Weird fungus or scales on clownfish gills and head

[konatown]

What does this look like on my clown? It looks like a fungus or gills flaking off on the gills especially, but also on the head.

It’s one of a few tanks I have, this tank has been set up and stable for a year, absolutely no new introductions of fish, live rock or coral in months.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

What does this look like on my clown? It looks like a fungus or gills flaking off on the gills especially, but also on the head.

It’s one of a few tanks I have, this tank has been set up and stable for a year, absolutely no new introductions of fish, live rock or coral in months.

Those are most likely mucus plugs, a stress response. The best way I can describe it is the mucus comes out of the pores like a playdoh extruding toy.

So - the question is, what stressor caused this? Commonly, it is fighting with another clownfish. Sometimes, the stressor is marine ich, which causes white spots itself, so that can become confusing. I don't think that is the case here as the mucus seems confined to the white headband, and not on any fins like you would see with ich.

If the fish is showing no other symptoms, I would just watch it for now.

Mucus - The Slime That Binds

Mucus: The Slime that Binds Jay Hemdal C. 2020 This article examines the various causes of excess mucus coatings on fish, as well as fecal mucus issues. ------------------- The mucus produced by the fish’s epidermal cells gives them their...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay

 

[konatown]

Those are most likely mucus plugs, a stress response. The best way I can describe it is the mucus comes out of the pores like a playdoh extruding toy.

So - the question is, what stressor caused this? Commonly, it is fighting with another clownfish. Sometimes, the stressor is marine ich, which causes white spots itself, so that can become confusing. I don't think that is the case here as the mucus seems confined to the white headband, and not on any fins like you would see with ich.

If the fish is showing no other symptoms, I would just watch it for now.

Mucus - The Slime That Binds

Mucus: The Slime that Binds Jay Hemdal C. 2020 This article examines the various causes of excess mucus coatings on fish, as well as fecal mucus issues. ------------------- The mucus produced by the fish’s epidermal cells gives them their...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay

Thanks a lot for the response as always jay!

She’s alone in the tank, has been for a year. Has been great for a while though. Can’t imagine what could be stressing her so much, but I will keep an eye on it.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Thanks a lot for the response as always jay!

She’s alone in the tank, has been for a year. Has been great for a while though. Can’t imagine what could be stressing her so much, but I will keep an eye on it.

If you start to see any other symptoms, let us know.
Jay