Just Quirky Clown Behavior?

[LoganF713]

Hi everyone! I’m not sure if this can be chalked up to “that’s just the way they are”, but one of the clowns in my tank likes to “cozy up”/rest/hang out directly next to our diamond goby. The diamond goby seems to not be bothered/stressed by the clown’s presence. And aside from that, the clowns seem healthy, eat well, and swim well.

So what do you all think? Quirky clown behavior? Or something different to watch for?

 

[dedragon]

sounds like weird clown stuff, but they are breathing pretty fast so monitor that

 

[W31Olds]

Looks a little concerning to me. The bottom one is breathing fast.
@Jay Hemdal

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi everyone! I’m not sure if this can be chalked up to “that’s just the way they are”, but one of the clowns in my tank likes to “cozy up”/rest/hang out directly next to our diamond goby. The diamond goby seems to not be bothered/stressed by the clown’s presence. And aside from that, the clowns seem healthy, eat well, and swim well.

So what do you all think? Quirky clown behavior? Or something different to watch for?

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I agree, the lower clown is breathing fast. That could be a function of that fish having been really active right before you took the video, or it could be something else. That clown also seems to be swimming a bit stiffly.

I don't see anything treatable at the moment, but you definitely want to keep an eye on this - watch for any slacking off of their appetites.

 

[LoganF713]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I agree, the lower clown is breathing fast. That could be a function of that fish having been really active right before you took the video, or it could be something else. That clown also seems to be swimming a bit stiffly.

I don't see anything treatable at the moment, but you definitely want to keep an eye on this - watch for any slacking off of their appetites.

Thanks for the pointers; we'll definitely keep an eye on his breathing/swimming. He doesn't seem to be swimming too rigid-like when swimming in the water column with the other clown. We did just add a fresh bag of carbon (70grams) to the media basket in the rear chamber (tank is a JBJ-45). Does fresh carbon affect aspiration short-term?
There is sufficient surface agitation as I have a gyre-type wave maker with one side pointed at the surface and the other side pointed down along the glass

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the pointers; we'll definitely keep an eye on his breathing/swimming. He doesn't seem to be swimming too rigid-like when swimming in the water column with the other clown. We did just add a fresh bag of carbon (70grams) to the media basket in the rear chamber (tank is a JBJ-45). Does fresh carbon affect aspiration short-term?
There is sufficient surface agitation as I have a gyre-type wave maker with one side pointed at the surface and the other side pointed down along the glass

You should always rinse carbon well before use. Carbon can temporarily lower oxygen levels.

One thing - you need strong surface agitation, not just circulation. Bubbles breaking the surface help drive off excess CO2 and that can cause rapid breathing.