Help Needed: Identifying and Treating White Buildup on Clownfish Lip

[NemoEnthusiast]

Hi Fellow hobbyists!

I've had this pair of long-fin clownfish for almost 8 months now. Recently, I noticed a small white buildup on the lower lip of one of my clowns. Can anyone guide me on what it is and how to treat it?

It's not affecting the fish's diet as it's eating normally. I am attaching a few pictures for reference.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi Fellow hobbyists!

I've had this pair of long-fin clownfish for almost 8 months now. Recently, I noticed a small white buildup on the lower lip of one of my clowns. Can anyone guide me on what it is and how to treat it?

It's not affecting the fish's diet as it's eating normally. I am attaching a few pictures for reference.

Clownfish often grapple one another by the mouth and that causes damage like this. You will likely never see it happen because while you are watching your fish, they stop fighting and watch you back!

If it gets infected, the fish will stop eating, but otherwise, as long as it is eating well, I would not treat it.

Jay

 

[NemoEnthusiast]

Clownfish often grapple one another by the mouth and that causes damage like this. You will likely never see it happen because while you are watching your fish, they stop fighting and watch you back!

If it gets infected, the fish will stop eating, but otherwise, as long as it is eating well, I would not treat it.

Jay

Thanks a lot Jay,

If it stops eating at some point, what treatment would you recommend? So that I can keep it in hand just in case if I need it.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks a lot Jay,

If it stops eating at some point, what treatment would you recommend? So that I can keep it in hand just in case if I need it.

A broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic such as Neoplex or kanaplex - but those need to be dosed in a treatment tank, that’s why I didn’t suggest going that route unless the symptoms worsen.

 

[NemoEnthusiast]

A broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic such as Neoplex or kanaplex - but those need to be dosed in a treatment tank, that’s why I didn’t suggest going that route unless the symptoms worsen.

Thanks a lot for always being such a supportive member

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks a lot for always being such a supportive member

I see you are in middle East. You will likely not have access to seachem products but can use Waterlife Myxazin or tri-sulfa

 

[College_Reefer]

Correct me if I'm wrong because I very well may be... Back when long fin clowns hit the market, I thought I remember having a conversation with a couple different stores about how breeding for long fins led to a side effect of the lower jaw growing out like this. They said you had to pull them out and "clip" it off every once in a while.

 

[NemoEnthusiast]

I see you are in middle East. You will likely not have access to seachem products but can use Waterlife Myxazin or tri-sulfa

Hi,
Yes I am in Dubai. Seachem is readily available here. I will try to look for it. Thank you so much.

 

[NemoEnthusiast]

Correct me if I'm wrong because I very well may be... Back when long fin clowns hit the market, I thought I remember having a conversation with a couple different stores about how breeding for long fins led to a side effect of the lower jaw growing out like this. They said you had to pull them out and "clip" it off every once in a while.

Is it really true? .... how to clip it?..... I never read/heard of any such thing

 

[vetteguy53081]

Is it really true? .... how to clip it?..... I never read/heard of any such thing

At times, its can be genetic but often happens with fighting, spawning, pairing and even cleaning surfaces

 

[NemoEnthusiast]

At times, its can be genetic but often happens with fighting, spawning, pairing and even cleaning surfaces

I will keep a close eye on it. I hope it will get better, just in case it gets worse, I will reach out again.... thanks a lot for your guidance

 

[vetteguy53081]

I will keep a close eye on it. I hope it will get better, just in case it gets worse, I will reach out again.... thanks a lot for your guidance

If it gets worse, treat in separate tank with seachem neoplex or kanaplex

 

[Craig Fletcher]

Hi Fellow hobbyists!

I've had this pair of long-fin clownfish for almost 8 months now. Recently, I noticed a small white buildup on the lower lip of one of my clowns. Can anyone guide me on what it is and how to treat it?

It's not affecting the fish's diet as it's eating normally. I am attaching a few pictures for reference.

Hi there. Swear i thought those were my clowns. Got exactly the same problem. Have you had any luck in curing him.