Mouth Injury

[3sgterror]

I tried to find a some threads with the same injury but was coming up short.

I noticed today that my clownfish has an injury on its mouth. Not sure what happened or when it happened. I found some things on mouth rot, can that develop just on its own? without an injury? The fish is eating fine at the moment. Looking back, for the past few days, the fish has been hanging out at the back of the tank, but does come out when I approach.

Could this be caused by an interaction with another fish? (I have another clown, a hippo tang, a bicolor Angel, and royal gramma). I didn't think any of these fish are aggressive towards each other. They have been completely docile when I watch the tank.

What are my next steps in treating? Just let it heal on its own? Transfer to a hospital tank and treat with meds?

 

[gentlefish]

Hard to see…I see more mechanical injury than infection. Could be as easy as swimming in a rock at nighttime. It may make you laugh, but that’s why I have a moonlight simulation on. Worst, you could progress into a bacterial infection. I’d keep the water parameters perfect, feed well an I have personally a hospital tank and antibiotics on hand, just for the off case.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Is the clown getting along with the other clown? They can attack the mouth region. If left unchecked it can become serious.

 

[3sgterror]

I tried to get some better pics.

Both clowns get along fine from what I can tell. This one is definitely the more aggressive one and the other usually differs to it. I wouldn't call her the female yet since they are fairly young, only had them for about 2 months now. So I don't think it is the case of two females locking mouths. Plus the other clown has no injury whatsoever.

So I proactively put the fish in a hospital tank, or do you think leave as is for now and watch the healing?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

That does look like it has been grappling with another clown. If it was a bump, it would be more localized I think. Clowns can be sly, while you are watching them, they stop and watch you. Also, the "fight" that may have caused this would have been over in a matter of seconds and you could easily miss it.

Jay

 

[3sgterror]

Thank you all who have provided a response. It is much appreciated.

Is this an injury I should just watch and make sure it heals? Should I medicate at all?

If I see them fighting or if I see more injuries, I assume that I should separate them / re-home one. If both are female, then I assume they will fight until one is the victor.