Clownfish spots

[MsBean]

Noticed a few (approx 6) small white spots on one of my clownfish this morning. Immediate thought is of course ich, but I am surprised because tank has been disease free for at least 3 years, I quarantine all new fish in copper and rarely add any new inverts or corals (last addition of a cleaner shrimp was several months ago). The other clown and tailspot blenny show no symptoms currently.

I have the ability to set up a copper QT for all fish and do a fallow cycle if necessary, but it's quite a production so would of course prefer to avoid if it's a false alarm. Any other possibilities? At what point would you activate your ich treatment protocol?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Noticed a few (approx 6) small white spots on one of my clownfish this morning. Immediate thought is of course ich, but I am surprised because tank has been disease free for at least 3 years, I quarantine all new fish in copper and rarely add any new inverts or corals (last addition of a cleaner shrimp was several months ago). The other clown and tailspot blenny show no symptoms currently.

I have the ability to set up a copper QT for all fish and do a fallow cycle if necessary, but it's quite a production so would of course prefer to avoid if it's a false alarm. Any other possibilities? At what point would you activate your ich treatment protocol?

I dont see this as ich but rather secondary bacterial lesions. How long have these dots been present?
Often these lesions appear with brooklynella but I dont see brook signs but if so, you would see fish refusing to eat and heavy breathing from the mucus.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Noticed a few (approx 6) small white spots on one of my clownfish this morning. Immediate thought is of course ich, but I am surprised because tank has been disease free for at least 3 years, I quarantine all new fish in copper and rarely add any new inverts or corals (last addition of a cleaner shrimp was several months ago). The other clown and tailspot blenny show no symptoms currently.

I have the ability to set up a copper QT for all fish and do a fallow cycle if necessary, but it's quite a production so would of course prefer to avoid if it's a false alarm. Any other possibilities? At what point would you activate your ich treatment protocol?

I agree, that doesn't look like ich. The spots are too large and too diffuse. Could be mucus plugs, or bacteria spots from an injury. I would just watch them closely for now. Is the other clown larger than this one?

 

[MsBean]

This is the older clown so presumably the female but they are close in size. Just noticed the spots today. Will observe for a couple of days and report back, maybe consider other (bacterial) treatments or dips. I have H202, prazi (probably not relevant here) and Rally on hand.

 

[MsBean]

The spots have lingered for about 5 days so far with little or no change, so I agree with the verdict that it is "not ich". Still undetermined what they actually are - a case of clownfish acne? lol - but as there are no other concerning behavioural symptoms I continue to wait and observe.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

The spots have lingered for about 5 days so far with little or no change, so I agree with the verdict that it is "not ich". Still undetermined what they actually are - a case of clownfish acne? lol - but as there are no other concerning behavioural symptoms I continue to wait and observe.

In looking at your photo again - see how three of the spots are right on the fish’s lateral line? The cells there produce a lot of mucus when irritated. I think that points to at least those spots being benign mucus plugs.

 

[MsBean]

In looking at your photo again - see how three of the spots are right on the fish’s lateral line? The cells there produce a lot of mucus when irritated. I think that points to at least those spots being benign mucus plugs.

Thanks Jay, that makes sense. Is there any treatment suitable/necessary to help clear those up, or OK to just ignore?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Jay, that makes sense. Is there any treatment suitable/necessary to help clear those up, or OK to just ignore?

No treatment, but don't ignore them; watch for them multiplying in number, changing color, changing location day to day or increasing in size. That can all indicate a more active infection.