Clownfish strange swimming

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Vlad12

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I have had 2 clownfish in my 20G tank for about 8 months. The only other inhabitants are a male molly and a basic CUC.


Since the day I got the clownfish, they have had a strange swimming pattern. They mostly stay very close to the surface of the tank and often swim sideways. I know clownfish can behave strangely, but every time I see other clownfish, they swim very differently from mine.


They eat well and usually stay near the outflow, they are not very active but I think that is to expect, they also now about double the size they come. Could they have kind of swim bladder issue, or is this normal clownfish behavior? My ICP in attached.

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WhatsApp Image 2026-05-11 at 11.46.29 (1).jpeg WhatsApp Image 2026-05-11 at 11.46.29.jpeg
 
Mine spent the first year and a half in the left top of my tank before moving into the duncan below it. Clownfish are wierdos.
 
Personally I would add a powerhead and aim it at the surface to create some agitation and help oxygenate the water, just in case they are up there for more oxygen.
 
That does look odd.
A couple things come to mind. The first is are the clowns are trying to see through the holes in the netting of the lid?
The second question I have is what are you feeding?
Lastly is there another fish in the system has the potential to bully the clowns?
 
That does look odd.
A couple things come to mind. The first is are the clowns are trying to see through the holes in the netting of the lid?
The second question I have is what are you feeding?
Lastly is there another fish in the system has the potential to bully the clowns?
Yes, the clowns are looking for food to me. They stay close to the water surface all the time.

I feed them vitalis premium flakes, AF pellets, forzen mistys, new life spectrum grow, oase flakes, and hikari alge pellets.

I only have one male molly in my tank, he is peacefull. Smaller then the clowns.
 

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 5 29.4%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 3 17.6%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 3 17.6%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 5 29.4%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 4 23.5%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 4 23.5%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 1 5.9%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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