Clownfish has white stringy poop

nrm2202 · Feb 11, 2022

Hi all, I recently started up a new tank and once it finished cycling I went and got a pair of clownfish to add. They both seem very healthy and act normally, however recently one has started having long and stringy white poop. The first time I saw it the poop actually was not white and was darker, but now the fish occasionally gets white poop. Again, both fish seem to be completely healthy and are eating normally with no hesitation at all. I’ve seen a lot of varying information, some saying it can just be digestion/constipation issues while others say if the poop is white it is surely caused by parasites. With this fish acting normally, should I wait before seeking any sort of treatment, or should I look into it right away? If so, what would be the best option for treatment? I do not have a QT available where I’m currently living, so I’d ideally need something that can be done within this tank (the other clown is the only other fish currently in the tank). I’ve attached a couple pictures (taken at different times), please let me know what you all think.

Jeffcb · Feb 12, 2022

nrm2202 said:
Hi all, I recently started up a new tank and once it finished cycling I went and got a pair of clownfish to add. They both seem very healthy and act normally, however recently one has started having long and stringy white poop. The first time I saw it the poop actually was not white and was darker, but now the fish occasionally gets white poop. Again, both fish seem to be completely healthy and are eating normally with no hesitation at all. I’ve seen a lot of varying information, some saying it can just be digestion/constipation issues while others say if the poop is white it is surely caused by parasites. With this fish acting normally, should I wait before seeking any sort of treatment, or should I look into it right away? If so, what would be the best option for treatment? I do not have a QT available where I’m currently living, so I’d ideally need something that can be done within this tank (the other clown is the only other fish currently in the tank). I’ve attached a couple pictures (taken at different times), please let me know what you all think.

How much are you feeding. I have read that it is mucas caused from not enough food. Its belly looks a little pinched. Try feeding more if it is eating.

fishguy242 · Feb 12, 2022

hi,welcome to the reef...

agree with above,
what are you feeding ?

nrm2202 · Feb 12, 2022

Jeffcb said:
How much are you feeding. I have read that it is mucas caused from not enough food. Its belly looks a little pinched. Try feeding more if it is eating.

I hadn’t considered this, and I’ve also seen people say similar problems can happen from digestive issues from over feeding so I’ve been trying to avoid that. I’ll feed a little more in the next few days and keep an eye on them.

fishguy242 said:
hi,welcome to the reef...
agree with above,
what are you feeding ?

Thank you! I’ve been feeding marine pellets (imagitarium brand) and usually only a smaller since pinch of them per day.

fishmonkey · Feb 12, 2022

i swear i had the hardest time with clownfish when i started. no idea why. i thought it had to do with they way people breed and keep them or something but now i think it has to do with my tank being too new. when i see white poop its a bad sign. anyway here's an article that changed my perspective a lot. dont have to agree with everything but i think there is some good points

The Other Way to Run a Reef Tank (no Quarantine)

The other way to run a reef tank (No Quarantine) I was asked by my friend Humblefish to start a thread on my practices of running a tank with no quarantine, hospital tanks, medications, dipping or almost anything else. It is "not" just to take a fish from a store and drop it in your reef...

www.reef2reef.com

Vagabond · Feb 12, 2022

nrm2202 said:
Hi all, I recently started up a new tank and once it finished cycling I went and got a pair of clownfish to add. They both seem very healthy and act normally, however recently one has started having long and stringy white poop. The first time I saw it the poop actually was not white and was darker, but now the fish occasionally gets white poop. Again, both fish seem to be completely healthy and are eating normally with no hesitation at all. I’ve seen a lot of varying information, some saying it can just be digestion/constipation issues while others say if the poop is white it is surely caused by parasites. With this fish acting normally, should I wait before seeking any sort of treatment, or should I look into it right away? If so, what would be the best option for treatment? I do not have a QT available where I’m currently living, so I’d ideally need something that can be done within this tank (the other clown is the only other fish currently in the tank). I’ve attached a couple pictures (taken at different times), please let me know what you all think.

Harold999 · Feb 12, 2022

Long stringy white/translucent poop is caused by not eating (enough). The reason for not eating enough is the next question. Could be parasites, or simply not enough food available.

fishguy242 · Feb 12, 2022

yes, try feeding a small amount a few times a day,
also a variety ,pellets ,marine flake ,frozen not a big fan off myself.
but don't add more than they will eat at a time for now 3-4 x a day,
once acclimated ,fattened up ,fed 2x a day.
hope this helps...

Vagabond · Feb 12, 2022

I'm not good at this but thought I'd chime in.
I got a pair of matting clowns in my new rsr170.The same happened to me while transferring to their new home.Make sure they eat,is all I can say.

Unitylover · Feb 15, 2022

agreed they m u s t e a t

Jay Hemdal · Feb 15, 2022

nrm2202 said:
Hi all, I recently started up a new tank and once it finished cycling I went and got a pair of clownfish to add. They both seem very healthy and act normally, however recently one has started having long and stringy white poop. The first time I saw it the poop actually was not white and was darker, but now the fish occasionally gets white poop. Again, both fish seem to be completely healthy and are eating normally with no hesitation at all. I’ve seen a lot of varying information, some saying it can just be digestion/constipation issues while others say if the poop is white it is surely caused by parasites. With this fish acting normally, should I wait before seeking any sort of treatment, or should I look into it right away? If so, what would be the best option for treatment? I do not have a QT available where I’m currently living, so I’d ideally need something that can be done within this tank (the other clown is the only other fish currently in the tank). I’ve attached a couple pictures (taken at different times), please let me know what you all think.

Welcome!

Stringy feces are common in new clownfish. The causes range from too little food, to little fiber, bacteria, protozoa and coccidea. Trouble is, without a microscope, you can’t rule anything out. I agree with the others, feed frequent small amounts throughout the day. Ensure it is getting enough fiber - brine shrimp or copepods are a good source. This helps expel any protozoans.
Jay

SlugSnorter · Feb 15, 2022

nrm2202 said:
I hadn’t considered this, and I’ve also seen people say similar problems can happen from digestive issues from over feeding so I’ve been trying to avoid that. I’ll feed a little more in the next few days and keep an eye on them.

Thank you! I’ve been feeding marine pellets (imagitarium brand) and usually only a smaller since pinch of them per day.

Id recommend getting some frozen food instead. I like reef frenzy. Some pellets are not super nutritious. Also, you should feed a decent amount, but every other day. either way, maybe get a naccarius to deal with leftovers