Clownfish skin lesion

[RobertK]

I just noticed this whitish spot on the side of my clownfish today. Also just noticed there is a little black thing by his mouth. Are either of these anything to be concerned about? This fish is captive bred (as are all its tankmates), I've had it a couple years but all fish were just transferred to a new tank a few months ago with new diver collected gulf live rock and live sand. The other 8 fish in the tank all look fine, including its clownfish partner. Thank you!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just noticed this whitish spot on the side of my clownfish today. Also just noticed there is a little black thing by his mouth. Are either of these anything to be concerned about? This fish is captive bred (as are all its tankmates), I've had it a couple years but all fish were just transferred to a new tank a few months ago with new diver collected gulf live rock and live sand. The other 8 fish in the tank all look fine, including its clownfish partner. Thank you!

This looks to be a physical injury or bite. Keep an eye on area for signs of healing and Not turning red or sore which would suggest infection and treatable using Seachem Neoplex in a separate treatment tank

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I just noticed this whitish spot on the side of my clownfish today. Also just noticed there is a little black thing by his mouth. Are either of these anything to be concerned about? This fish is captive bred (as are all its tankmates), I've had it a couple years but all fish were just transferred to a new tank a few months ago with new diver collected gulf live rock and live sand. The other 8 fish in the tank all look fine, including its clownfish partner. Thank you!

The mark on the chin looks like a stray bit of melanin, normal to see.

The larger white mark looks like an injury. Gulf live rock often carries with it a micro-predator isopod. These live in the rocks and swim out and bite the fish. They aren’t true parasites, and usually die out in a few months. Some people have nused baited traps to get them out.

Look up cirolonid parasite here…..

 

[RobertK]

Thanks for the info. I will keep an eye on the wound, will also keep an eye out for isopods and if present hope they die out spontaneously.

Regarding the stray melanin, can that appear suddenly on a mature fish? Presumably once present it is permanent.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the info. I will keep an eye on the wound, will also keep an eye out for isopods and if present hope they die out spontaneously.

Regarding the stray melanin, can that appear suddenly on a mature fish? Presumably once present it is permanent.

They are long lasting, not sure if they are always permanent. There is also something called granulation tissue, animals create that at a site of an injury. That tissue is also dark, but it goes away as the injury heals.