another one three days ago. The other one seems fine if a bit darty. I saw him attack the other one once but then I separated them. The dead one was fine but hiding when I got him, was pretty pale and hiding on day two, yesterday was super pale with what looked like an injury on his front fin and his backfin was ripped up, and had and then today it was all worse and then he died.

I don't think it's the parameters because I've got two snails and two hermit crabs in there along with the other clownfish and they all seem to be doing perfectly fine. I did check them but there were one or two that I couldn't test with my test kit and they were calcium, magnesium, phosphates and ammonia.

pH was a bit low. I have photographs of him over the past couple of days (and after he died but I'm not sure if I can post them because I wouldn't want to upset anyone).

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

For cases like this, more background information and video of the remaining fish are essential. Here is a post that explains all that:

Some Helpful Hints When Posting or Responding to Threads in the Fish Disease Treatment and Diagnosis Section

Aquarium Fish Disease Problem Solving Determining the best course of action for a problem with your aquarium can be a difficult task. Even advanced aquarists will often need to seek the help of others for complicated or unique issues. Our intent here on Reef 2 Reef is to offer expert advice...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay

 

[Maebh]

Okay, thank you!

 

[Maebh]

We see the worse of pics on here and often helps identify a potential issue
Often aggression from a larger clown plays a role in injury and death from whats called clown Hierarchy
How old is tank and how did you cycle the tank?

Hi! Thank you for the reply. It was actually the smaller guy going at the bigger one. The tank is around four months old and I cycled it with the seachem cycler.

 

[Maebh]

I just had a clownfish die and I don't know what from? I got him and another one three days ago. The other one seems fine if a bit darty. I saw him attack the other one once but then I separated them. The dead one was fine but hiding when I got him, was pretty pale and hiding on day two, yesterday was super pale with what looked like an injury on his front fin and his backfin was ripped up, and had and then today it was all worse and then he died.

I don't think it's the parameters because I've got two snails and two hermit crabs in there along with the other clownfish and they all seem to be doing perfectly fine. I did check them but there were one or two that I couldn't test with my test kit and they were calcium, magnesium, phosphates and ammonia.

pH was a bit low. I have photographs of him over the past couple of days (and after he died but I'm not sure if I can post them because I wouldn't want to upset anyone).

Here are some photos. The last two are of the other guy.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Here are some photos. The last two are of the other guy.

Its hard to tell anything from a dead fish but the tail appears to be massacred and may offer a clue as to possible aggression.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Its hard to tell anything from a dead fish but the tail appears to be massacred and may offer a clue as to possible aggression.

Agreed - in the one photo, the tail has a Nick in it, but the tail when it is dead is mostly gone, looks like progressive worsening aggression.
Jay

 

[fawadalam4514]

I just had a clownfish die and I don't know what from? I got him and another one three days ago. The other one seems fine if a bit darty. I saw him attack the other one once but then I separated them. The dead one was fine but hiding when I got him, was pretty pale and hiding on day two, yesterday was super pale with what looked like an injury on his front fin and his backfin was ripped up, and had and then today it was all worse and then he died.

I don't think it's the parameters because I've got two snails and two hermit crabs in there along with the other clownfish and they all seem to be doing perfectly fine. I did check them but there were one or two that I couldn't test with my test kit and they were calcium, magnesium, phosphates and ammonia.

pH was a bit low. I have photographs of him over the past couple of days (and after he died but I'm not sure if I can post them because I wouldn't want to upset anyone).

Hey there,

I'm really sorry to hear about your clownfish. Losing a pet, even a fish, can be heartbreaking.

It sounds like you're doing your best to create a good environment for your marine life. Sometimes, clownfish can get stressed from transport, changes in environment, or even from aggressive tank mates. The pale color is often a sign of stress. Also, the torn fins might suggest aggression from the other fish or maybe something in the tank environment that may have caused injury.
Even though the other tank mates seem okay, it's essential to ensure ammonia levels are in check because clownfish can be particularly sensitive. Ammonia spikes can be deadly, and the symptoms can appear rapidly. pH levels can also have an effect, so it's good to address that if it's outside the optimal range.
If you're concerned about the other clownfish, consider quarantining it and observing for any similar symptoms. Quarantine can help prevent potential disease spread and also gives stressed fish a chance to recover.
Also, I'd recommend seeking advice from a local fish store. They might have insights into any specific issues in your area or any recent trends they've seen with clownfish.
Lastly, please ensure you're introducing new fish gradually and acclimating them to the tank environment slowly, to reduce stress.
Again, really sorry for your loss. It's always tough, but every experience, good or bad, makes us better aquarists. Keep going and keep learning.

Best wishes,
Asif

 

[adinath]

Really sorry to know this. Without additional details or actual water parameter test results, it is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. What I know is, fish behavior and health can be affected by many factors, including water quality, tank mate compatibility, stress, and injuries.

Regarding the water parameters you mentioned testing, calcium and magnesium levels are important for coral and invertebrate health rather than fish health. Phosphates and ammonia can impact overall water quality and should ideally be kept at low levels for the well-being of all tank inhabitants.

Also what I know is, low pH level can cause stress to fish and may also affect their immune system. It would be beneficial to monitor the pH levels closely and make necessary adjustments if required. Experts here please correct me!

looking at photos, I personally couldn't come up with any conclusion. Maybe if a vet near you can examine it in details to trace out. not sure if it's too late to do that as well.

can you consider describing specific observations or symptoms in detail so that we could understand more on behavioral changes? For instance, when I lost my betta, it started to always stay at bottom of tank. I thought he's sleeping/shying away. before I ended up loosing him. later understood it was the faulty filter which had increased the current. that might have stressed him. so something similar observation if you have any?

What I learned so far is, ensuring a healthy aquatic environment goes beyond just testing certain parameters. Proper nutrition, tank maintenance routine adherence, and careful observation of fish behavior are critical aspects in maintaining an optimal environment for these beautiful species.

Once again, sorry for the loss! Hope this adds as a learning and wishing you best for fishkeeping!

Cheers!
Adina

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Also, I'd recommend seeking advice from a local fish store. They might have insights into any specific issues in your area or any recent trends they've seen with clownfish.

Hi Asif or Ahmed,.

Can you please answer the question you have ignored in other threads:

Are you a reef hobbyist?

We are trying to sort out if you are a real person. The above response, along with other responses you have posted would seem to indicate you are not.