Clownfish Sick with Multiple Symptoms

jshafer81 · Jan 9, 2019

One of my clownfish has been showing several concerning symptoms the last few days. I reorganized my sump and did a water change this weekend, sucking up some of the accumulated "muck". On Monday evening I noticed several white growths or sores on my oldest clownfish (1st pic). It was eating fine. The sores seemed to look a little bigger and on fins some yesterday, but was still eating. A facebook query resulted in a suggestion that it was Lymphocystis and should clear up. However, today the white growths had spread quite a bit around the throat (2nd pic). I also noticed long, white poop, suggesting a parasite (3rd pic). Most concerning, tonight the fish did not appear to eat anything. Swam around actively as the food dispersed, but didn't see it eat anything. I've now also noticed white stringy poop from a second clownfish.

I'm hoping someone can confirm if the white growth indeed still look like Lymphocystis, even though it is rapidly expanding around the throat, and also if Praziquantel broadcast in the tank is the best treatment option for the parasites (since the fish is not eating so soaked food is unlikely to help).

My oldest fish, so hoping I can cure it, but also want to prevent spread of anything significant to other fish. Appreciate any ideas.

EmdeReef · Jan 9, 2019

More pics without the blues would help. Have you added any new fish or coral to your tank?

It doesn’t look like lympho, more like something bacterial or even fungal, although the latter is very rare.

Since it’s a clown there’s a chance it could be brooklynella.

What kind of medications do you have?

I would isolate the fish and give it an acriflavine (30min) or ruby bath (90min) then transfer to a QT and treat with abx to see if you get a response.

@HotRocks @Humblefish @Big G ?

Big G · Jan 10, 2019

The white stringy poop is a symptom of internal worms. The white-ish areas on the fish are also problematic. If they were my fish, I'd give them a freshwater dip to check for flukes. Then place them into a QT and dose with General Cure for both flukes and or worms. The metro in GC would also cover Brook. As mentioned above, a bath in Ruby Reef Rally could also help if Brook or bacterial infections.
Is the white-ish area smooth or is it cottony or cauliflower like in texture?

ngoodermuth · Jan 10, 2019

The intestinal worms can be addressed by feeding metroplex (or general cure) + focus with food. If he’s not eating, you really need to get him to a hospital tank to administer metronidazole in the water.

The white patches would concern me most if there’s been anything new added. Another fish, corals, anything wet... because of brook. The metronidazole would treat brook...but then all your fish would need to be moved to the hospital tank and the display left fallow for 6 weeks.

If nothing new has been added in the last few weeks/months, I’d be more inclined to think it was affected by something stirred up or already in the water, possibly a compromised immune system due the internal parasites, but then you could probably just focus on that fish in QT and feeding the others the medicated feed while watching for other symptoms.

jshafer81 · Jan 10, 2019

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm in meetings all day, but was able to order in some General Cure. I have a 29 gallon at home i'll set up for QT. It'll have to go without filter for a day or two, but i can run airstone, heater and small powerhead. I also have Furan-2. Should i dose? Hoping he's still alive when i get this all ready at home tonight.

Regarding other fish, the only addition was a rabbitfish over a month ago. No issues and store i got it from is good about monitoring and treating. Something stirred up in the tank seemed more likely given the timing just after I disturbed the muck in sump. Unless it is strongly advised against, my plan is to bind general cure with Focus and garlic for the other fish and treat them in tank since i don't have a large or well set up qt.

ngoodermuth · Jan 10, 2019

Furan-2 is an antibiotic, so if you think it’s likely bacterial it would be a good idea.

I’ve dosed metroplex and furan-2 together without issue, but not general cure and furan-2...

I think it’s *likely* ok, but I’m going to tag @Humblefish @HotRocks for confirmation. I think it’s generally advised not to use praziquantel with antibiotics if you can avoid it, but that may have changed.

Big G · Jan 10, 2019

ngoodermuth said:
Furan-2 is an antibiotic, so if you think it’s likely bacterial it would be a good idea.

I’ve dosed metroplex and furan-2 together without issue, but not general cure and furan-2...

I think it’s *likely* ok, but I’m going to tag @Humblefish @HotRocks for confirmation. I think it’s generally advised not to use praziquantel with antibiotics if you can avoid it, but that may have changed.

It's ok to use antibiotics with General Cure more so than with the liquid Praziquantel, but even Prazipro is ok as long as you add O2. Kanaplex or Furan2 for example have not been a problem. Just add some O2 through a powerhead aimed at the surface actively rippling the water surface.
Here's a great link on the compatibility of meds: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/medication-compatibility-guide.313491/#post-3862527

jshafer81 · Jan 10, 2019

The clownfish unfortunately died before I got home this evening. :( Whatever got him progressed extremely quickly. Treating the other fish in tank with the General Cure bound with Focus in a bit. Can frozen food be used or should I try pellets? They always eat frozen, but I do have some pellets. Also, can the Furan-2 be bound with the Focus at the same time as the General Cure or should I alternate?