Clownfish Help

[IlliniMed]

Hi all! Thank you for taking the time to help me out...

So I was under the impression that my clown may have had an internal parasite after seeing the following (Pictures attached) 2 times over the last 5 days. The store I purchased my clowns from (reputable) claims that there is no way this is possible as the pair are cultured. She swims well, is active, still eats, etc.

Others have told me possibly internal fungus? Diet? Etc... What do ya'll see / recommend. I was thinking to just go ahead and do NLS Thera A mixed with Focus/metroplex + tank water. I'm hesitant to use prazi as I have a ton of feather dusters/ Bristle worm etc. What do you all think about the cause of the white string / what should I do?

 

[Crabs McJones]

White stringy poop is usually a sign of internal parasite. Cultured or not that doesnt mean that a parasite cannot make it's way into the water column via other means. Best bet would be to transfer all fish to a quarantine (yes all fish as you dont know who has and has not been exposed) and treat with prazipro. #reefsquad @4FordFamily can yall confirm for me please

 

[KJ]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/internal-parasites-intestinal-worms.267419/

 

[Big G]

Sure looks like internal parasites. If the clowns are eating well, sure go ahead and mix the Focus + Metro + a bit of water as needed. Treat for 10-14 days. And then observe for 7-10 days. There are some tough parasites out there that are med resistant and you may have to dose again. Can store in the fridge for a few days of use. Have you ever dipped them in a Freshwater dip to check for flukes as well?

Edit: Humblefish has been recommending adding a small bit of Epsom Salts (USP type only) to the Focus + Metro mix to help flush out the dead worms. So maybe a couple of days into the treatment consider mixing a new batch with a bit of Epsom Salt.

 

[IlliniMed]

Thank you for the advice - As much as I would love to QT right now it's just not feasible with my apartment size and schedule right now in med school - would the metro/focus + NLS Thera A most likely be enough in the DT if I was to make sure to complete the full course? Would it probably kill off the parasite from the DT as well by completing the full course? I have not done a fresh water dip as the fish looks great right now and shows no signs of distress, sunken tummy, etc.

Sure looks like internal parasites. If the clowns are eating well, sure go ahead and mix the Focus + Metro + a bit of water as needed. Treat for 10-14 days. And then observe for 7-10 days. There are some tough parasites out there that are med resistant and you may have to dose again. Can store in the fridge for a few days of use. Have you ever dipped them in a Freshwater dip to check for flukes as well?

White stringy poop is usually a sign of internal parasite. Cultured or not that doesnt mean that a parasite cannot make it's way into the water column via other means. Best bet would be to transfer all fish to a quarantine (yes all fish as you dont know who has and has not been exposed) and treat with prazipro. #reefsquad @4FordFamily can yall confirm for me please

 

[Big G]

Yep it will be fine and it will treat right to the gut. Once in awhile some of the metro bleeds out into the water column and may effect some feather dusters, etc. So mix it well and feed small feedings. Some keep a turkey baster handy to remove uneaten bits to minimize the chance of the metro getting into the water.

 

[IlliniMed]

Thank you everyone. Ya'll rock - feels good to know someone has your back when you get into a hobby like this!

 

[Big G]

Big welcome to R2R! Lots and lots of very kind and helpful people here in so many areas. It's incredible!

 

[IlliniMed]

Big welcome to R2R! Lots and lots of very kind and helpful people here in so many areas. It's incredible!

Absolutely! One more general question regarding the mixing of the meds. You stated that you can store the mixed food for up to a week in the fridge. Am I understanding this correctly?

 

[Big G]

Absolutely! One more general question regarding the mixing of the meds. You stated that you can store the mixed food for up to a week in the fridge. Am I understanding this correctly?

A week would be pushing it. I usually mix enough for 2-3 days.

 

[melypr1985]

The store I purchased my clowns from (reputable) claims that there is no way this is possible as the pair are cultured.

You've already gotten some great help here. I just want to say that being tank bred and raised doesn't mean that a clownfish can't contract a parasite. Intestinal worms are contracted when one fish eats an infected fish's poop. Since all fish will take a taste of each others poop, they can all have it and should all be fed the medicated food if possible.

 

[4FordFamily]

I mix my food for a week or so at a time, sometimes a bit more and I know I’m pushing it. I do this with my metroplex/focus mix. It hasn’t hurt anything yet! I keep it refrigerated, and in my case it’s thawed frozen foods, strained and soaked in garlic guard for me fish, and selcon/vita chem/zoecon for extra nutrition.

I also agree that you’re dealing with intestinal parasites and being aquaculture has nothing to do with it

 

[IlliniMed]

Would you say that Garlic Guard is preferred over tank water? I'm using Thera A pellets from NLS so I was hoping that may negate any need to buy an extra bottle

 

[Big G]

Any liquid will work to help the Focus bind the meds.