Clownfish in trouble.....need help

[Paul Bradford]

One of my two clowns in my 50 gallon had suddenly stopped eating three days ago. Two days ago it was upside down in the tank but still seemed to be breathing okay. Yesterday it was laboring to breathe. I’ve now removed it from the tank and did a 30 minute Paraguard bath. It is now in a separate clean tank, but I’m not sure how to treat/help it.

Originally, I was thinking it was due to pregnancy, or something to do with the Bristle Worms I have in the tank (you can see where one nippled on her side). Perhaps intestinal blockage.

Any idea what may be going on?

 

[Paul Bradford]

Really need some help. Anyone?? I almost want to give her a gentle squeez.

 

[philosophile]

Fish are notoriously hard to diagnose and treat generally. When they get sick they get SICK and they die pretty quick.

That said, I'm not really sure what is going on. It sounds like a swim bladder problem if it can't stay upright. Or possibly it's just weakened from an illness and it doesnt have enough energy to stay upright. But if bristleworms were attacking it.... it sounds like it is not going to be long for this world.
While it is in your QT, make sure you have some way to deal with ammonia. Hopefully it was cycled, and if it isnt, then you'll need daily water changes.

 

[Paul Bradford]

Thanks! How big on the water changes?

 

[Paul Bradford]

Anyone else have any suggestions? Here are a few other pics.

 

[RobW]

He doesn't look good at all. Not sure there will be you can do. He is totally upside down. His fins looked shredded. Not sure what it is but, the swim bladder theory may be correct.

 

[philosophile]

Oof. That newest pic doesnt look good.

As for water change frequency. Daily. Probably a good idea to do as large of one that you can, if it is uncycled.