Newbie with Clownfish problems

Petrone561 · Jun 30, 2020

Tried reading some of the posts but could not pin point what may be the issue if any. Got this clown about a week ago, was fine for the first few days then I noticed he had what looked like sand hanging out of his mouth (he eats some of the algae and I just assumed it was sand stuck in the algae). Then while looking at the sand in her mouth I noticed some discoloration around the top of her head (pictured below).

I thought initially that it was brook but everything I read says brook acts quick. This appeared last Thursday and doesnt seem to be getting worse. I grabbed some Seachem Sulfaplex but dont want to treat with that if

Any Ideas?

christwendt · Jun 30, 2020

Petrone561 said:
Tried reading some of the posts but could not pin point what may be the issue if any. Got this clown about a week ago, was fine for the first few days then I noticed he had what looked like sand hanging out of his mouth (he eats some of the algae and I just assumed it was sand stuck in the algae). Then while looking at the sand in her mouth I noticed some discoloration around the top of her head (pictured below).

I thought initially that it was brook but everything I read says brook acts quick. This appeared last Thursday and doesnt seem to be getting worse. I grabbed some Seachem Sulfaplex but dont want to treat with that if

Any Ideas?

I’m no fish expert but paying attention to the behavior of the fish also is important. Is it eating the normal amount ? Breathing fast as in gills are inhaling and exhaling faster than normal? Fish swimming closer to the bottom of tank? They look healthy to me. If you’re new to reefing I was super paranoid about my fish being sick but I eventually learned to relax and they are just fine. I buy from a lfs that QT and does copper so there is still risk when I buy fish so I hope to start a QT when I move. I only have a 20 gallon and my livestock is maxed at the moment.

christwendt · Jun 30, 2020

Petrone561 said:
Tried reading some of the posts but could not pin point what may be the issue if any. Got this clown about a week ago, was fine for the first few days then I noticed he had what looked like sand hanging out of his mouth (he eats some of the algae and I just assumed it was sand stuck in the algae). Then while looking at the sand in her mouth I noticed some discoloration around the top of her head (pictured below).

I thought initially that it was brook but everything I read says brook acts quick. This appeared last Thursday and doesnt seem to be getting worse. I grabbed some Seachem Sulfaplex but dont want to treat with that if

Any Ideas?

There’s something called fresh water dip. You can look into that more. Pretty much if you dip it any pests will try and leave the host and you will see things in the water if that makes sense.

Zionas · Jun 30, 2020

Not sure but it might be a sting from corals if you’ve got certain species of corals in your tank. Also, it could be a case of lympho. In the case of lympho, just maintain stable parameters and feed it a good diet.

Petrone561 · Jun 30, 2020

Thanks for the help! She didnt seem to be eating at first but switched up the food (from pellets to Mysis shrimp) and she is eating again. She does tend to hang around the middle of the tank while the smaller orange Clown is always at the top.

It is very possible I am just being a crazy new fish owner and there is nothing wrong but thanks for the help! Going to keep an eye on her and not add anything else just yet.

Petrone561 · Jun 30, 2020

Thanks Zionas! New tank and just some GSP in the tank currently so not a sting. Going to look into lympho now

christwendt · Jun 30, 2020

Petrone561 said:
Thanks for the help! She didnt seem to be eating at first but switched up the food (from pellets to Mysis shrimp) and she is eating again. She does tend to hang around the middle of the tank while the smaller orange Clown is always at the top.

It is very possible I am just being a crazy new fish owner and there is nothing wrong but thanks for the help! Going to keep an eye on her and not add anything else just yet.

Just a tip unless you buy from a lfs that you trust and even then I would be careful, I would not add anything to that tank without QT. I’m sure you know but it would suck to bring a disease in and wipe your whole tank in a day. It has happened to many and tbh I could see someone new leaving the hobby and that would just suck. Happy and safe reefing, good luck

Zionas · Jun 30, 2020

You’re welcome, and welcome to the forum! You’ve joined a great community that has definitely helped me out a lot. Give it some time to settle down! New fish can take a bit of time to adjust to their environment.