Clownfish won't close mouth

[Desperado]

Just noticed my clownfish seems to be swimming around with her mouth open. I have a mated pair and they are almost 14 years old. Hopefully it will resolve. Idk. She does eat and looks good otherwise.

Don't want to lose her yet.

 

[CoralHut]

Older fish tend to exhibit those symptoms, not sure if it is just a neurological disorder (maybe Bell's Palsy like in humans?) or just their joints going out. If she is eating fine and doesn't seem otherwise stressed (heavy breathing?) then I wouldn't worry about it. It is commendable to have clownfish for 14 years!

 

[Desperado]

Well thanks! When I told my wife what I saw she got upset and said "I can't imagine out lives" without her. She's not looney or a fish nerd. (This isn't even her hobby). I guess when you've had something for 14 yrs (even a fish) you kinda like having them around.

 

[CoralHut]

Yeah I hear that. I have an old Raphael Catfish in my freshwater tank that is at least 26 years old. I grew up with that fish!

 

[fishroomlady]

it does look like a fungus type growth on the mouth. I'm not sure what it is or whether there's anything to do about it other than to monitor it and hopefully it will resolve itself.

 

[Desperado]

Well it's been 2 days and she's hanging in there. Still eating. Hopefully it will resolve. If it was gonna take her down I would think it would have done it in at least 48 hrs. But what do I know

 

[Desperado]

Well 6 days and clown still hanging in there. I see a little more jaw movement but no complete mouth closure. Still eating what she can.... We shall see

 

[KorD]

I hope she pulls through, and I'm glad she is still hanging in there!

 

[Desperado]

Well it's been about 4 weeks since I noticed and I will say she has continually gotten better!! She can now close her mouth again and yesterday the mated pair laid and fertilized eggs again! So maybe it was a fungus? Idk but after 14 years she's still reproducing and healthy!!! Thx for the comments!

 

[gemini9]

Awww makes me sad. I just bought my 2 first clowns last weekend. I hope she gets better

 

[gemini9]

Awww makes me sad. I just bought my 2 first clowns last weekend. I hope she gets better

Nvm... lol I just saw the post where you said she was better.

 

[Katdopish]

Well it's been about 4 weeks since I noticed and I will say she has continually gotten better!! She can now close her mouth again and yesterday the mated pair laid and fertilized eggs again! So maybe it was a fungus? Idk but after 14 years she's still reproducing and healthy!!! Thx for the comments!

Desperado,

I know this is an old post.
My CF also has the same issue. What did you do? Any medications?

Thanks