Clowns

[conorwev]

New to this so unsure as to how it works or if I’m in the right place but this morning I’ve noticed one of my clowns jaw wider and mouth open with white bits in and around. Had them both around a week and all has been fine until now. Anyone able to help with what it is and can suggest a fix? Thanks

 

[Gumbies R Us]

#fishmedic

 

[get-salty]

Interesting. following.

Are the two clowns the same size ?

 

[conorwev]

Interesting. following.

Are the two clowns the same size ?

Yeah same size, both acting normal and eating fine. 2nd clown is completely normal no issues

 

[W31Olds]

Most likely an Injury but does look serious.
@Jay Hemdal

 

[stephenxbog]

Thats a fungus. API melafix

 

[get-salty]

heres my 2cts

if you can return that injured one instead of spending the time to treat it, i would def return it..
and also pick a slightly smaller one than the other.

 

[scoot]

Thats a fungus. API melafix

Im seconding fungal - had a fungal infection in a freshwater tank, and it effected the betta where his lip fell off and it looked a lot like this. Tried to treat it but he wasnt really able to eat and i ended up euthanizing. hope you have better luck!

 

[conorwev]

Thanks all for your help! Will try the API Melafix

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks all for your help! Will try the API Melafix

Don't use Melafix, it is all but useless in saltwater!

I would suggest waiting for more of the R2R #fishmedic team to take a look and advise a treatment plan

 

[conorwev]

Don't use Melafix, it is all but useless in saltwater!

I would suggest waiting for more of the R2R #fishmedic team to take a look and advise a treatment plan

How do I get in touch with them guys? As I want to treat soon as possible and order bits. Thanks for the reply

 

[Fish Fan]

How do I get in touch with them guys? As I want to treat soon as possible and order bits. Thanks for the reply

@W31Olds is already here.

I would see if @Jay Hemdal or @vetteguy53081 is on this afternoon, maybe one of them can take a look for you. The other Fish Medic guys will see the #fishmedic tag

 

[W31Olds]

The reason this is most likely an injury is:
1. You have 2 Clowns in your tanks that are the same size. That's not recommended as they will fight.
2. Your other clown has a split fin on top indicating they are fighting.
3. I don't think Bacterial or Fungus is not going to pop up in a matter of hours.

He's still eating and that's good so this may heal on its own, but you probably should separate them or return one to your LFS and get a small one if you want them to pair.
Kanaplex + Metroplex are good to have on hand just in case

 

[conorwev]

The reason this is most likely an injury is:
1. You have 2 Clowns in your tanks that are the same size. That's not recommended as they will fight.
2. Your other clown has a split fin on top indicating they are fighting.
3. I don't think Bacterial or Fungus is not going to pop up in a matter of hours.

He's still eating and that's good so this may heal on its own, but you probably should separate them or return one to your LFS and get a small one if you want them to pair.
Kanaplex + Metroplex are good to have on hand just in case

I do remember yesterday that they seemed to be fighting and lock jaws but nothing seemed different until this morning so just dismissed it but could well be the case! I will look for Kanaplex and Metroplex but can’t seem to find any online? I am in the UK so always seems like having to ship products. Thanks for your reply I appreciate it

 

[W31Olds]

Any broad spectrum antibiotic would work. let's just hope you don't need it.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thats a fungus. API melafix

Sorry, it's not fungal. External fungus diseases are almost non-existent in marine fish (but very common in FW fish) and the marine type of fungus creates a gray growth. Melafix is more of a tonic than an actual medication, personally, I won't use it.

Jay

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I do remember yesterday that they seemed to be fighting and lock jaws but nothing seemed different until this morning so just dismissed it but could well be the case! I will look for Kanaplex and Metroplex but can’t seem to find any online? I am in the UK so always seems like having to ship products. Thanks for your reply I appreciate it

My first thought was that they have been fighting. There are some ripped fins, and when clowns "lock jaws" mechanical damage can result. I think that is what happened here. Because the fish's jaw is damaged, it cannot breath properly, and that is probably why it is breathing so fast. There is not really any medication to fix that if it is the case. I would separate the two fish though, as continued fighting is likely.

 

[conorwev]

My first thought was that they have been fighting. There are some ripped fins, and when clowns "lock jaws" mechanical damage can result. I think that is what happened here. Because the fish's jaw is damaged, it cannot breath properly, and that is probably why it is breathing so fast. There is not really any medication to fix that if it is the case. I would separate the two fish though, as continued fighting is likely.

Will give that a try then, thanks!

 

[vetteguy53081]

New to this so unsure as to how it works or if I’m in the right place but this morning I’ve noticed one of my clowns jaw wider and mouth open with white bits in and around. Had them both around a week and all has been fine until now. Anyone able to help with what it is and can suggest a fix? Thanks

Can be defense mechanism as they tend to squabble and May bite each other meeting. This can also be a gill issue based on the breathing rate. Add air stone and is fis h still eating?

 

[conorwev]

Can be defense mechanism as they tend to squabble and May bite each other meeting. This can also be a gill issue based on the breathing rate. Add air stone and is fis h still eating?

Yeah fish still eating well and acting normal