Tail and Swimming Issues with new Occelaris

[shimps1]

I received two captive bred Occelaris clowns from Top Shelf Aquatics yesterday. One appears normal, besides the typical shipping stess. However, the other one, appears to have issues. It's tail fin is pale, it does not raise it's dorsal fin like the other clown, and it is still breathing heavily, even this morning, 20 hours after being in the tank.

The clown had a bit of a ragged tail when it arrived, although nothing that looked abnormal. However, it appears to not swim with it's tail, keeping it more rigid than the other clown. As opposed to the normal clownfish snakelike kind of slither swim, this one doesn't use it's tail at all, just it's pectoral fins.

I have attached photos from this morning. It appears it may have been even sucked up a bit into the powerhead overnight, as the tail has gotten a little shorter. It is still swimming with the other clown, so I think there is hope for recovery, but something needs to happen quickly.

I will be reachout out to TSA as well, but I am hoping I can save this little guy.

What should I try? I don't have any medication on hand but I can get some. I have turned off the powerheads to make it a bit easier to rest for him in the tank. Sump is still running.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I received two captive bred Occelaris clowns from Top Shelf Aquatics yesterday. One appears normal, besides the typical shipping stess. However, the other one, appears to have issues. It's tail fin is pale, it does not raise it's dorsal fin like the other clown, and it is still breathing heavily, even this morning, 20 hours after being in the tank.

The clown had a bit of a ragged tail when it arrived, although nothing that looked abnormal. However, it appears to not swim with it's tail, keeping it more rigid than the other clown. As opposed to the normal clownfish snakelike kind of slither swim, this one doesn't use it's tail at all, just it's pectoral fins.

I have attached photos from this morning. It appears it may have been even sucked up a bit into the powerhead overnight, as the tail has gotten a little shorter. It is still swimming with the other clown, so I think there is hope for recovery, but something needs to happen quickly.

I will be reachout out to TSA as well, but I am hoping I can save this little guy.

What should I try? I don't have any medication on hand but I can get some. I have turned off the powerheads to make it a bit easier to rest for him in the tank. Sump is still running.

Tail is tagged and bitten and from aggression, likely the other clown and separation with the aggressor warranted

 

[shimps1]

Tail is tagged and bitten and from aggression, likely the other clown and separation with the aggressor warranted

Thanks for the input. I can for sure say this is not the case. The fish have been in the tank less than 24 hours, and I have seen zero aggression between the two of them. I have been watching closely because I am concerned about this fish.

The fish came in with some sort of issue, and has not improved in my tank. Hoping to find some treatment to help it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks for the input. I can for sure say this is not the case. The fish have been in the tank less than 24 hours, and I have seen zero aggression between the two of them. I have been watching closely because I am concerned about this fish.

The fish came in with some sort of issue, and has not improved in my tank. Hoping to find some treatment to help it.

Clowns are well behaved in your presence and as soon as you turn your back, behavior issues resume

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the input. I can for sure say this is not the case. The fish have been in the tank less than 24 hours, and I have seen zero aggression between the two of them. I have been watching closely because I am concerned about this fish.

The fish came in with some sort of issue, and has not improved in my tank. Hoping to find some treatment to help it.

100% the tail damage on the one clown is from some sort of aggression. If it didn't arrive to you looking like that, it is from some animal in your tank. The other clown, being free of fin damage is the logical culprit.

Each bite mark is from a single nip, over in a split second. This may only happen a few times a day, so with 86,000 seconds in a day, it's very easy to miss.

That all said, there may very well be a reason why this clown is getting picked on - it may be weakened due to some disease or acclimation issue.

Posting a clear video of both fish may give us more insight.....

 

[shimps1]

Clowns are well behaved in your presence and as soon as you turn your back, behavior issues resume

100% the tail damage on the one clown is from some sort of aggression. If it didn't arrive to you looking like that, it is from some animal in your tank. The other clown, being free of fin damage is the logical culprit.

Each bite mark is from a single nip, over in a split second. This may only happen a few times a day, so with 86,000 seconds in a day, it's very easy to miss.

That all said, there may very well be a reason why this clown is getting picked on - it may be weakened due to some disease or acclimation issue.

Posting a clear video of both fish may give us more insight.....

I will get a video soon. I would be shocked if this was aggression. They were shipped in separate bags. The injured one spent the night by the powerhead, I think it's possible it's tail got sucked into the pump for a split second to cause the damage.

As soon as I put them in the tank yesterday, I noticed the tail issues. This clown doesn't slither, like the other one does. It's tail is somewhat rigid.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I will get a video soon. I would be shocked if this was aggression. They were shipped in separate bags. The injured one spent the night by the powerhead, I think it's possible it's tail got sucked into the pump for a split second to cause the damage.

As soon as I put them in the tank yesterday, I noticed the tail issues. This clown doesn't slither, like the other one does. It's tail is somewhat rigid.

The powerhead could have caused that damage, but generally, powerheads have good enough guards on them.

 

[shimps1]

Clowns are well behaved in your presence and as soon as you turn your back, behavior issues resume

The powerhead could have caused that damage, but generally, powerheads have good enough guards on them.

Video uploaded here:

 

[vetteguy53081]

Video uploaded here:

You tube version best as Imgur is stalled on my phone

 

[shimps1]

You tube version best as Imgur is stalled on my phone

 

[shimps1]

Another one, pumps off. Starting to think it may be too late for this one, and to euthanize.

 

[shimps1]

Just went to check on the fish, walked up to this. Decided to euthanize.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Just went to check on the fish, walked up to this. Decided to euthanize.

Unfortunately, this fish’s tail is gone and likely from aggression
It’s also thin and moribund and likely will not eat or swim normal going forward