Clownfish lying on sand. Rapid breathing

[DudeBruh]

Was eating and healthy. Now lying and breathing heavy. Swims goofy Help is appreciated.

 

[DudeBruh]

I don’t see any noticeable spots but does look skinny too me

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

How long has he been in your tank? Any new fish added recently? What are your water parameters? Any unusual behavior leading up to this?

 

[DudeBruh]

He’s been added this week. Was eating and swimming fine prior

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

He’s been added this week. Was eating and swimming fine prior

Did you QT him?

 

[DudeBruh]

No

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Ok, net him and do a FW dip to check for flukes. I suspect you will find flukes (explains heavy breathing). The FW dip should buy him some time if it is flukes. Secondly have You noticed any white stringy poop? He is thin so I would also suspect internal parasites. Do you have a QT tank?

 

[DudeBruh]

I don’t. Would if I could. Can u share link or explanation of a FW dip. Or just what it sounds?

 

[DudeBruh]

He’s also out and about now so idk. And breathings normal. Will Che k my paramets

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Flukes will look like opaque sesame seeds in whatever container you use (a dark one is best). Here is a link on doing a FW dip. A QT tank can just be a little 10G tank with a HOB filter, heater, and airstone.


https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/video-how-to-do-a-freshwater-dip.214/

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

He’s also out and about now so idk. And breathings normal. Will Che k my paramets

Check for ammonia, how long has this tank been up and running?

 

[DudeBruh]

7 months. Bought it from someone who had it up 2-3 years. Ensured good parameters for a month before doing anything.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

What other fish are in this tank?

 

[DudeBruh]

4 clowns
Royal gramma.
Calk basslet
YWG + pistol shrimp
Fire fish
Lubbocks wrasse
Sebea anemone
Rbta
Sea hare
Sandsift star
Assorted clean up crew

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

4 clowns
Royal gramma.
Calk basslet
YWG + pistol shrimp
Fire fish
Lubbocks wrasse
Sebea anemone
Rbta
Sea hare
Sandsift star
Assorted clean up crew

Ok, I’m going to strongly recommend a FW dip if you don’t have an ammonia issue. This is not normal behavior for a clown. Have you noticed white stringy poop? (Looks like thread). The problem you are going to have is if this clown has a parasite then all of your fish will have it and need to be QT’ed and treated. We need to figure out if this is parameters or illness. If this is an ammonia issue though the clown won’t be the only one acting different.

 

[DudeBruh]

Watched video and read. I don’t have an air stone or bubbled However

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Do you have a small powerhead? You could use one to aggressively break the surface of the water. If you did that though you’d probably need a bucket though.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

@Humblefish
any ideas to help the fish if he doesnt have a QT or the ability to FW dip tonight?

 

[DudeBruh]

Nevermind turnsout I had one in a bundle from a CL buy. Have the water acclimating now

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Nevermind turnsout I had one in a bundle from a CL buy. Have the water acclimating now

Great! Please let us know if you find flukes