New clowns strange behavior

[ahiggins]

hi all! I have a little 10 gallon that’s new but been through the cycle and just added a clownfish. He was the only one at the store, who qt for a month before they sell fish. He was behaving normally and was a cute little guy so I picked him up. He’s the only one in my tank minus a few cuc. He’s been swimming back and forth along the glass for hours and hours. He didn’t eat when I fed the tank either. Anyone know what’s going on? He seems frantic almost. Not breathing heavily or anything that I can ID as disease related. Sorry for the grainy pic but he’s not itching on the glass just swimming along it at the height in the pic. Back and forth.

 

[BadFish619]

Most likely checking it all out. Parameter ok? Clowns are odd. If he's not breathing fast he's probably ok

 

[ahiggins]

yea parameters are fine, no spikes. just him being weird. I know clowns are weird lol but its odd that hes not eating. should I chalk that up to him being new? i bought him today

 

[Paul Sands]

yea parameters are fine, no spikes. just him being weird. I know clowns are weird lol but its odd that hes not eating. should I chalk that up to him being new? i bought him today

Almost every new clownfish I’ve ever had has eaten immediately. Usually within 5 minutes.

Not sure what LFS store you found that quarantines for a month and manages to make a profit. I’d be highly doubtful.

At this point you should probably wait it out for a day or so. If he’s not eating tomorrow, I’d do a freshwater dip and check for flukes.

 

[ahiggins]

Hmm I’ll see what happens tomorrow

 

[Peace River]

I'm a fan of clowns, but even I will concede the fact that clowns are weird. What did you feed the tank? Do you know what the LFS was feeding the fish? Did you try and/or do you have some frozen food? No reason for panic at this point, but definitely worth observing closely for a couple of days to make sure that the fish settles in. Good luck! We are cheering for both of you!

 

[ahiggins]

Aww thanks
My other clowns always ate right away but they were a pair as well.
They were feeding mysis and brine with pellets. I’m not really a pellet feeder but I tried to give him brine. No interest at all lol I’ll see what happens tomorrow he doesn’t seem to be in any danger or anything (no visible or symptoms of flukes that I can see)

 

[ahiggins]

Quick update
Talked to the lfs and they said not to worry about him/her not eating until Monday/Tuesday (~4 days).
She/He has calmed down and isn’t swimming all frantic anymore but not eating yet.

 

[Peace River]

Quick update
Talked to the lfs and they said not to worry about him/her not eating until Monday/Tuesday (~4 days).
She/He has calmed down and isn’t swimming all frantic anymore but not eating yet.

Thanks for the update. *fingers crossed*

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Try the little guy with some mysis or fish eggs...some of the "panic" might just be being alone since they are generally in a group or paired. Get him eating then get him a friend!

 

[Leslie Tabor]

P.s. I would freak out if a new fish didn't eat for 4+ days, I don't know about this lfs of yours.

 

[ahiggins]

P.s. I would freak out if a new fish didn't eat for 4+ days, I don't know about this lfs of yours.

My sentiment too.

I have tried mysis and brine so far but I’ll try again tonight and see. I have had roe before for corals (they go crazzzzzy) but haven’t found it since. And that was like 3 years ago lol any recommendations?

 

[ahiggins]

Oh and he’s the only one that’s going to be in there so he’s gonna have to deal with it lol

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Oh and he’s the only one that’s going to be in there so he’s gonna have to deal with it lol

Oh no! How can you have only one?! Lol LRS has frozen fish eggs which my fish love. ROE is still available, I know Vivid Aquariums sells it. I also saw a new bottle egg product on BRS yesterday. I know ordering on line doesn't help much at the moment. I would stick with what you have. Have you tried turning pump off? Maybe he isn't into chasing his dinner?

 

[ahiggins]

Haha you mean, being a fish and chasing dinner?
Good news, he ate a couple bites of tiny brine shrimp! He tried to eat the bigger ones but spit them out lol think they were just too big, he’s got a tiny mouth.
Thanks for keeping me sane through the worry phase guys!

 

[ahiggins]

I do have lrs nano pack so I’m going to try to make those bits super tiny

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Yay! I am happy to see this!