Clownfish swimming sideways

[nfencer]

Hey everyone. I got this clownfish on Monday and he has been swimming at the top and sideways like this since I got him. The other clownfish has been swimming just fine. The clownfish that's on the top has been just as interested in the food like any other fish and has been eating every time I feed the tank. I'm not sure if maybe his swim bladder is maybe messed up. But I'm not sure what to do

 

[nfencer]

This is a video from this morning when I fed the tank mysis shrimp. I felt like he didn't eat enough so I put pellets on the top which he ate and was interested in

 

[MnFish1]

Hey everyone. I got this clownfish on Monday and he has been swimming at the top and sideways like this since I got him. The other clownfish has been swimming just fine. The clownfish that's on the top has been just as interested in the food like any other fish and has been eating every time I feed the tank. I'm not sure if maybe his swim bladder is maybe messed up. But I'm not sure what to do

It sounds like an acclimation issue or a swim bladder issue related to acclimation

 

[nfencer]

It sounds like an acclimation issue or a swim bladder issue related to acclimation

I dripped them for 30 minutes along with the other two fish that I got, but both of them are doing fine. Do I need medication? Or does it heal on its own?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I dripped them for 30 minutes along with the other two fish that I got, but both of them are doing fine. Do I need medication? Or does it heal on its own?

Often this happens with aggression and intimidation and may be the case
See if this is still happening in 24 hours. Moving the landscape a little may also help

 

[nfencer]

Often this happens with aggression and intimidation and may be the case
See if this is still happening in 24 hours. Moving the landscape a little may also help

Okay gotcha. I can move my rock work around. I haven't seen anyone bully him. Does a swim bladder issue heal? And is it something where he can still thrive? Since he is still eating. Sorry I'm worried about my little guy

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Okay gotcha. I can move my rock work around. I haven't seen anyone bully him. Does a swim bladder issue heal? And is it something where he can still thrive? Since he is still eating. Sorry I'm worried about my little guy

I agree - one or more of your other fish are intimidating this one. The wrasse is looking at it in the first video and in the second video, the clown scooted away from the puffer as it swam near it.

 

[nfencer]

I agree - one or more of your other fish are intimidating this one. The wrasse is looking at it in the first video and in the second video, the clown scooted away from the puffer as it swam near it.

Gotcha. Should I separate them somehow until they grow bigger then. It is there something else you recommend me doing to help

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Gotcha. Should I separate them somehow until they grow bigger then. It is there something else you recommend me doing to help

A tank divider could be used. This little clown might also settle down in a few more days. However, if you start to see ripped and torn fins, isolate it right away.

 

[nfencer]

Okay. I have been checking fins I haven't noticed any damage or anything like that. So just keep an eye on him. Is it a possibility he will do just fine since he is eating?

A tank divider could be used. This little clown might also settle down in a few more days. However, if you start to see ripped and torn fins, isolate it right away

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Okay. I have been checking fins I haven't noticed any damage or anything like that. So just keep an eye on him. Is it a possibility he will do just fine since he is eating?

Yes - if it keeps eating and no skin or fin damage, it will likely settle down. Watch for signs of disease though - that can always become an issue with new fish.

 

[nfencer]

Yes - if it keeps eating and no skin or fin damage, it will likely settle down. Watch for signs of disease though - that can always become an issue with new fish.

Okay awesome that's good news I'll keep my eyes on him. I haven't noticed ich or velvet on him or any skin or torn fins. So hopefully he will starting swimming normally soon and be nice and happy