What's wrong with my clownfish???

[Nichola]

I've been watching my oddly behaving clownfish and he was doing much of the same, until the lights were turned off. He then started to move a little along the top of the tank and eventually ended up in the bottom right of the tank next to the coral where he started a few days ago, still not really moving.

The other clownfish which is bigger has been pushing him around quite a lot - is this the problem?? he's not defending himself or pushing back and sometimes he is pushed so much he end up in a vertical poition or upside down.

Please can someone help???

Thanks

Nichola

[jenglish]

Were they added at the same time? The bigger he is a she. Clowns can go female and the bigger dominant one is the female. If they were added seperately they may have a disagreement on who gets to be the girl. The females sometimes just don't like the males and push them around. He may just be cowering in the corner to avoid her wrath (man can I appreciate that feeling ). This may be the cause of the stress which has caused him to quit eating, breathe hard and hide. Just a thought. GL

[Nichola]

Hi,

I'm only new to this but it makes sense, especially as he isn't showing any other sysmptons of the diseases which were suggested earlier.

They are both tank bred and were added to my tank at the same time.

Is there anything I can do to help the situation? I don't want her to bully him to death!!

Nichola

[jenglish]

I would look at options of at least temporarily removing him from the tank or using a tank divider. SOmetimes upon reintroduction the female will bejhave more civilized, sometimes not. But a Female clown will bully males to death. I'm not saying for sure yours will but it is not uncommon.

[verchiel]

" Has he had any stringy poo?"
is this a problem?

[jenglish]

Originally Posted by verchiel

" Has he had any stringy poo?"
is this a problem?

it can be a sign of internal parasites. It can also simply be a bit of a fish upset tummy from eating something wierd.

[Nichola]

Hello,

Today he does have something stringy hanging from him.

What's the best thing to do?

Nichola

[jenglish]

well, its really just a sign of digestive problems. Sometimes this can mean parasites, sometimes its just something they ate or beleive it or not just stress. Saying for sure what is causing it is a bit of a guess. This is going to be a bit gross but people don't always go to a doctor or take medicine from one unusual bowel movement. A weeks worth is cause for concern. If I were to hazard a guess I would say it is merely a symptom of being bullied.

[Elegance Coral]

Originally Posted by Nichola

Hello,

Today he does have something stringy hanging from him.

What's the best thing to do?

Nichola

Separate them. He will not survive long under those conditions. A 5gl bucket with an air stone will work. Anything to get them separated as soon as possible.

IF he survives the night, try feeding him. Try small amount and leave a few pieces on the bottom of the container for a day, if he doesn't eat right away.

The white stringy poo is from internal parasites/infection. They do have medications for this, but I would not medicate your fish. This condition is normally not deadly. I think your fish's biggest problem is stress. The stress weakens the fish to the point that it becomes more susceptible to infections and parasites. If you can get the fish into a stress free environment it may begin feeding, build its immune system, and the stringy poo will go away.

I hope that helped, and good luck.

[FishFanatic]

Ya i would definitely separate them, sounds like that's why your fish is acting that way.

[ashley15]

Originally Posted by Nichola

Hello,

Over the past few days one of my clownfish has started to behave a little oddly.

He hasn't been eating and until today he has been quite still at the bottom of the tank next to one of my corals. Today he has moved up to the top of the tank and looks like he's swimming on his side.

Should I be worried? Is there anything I can do to help him?

Thanks

Nichola

Hey,
my clowfish has been doing the exact same thing. I'm just wondering what you did and in the end and if it worked. I seen you mentioned your fish seemed to be try to help him but in my case its the opppsite. It appears that she's after my little guy. Do you know how to help?

thanks,
Ashley

[ashley15]

Hey Nichola,
My clownfish has been doing the exact same thing. I have no idea whats wrong with him. My other fish seems to be attacking him. I'm wondering what you did and if the results were good?
thanks,
Ashley

[3FingersDown]

Originally Posted by ashley15

Hey Nichola,
My clownfish has been doing the exact same thing. I have no idea whats wrong with him. My other fish seems to be attacking him. I'm wondering what you did and if the results were good?
thanks,
Ashley

I had a very similar problem about a month ago, my clown stopped eating and was just looking weak / acting weird (er). I can't say this was the same problem but after a day or two in a separate containment tank he died. All I can say from my experience is to nip this in the butt as soon as possible. Most local fish stores will sell a 5.5 gal tank for only about $15, its a great investment for emergencies like this. If you are sure its parasites you can buy the correct medication and treat it in time. Good luck.

[SoK]

i was thinking maybe low oxygen or stray voltage. I'd get a skimmer on your tank. it helps keep your pollutants down and oxygenate your water.

[Mark_Winn]

I have what looks like the same issue. My smaller clown has stopped eating the last two days, breathes a little heavy and stays in the corner of the tank in the middle. He is not being bullied and has no outward signs of disease. I have had this clown pair for about 6 weeks, and both had been great eaters.