Is my clownfish sick?

[Rayray95]

Hey guys,

I’ve had this 10 gallon tank for about 5 months now. Everything going great. I’ve been doing my weekly water changes and testing. 2 clownfish, 1 bta, 4 blue legged hermit crabs, 3 Cerith snails.

This past week I’ve noticed my smallest clownfish displaying some weird stuff. 1) it’s been hanging out more towards the bottom left corner of the tank under the filter. 2) it’s a lot paler in color now. 3) it still eats but not as much.
This clownfish hung out/slept by the heater opposite of the filter for the last 5-ish months until now.
I noticed it’s eyes are also not dilated as they used to be when the lights are on during the day. It doesn’t gasp for air, or have any spots on its body. Although his back fin and tale are almost transparent.

Does anyone have any ideas of what might be causing this?

My other clownfish seems to be doing fine, no discoloring or odd behaviors.
Pics attached. Thanks.

 

[fishguy242]

Hi,does look thin,lets call the Dr. best wishes.. @Jay Hemdal

 

[Rayray95]

Yes, he looks thin. I thought it’s because he’s just so small. But yeah he looks thin. I feed them frozen mysis every 2 days. He used to swim around like crazy eating as much as his little heart desires. But since this week started he’s just been eating a few pieces and then staying at the back of the tank until the rest settle into the sand.

 

[Rickybobby]

Mysis isn’t enough to nourish them. IMO I give them that yes. But also pellets and flakes full of vitamins and nutrients

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Hi,

The tank has been set up 5 months, but how long have you had the clownfish?

The clown is very skinny and the first video shows the other clown rushing it, so aggression is certainly one issue. Ultimately, you'll need to separate them, a tank divider is the best way to do that.

You feed them every two days? You should feed small clowns at least daily, twice a day is better yet. Not too much food, but as much as they can eat in a minute or two.

Can you post the water quality for the tank, at least the values that you know? Temp, pH, salinity, etc.

It is unfortunate, but once a fish gets too thin, they use their liver for food energy and once that happens, it is sometimes impossible to bring them back, even with increased feedings - don't want to be a downer here, just want to ensure you know that is possible.

Jay

 

[Rayray95]

More pics

 

[Rayray95]

Mysis isn’t enough to nourish them. IMO I give them that yes. But also pellets and flakes full of vitamins and nutrients

Whoa I did not know. I was told the shrimp would be enough.. I feel so bad. They’ve been deprived of nutrients this whole time! Ugh!!

 

[Rayray95]

Hi,

The tank has been set up 5 months, but how long have you had the clownfish?

The clown is very skinny and the first video shows the other clown rushing it, so aggression is certainly one issue. Ultimately, you'll need to separate them, a tank divider is the best way to do that.

You feed them every two days? You should feed small clowns at least daily, twice a day is better yet. Not too much food, but as much as they can eat in a minute or two.

Can you post the water quality for the tank, at least the values that you know? Temp, pH, salinity, etc.

It is unfortunate, but once a fish gets too thin, they use their liver for food energy and once that happens, it is sometimes impossible to bring them back, even with increased feedings - don't want to be a downer here, just want to ensure you know that is possible.

Jay

Tank parameters as of yesterday 12/29
Temp- 76
Ph- 8.0
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite- 0ppm
Nitrates- 20ppm
Salinity- 1.028

I was planning on doing another water change tomorrow to get the nitrates and salinity down.

I’ve had the fish for as long as the tank. I’m sure I’ve been told on another post I needed to wait a while before adding fish, but unfortunately that was not a choice at the time.

Thanks for letting me know about their liver. I hope that does not happen as these fish have been through some rough patches when I first got them and was figuring everything out. I’m hoping he’ll pull through.

 

[fishguy242]

careful small changes over a couple days,remove 1/2 gallon,add 1/2 gallon rodi water,no salt mix to drop slow,i would target 1.024 ,that way evap cannot climb too high,if not topped daily

 

[Rickybobby]

Some others may disagree but I make sure my fish are somewhat fat. Happy and well fed. I feed a lot and still have low nutrients lol.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Suggest you purchase some Seachem Prime asap to deal with your nitrate if the water change does not. Petco and Petsmart as well as LFS have it.

 

[Uncle99]

I’m thinking bullied.
Sometimes it stops.
Feeding half the amount daily, instead of once every two days would help with your nitrates.
I feed a mix of dry pellet and flake at lunch, and a mix of Mysis, Brine and Bloodworms at dinner.

 

[RedFrog211]

Feeding more could help eliminate aggression as well! I feed my clowns 2 different kinds of pellets, frozen mysis, and a frozen blend, all with some VitaChem to help with nutrients. Usually 2-3 times a day

 

[Rayray95]

Thank you all for the input.
I started feeding prime flakes, pellets, and adding vita chem and the little guys color came back! He’s more active around the tank too!

I did some more research and found that separating the aggressive one might help the little guy out some more. The last two days have been really good in the tank.

Thank you!