Brook or ich?

[persvensson]

My clownfish has been showing symptoms for about 10 days now. Initially, I suspected it might be ich, as I know it can sometimes be present without visible signs. This clownfish has always been the only livestock in the tank, which also houses a mangrove and some macroalgae. I’ve had him for 6–9 weeks, and he didn’t show any signs of illness until now.

The symptoms started with small white dots on his tail, which made me suspect ich. However, I’m unable to treat with copper since it’s difficult to obtain here in Europe, and the same goes for formalin. My plan has been to treat with hyposalinity in my display tank, even though it would mean sacrificing the macroalgae (the mangrove should be fine). I began the hypo treatment today, but the more I observe, the more I wonder if it could actually be brooklynella (brook) instead.

He’s still eating very well, but I’ve noticed he occasionally breathes heavily. Any advice would be appreciated! The first photos are from day one of symptoms, and the other three are from about 20 minutes ago.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My clownfish has been showing symptoms for about 10 days now. Initially, I suspected it might be ich, as I know it can sometimes be present without visible signs. This clownfish has always been the only livestock in the tank, which also houses a mangrove and some macroalgae. I’ve had him for 6–9 weeks, and he didn’t show any signs of illness until now.

The symptoms started with small white dots on his tail, which made me suspect ich. However, I’m unable to treat with copper since it’s difficult to obtain here in Europe, and the same goes for formalin. My plan has been to treat with hyposalinity in my display tank, even though it would mean sacrificing the macroalgae (the mangrove should be fine). I began the hypo treatment today, but the more I observe, the more I wonder if it could actually be brooklynella (brook) instead.

He’s still eating very well, but I’ve noticed he occasionally breathes heavily. Any advice would be appreciated! The first photos are from day one of symptoms, and the other three are from about 20 minutes ago.

White dots on a white fish often a challenge but may be ich. See if this time tomorrow the dots have spread and multiplied in number. Then you will know its ich. Do prepare a quarantine tank regardless as treatment may be warranted

 

[persvensson]

I mean the dots have been multiplied since 10 days ago, first it was like 5 dots, and now it’s a lot more, sometimes it looks like the disappeared and then come back? Would it been a tell that it’s ich?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

My clownfish has been showing symptoms for about 10 days now. Initially, I suspected it might be ich, as I know it can sometimes be present without visible signs. This clownfish has always been the only livestock in the tank, which also houses a mangrove and some macroalgae. I’ve had him for 6–9 weeks, and he didn’t show any signs of illness until now.

The symptoms started with small white dots on his tail, which made me suspect ich. However, I’m unable to treat with copper since it’s difficult to obtain here in Europe, and the same goes for formalin. My plan has been to treat with hyposalinity in my display tank, even though it would mean sacrificing the macroalgae (the mangrove should be fine). I began the hypo treatment today, but the more I observe, the more I wonder if it could actually be brooklynella (brook) instead.

He’s still eating very well, but I’ve noticed he occasionally breathes heavily. Any advice would be appreciated! The first photos are from day one of symptoms, and the other three are from about 20 minutes ago.

The spots are ich. Brooklynella is tough to see on white clowns though. It is very possible for a fish to have multiple infections.
A video might give us more insight…..