Clown in rough shape

[ld777]

Not sure what's going on with my little guy. Suddenly noticed today his fins are in bad shape and the right fin has a discolored spot. He's had what thought were small nips on the fins before, but nothing this bad and so sudden. Been eating every other for the past week. Clowns are the only 2 fish in the tank. Is he sick or just getting beaten up really badly? I haven't seen any major aggression/biting from the female. Had them both for 6 years, no diseases before.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Not sure what's going on with my little guy. Suddenly noticed today his fins are in bad shape and the right fin has a discolored spot. He's had what thought were small nips on the fins before, but nothing this bad and so sudden. Been eating every other for the past week. Clowns are the only 2 fish in the tank. Is he sick or just getting beaten up really badly? I haven't seen any major aggression/biting from the female. Had them both for 6 years, no diseases before.

This is a result of clown hierarchy. The larger is often a female and the dominant one and will chase, bite and corner the smaller one and steal all the food at feeding. What you see is a result of aggression

 

[ld777]

This is a result of clown hierarchy. The larger is often a female and the dominant one and will chase, bite and corner the smaller one and steal all the food at feeding. What you see is a result of aggression

So she's really just gotten much more aggressive after 6 years? And the spot on the fin is just from the damage? I've never seen her bite him at feeding, I guess she's just going after him when I'm not around?

 

[vetteguy53081]

So she's really just gotten much more aggressive after 6 years? And the spot on the fin is just from the damage? I've never seen her bite him at feeding, I guess she's just going after him when I'm not around?

Often they are on their best behavior in your presence and as soon you turn your back - all changes. One thing to do to see if this is happening is the next time you go to feed, set your cell phone on video mode for about 40 mins and drop a little food and walk away - YOU MUST walk away as they know youre there. Often the aggressor is a bully at feeding time. Review the video and see if this is the case

 

[ld777]

Thanks, I'll do that.