Clownfish has something on one fin

[meowghan]

So I just noticed that my clownfish has something on her fin, and she hasn’t been using it. It looks almost stringy and firmly attached. She’s been swimming normally otherwise and eating normally, but she just won’t use this fin. I had a big aiptasia that I just removed today, so I didn’t know if that could cause an injury, or if it’s some sort of parasite. Besides CUC, the only other things in the tank are a watchman goby and pistol shrimp, that are both fine and don’t have this problem. I haven’t added any new items or fish into the tank since I got this clown about 6 months ago. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[littlefoxx]

The fish medics on here will want a picture under whites to see better

 

[meowghan]

I have this video from what I took those screenshots from. I’m not sure if this is helpful

 

[threebuoys]

In the photo, this looks like mucus or perhaps an infection? Do you see any sign of an open wound or does it look superficial to you. If sign of infection, treatment with an antibiotic like kanaplex in a QT would be appropriate. If superficial, close observation for a day or two would be OK. Just watch for behavioral changes and be prepared to react quickly.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

The white material seems to be inside the fin, so not a likely area to be stung by the anemone or snapped at by the shrimp.
The not using the fin is worrisome. It could be a bacterial infection, but I’m not sure.
Jay

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ay first I though bacterial but may be heavy mucus coating. Best way to confirm is a 5 minute freshwater dip in same temp as display tank. If no change, move the fish to quarantine a treat with seachem kanaplex
What corals and fish do you have in the tank?

 

[meowghan]

In the photo, this looks like mucus or perhaps an infection? Do you see any sign of an open wound or does it look superficial to you. If sign of infection, treatment with an antibiotic like kanaplex in a QT would be appropriate. If superficial, close observation for a day or two would be OK. Just watch for behavioral changes and be prepared to react quickly.

It’s superficial- it looks like something is almost stuck onto the back of the fin, and the front of it kind of lost its color and you can see whatever is on the back. Thank you for the reply!

 

[meowghan]

The white material seems to be inside the fin, so not a likely area to be stung by the anemone or snapped at by the shrimp.
The not using the fin is worrisome. It could be a bacterial infection, but I’m not sure.
Jay

It’s on the outside, it almost looks stuck on. She started using it when I put her in a freshwater dip, so she *can* use it, but just decides not to. Thank you!

 

[meowghan]

Ay first I though bacterial but may be heavy mucus coating. Best way to confirm is a 5 minute freshwater dip in same temp as display tank. If no change, move the fish to quarantine a treat with seachem kanaplex
What corals and fish do you have in the tank?

I did a freshwater dip where she started moving it, but it didn’t really seem to change whatever is on her fin. But thank you, will do! I just have live rock, which unfortunately had an aiptasia which would not die. So that’s why I wasn’t sure if that could have caused injury. The only other fish is a watchman goby with his pistol shrimp, then just CUC. Thank you!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I did a freshwater dip where she started moving it, but it didn’t really seem to change whatever is on her fin. But thank you, will do! I just have live rock, which unfortunately had an aiptasia which would not die. So that’s why I wasn’t sure if that could have caused injury. The only other fish is a watchman goby with his pistol shrimp, then just CUC. Thank you!

Aptasia- No.
If still on rock, Using syringe, inject either lemon juice or better yet. . kalkwasser powder mixed with tank water into a paste the consistency of toothpaste and inject into the very center core and it will melt away

 

[meowghan]

Aptasia- No.
If still on rock, Using syringe, inject either lemon juice or better yet. . kalkwasser powder mixed with tank water into a paste the consistency of toothpaste and inject into the very center core and it will melt away

perfect, thank you, I will try this! No matter how many times I use aiptasia x and it “explodes” it always still comes back.

 

[vetteguy53081]

perfect, thank you, I will try this! No matter how many times I use aiptasia x and it “explodes” it always still comes back.

Rarely does Aptasia X work

 

[meowghan]

Rarely does Aptasia X work

Yeah I’ve learned this after trying to kill it for at LEAST a year lol