HELP! Clownfish with white patch?

Lonely Reefer · Aug 31, 2019

Hello Community,
I am hoping to find answers as I have no idea what to do. I have had him for about 8 months now. He turned out like this when I came back from a 2 week vacation. I cannot pinpoint what this is. He lays down on his side on the sandbed an breathes rapidly. He can't swim like he used to before. He just stays in the same corner swimming a couple inches then goes back in the same spot and rests on his side. He has White patches on his skin on both sides. If anyone can shed some light in my time of darkness for him I would be extremely grateful!

Amboss72 · Aug 31, 2019

I’m almost 100% positive this is a Uronema marinum infection. The fish sounds like it’s in tough shape as it has rapid and labored breathing. This ectoparasite will invade internal organs and create ulceration of the muscles etc. Often times a fish like yours with large open lesions dies from suffocation. You can try a formalin or formalin/malachite green combination either in repeated dips or in a treated hospital tank. This condition usually doesn’t respond well to copper. You can also try freshwater dips but I’m afraid with your fishes large open lesions this could lead to osmotic shock. Hyposaline conditions also sometimes work but that’s usually in the early stages of this condition. I really wish I had some amazing cure in mind that could take all this away. I’m of the opinion that your water conditions may have gone a bit south while you were away. Uronema can be found on decomposing tissues of uneaten foods or other dead fish. All I can really suggest at this point is make sure your water is in good condition. I don’t think this is a bacterial infection though I think it is often times misdiagnosed as so.

LAReefer4Life · Aug 31, 2019

If your fish is still consuming food you should also feed food soaked with metro + focus because the disease can spread internally.

LAReefer4Life · Aug 31, 2019

Check out this webpage from humblefish

Uronema

Uronema marinum (updated Jan 24 2025) What You Need To Know: * Causes red sores most often seen on chromis damsels & anthias (see photos below). Angelfish, butterflies and other fish species are sometimes also affected. * Formalin can be used as a prophylaxis and to limit transmission of...

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