What is My Clownfish Doing?

nickkohrn · Dec 6, 2018

The smaller of my two clownfish, which I presume to be male, has been acting differently within the last day. It keeps going to a single PVC fitting and laying on its side, snuggled up to the bend in the fitting. Other than the described behavior, it acts normally. However, during feedings, it will perform this behavior between snacking on pellets. It is in quarantine with another clownfish, which is presumably female, a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse, and a Tricolor Fairy Wrasse. None of the fish have shown signs of disease or parasites. I have had the pair of clownfishes for over three months, and I have had the wrasses since the Sunday of the week of Thanksgiving.

pH - 8.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0

nickkohrn · Dec 6, 2018

I also just noticed that the sponge in my HOB filter is turning pink. I have not added any medications to this system. The only addition of anything other than the equipment and fish was Fritz-ZYME Turbostart 900 when I started this system.

nickkohrn · Dec 6, 2018

After doing some more research, it seems that the pink coloration is likely due to feedings and is normal.

davocean · Dec 6, 2018

Cool vid, looks like male is just trying to find a host area

Maritimer · Dec 6, 2018

His breathing rate does seem a tad elevated - keep an eye on that. It could be nothing, or could be a symptom of anything that affects the gills; flukes, ich, velvet . . .

~Bruce

nickkohrn · Dec 6, 2018

davocean said:
Cool vid, looks like male is just trying to find a host area

I'm wondering if that's it because the female did it a few times with him.

Maritimer said:
His breathing rate does seem a tad elevated - keep an eye on that. It could be nothing, or could be a symptom of anything that affects the gills; flukes, ich, velvet . . .

~Bruce

I thought that his breathing rated looked a little elevated as well, but he's acting normally otherwise. I will keep a closer eye on him over the next few days.