Possible Clownfish Emergency…

[Klyle]

I just noticed this behavior a little while ago…my clown doesn’t seem to be able to close his mouth. Or doesn’t want to. I can’t say if he is eating or not but I should be able to when i feed them this evening. I’ve been out of town for two weeks with a family emergency and have only been back for two days. My tank sitter didn’t mention anything out of the ordinary. I took a couple of videos and pictures. The only thing i can think of is i had my neighbor adding soda ash via 5 ml dropper each day as my doser wasn’t working when i left. I specifically told him to plug in the power head before adding and be very mindful of the fish as I’m pretty sure that stuff can cause some nasty burns. I don’t think he is that reliable but i was in a pinch and didn’t have a choice. Wondering if the clown decided to eat some “white cloud”. Is there anything i can do or try to help the little guy out?? Not sure if the videos are working- i may have to repost in the next message

 

[Klyle]

I guess the videos are working but here's a couple more in case they help

 

[vetteguy53081]

I guess the videos are working but here's a couple more in case they help

This happens for a few reasons:
Lockjaw which I dont believe is the case
Low oxygen - Fish is laboring to breathe harder to obtain oxygen
Elevated ammonia and/or nitrate
Gill flukes
Fish ingested something and is unable to pass it - I doubt this is your case

Assure in your absence your levels and salinity has not climbed. Change water if needed and add air stone for added oxygen.

 

[Klyle]

This happens for a few reasons:
Lockjaw which I dont believe is the case
Low oxygen - Fish is laboring to breathe harder to obtain oxygen
Elevated ammonia and/or nitrate
Gill flukes
Fish ingested something and is unable to pass it - I doubt this is your case

Assure in your absence your levels and salinity has not climbed. Change water if needed and add air stone for added oxygen.

Roger that sir. Will do. Thanks

 

[Klyle]

Roger that sir. Will do. Thanks

Ok here’sa good one for you- i decided to go with a 90 min RRP bath. He’s been in there for 10 mins and his mouth is already closed. I do not believe it was lack of oxygen. I have plenty of aeration and the other fish are fine. Plus he wasn’t breathing fast, just mouth gaping wide open. What could this be besides a fluke that has already fell off?

 

[Klyle]

As of this morning little buddy still has his mouth closed…it might not mean a whole lot though. Im going on a day trip and had to feed them early and he didn’t seem to be interested in eating. Hoping he’ll eat this evening when i get home.