What is on my clownfish?

[germs101]

I just noticed this on the clownfish. It's the best picture I could get. Any idea what it is?

 

[Humblefish]

It's hard to say for sure; it looks larger than a parasite or worm. Noticed any fighting with any of the other clownfish? I noticed it looks like you have at least 2 others in there.

 

[germs101]

I have 3 in 265 gallons. They are the only fish. I don't know if this picture is any better. It is so hard to get a decent picture! I haven't seen any extra aggression from the female, but it isn't out of the question I suppose.

 

[Humblefish]

Also looks like there is a white spot on the tail now? Or am I just seeing things? How long have you had these clowns?

 

[germs101]

I've had them for probably 3 years. The mark on the tail looks almost identical to the spot on the body. I didn't notice it yesterday.

 

[melypr1985]

It sure seems like that one has taken a couple hits.

 

[germs101]

It sure seems like that one has taken a couple hits.

I guess that's reassuring....

 

[Tahoe61]

Are the marks on the male or female clown? Have you added any new fish lately?

 

[germs101]

The two Cinnamons have been together a few years. They were added to the 265 gallon at the same time the Ocellaris was. This was about four months ago. No other fish have been in the tank with them. I did notice the Ocellaris doing the submissive dance for the female Cinnamon last week.

 

[melypr1985]

I would just wait and see what happens with it. If it gets worse, then you'll need to think about antibiotics like kanaplex or Furan2. For now, wait and watch. See if one of the others are being aggressive to this one. If he stops eating, thats a bad sign and we need to treat right away. Add vitamins to his food like Selcon and Vitachem in the mean time to boost his immune system.

 

[germs101]

I would just wait and see what happens with it. If it gets worse, then you'll need to think about antibiotics like kanaplex or Furan2. For now, wait and watch. See if one of the others are being aggressive to this one. If he stops eating, thats a bad sign and we need to treat right away. Add vitamins to his food like Selcon and Vitachem in the mean time to boost his immune system.

Thanks. I'm starting to wonder if the female we be nasty to any other fish if I add them.

 

[melypr1985]

Thanks. I'm starting to wonder if the female we be nasty to any other fish if I add them.

Could be. Female clowns are mean little things. Tomatos are meaner still, then maroons top off the list of meanness. This is just generalities of course, but still my experience. So, it's possible, but typically clowns wont bother other fish unless they come into their territory- like a nem. My clowns were the first things in this tank 2 years ago and dont bother anybody in the tank. They dont even act like there are other fish around. They just stick together and do their own thing. I dont think it's a good idea to have more than 2 clowns in a tank, but some people are able to get away with it.

 

[Humblefish]

Thanks. I'm starting to wonder if the female we be nasty to any other fish if I add them.

All red clowns (Cinnamons, Maroons, Tomatos, etc.) tend to have fiery dispositions :mad:; although the size of your DT may help to mitigate some of their aggression.

I have two theories regarding what may be wrong with your clownfish:

1. Getting bite by one of the other clownfish (cuts can lead to infection).
2. Lymphocystis: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa181

However, I think @melypr1985's wait & see approach is good advice. Vitamin soaking his food would be a good idea, but most clownfish are hardy enough to overcome an infection without the need for antibiotics.