What is this on my clownfish

[theasherrr]

This showed up this morning. Not sure what it is. Could it be poop? Is it in the process of laying eggs?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Can you try for clearer pictures under white light?
It is probably feces, but if it doesn’t pass by tomorrow let us know…..
Jay

 

[theasherrr]

Here are a few more. I noticed it moves a bit and gets smaller after the fish poops. The first is moving around the tank, eating normal, and hasn’t had any weird behavior. Also the video is the best example to see it

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Ah, that is clearer. That is a prolapse, either of the intestines or the ovary duct (not sure of the structural details, ovipositor?).

Has the fish been cleaning a site on the tank bottom in preparation for laying eggs? Since this fish is larger, I presume its the female? I've seen very small tubes extend when clowns lays eggs, but not this pronounced, or for this long. You might try posting one of the pictures over on the clownfish forum to see if they consider this normal or not.

If it is a prolapsed intestine, there isn't any real treatment. The fish sometimes retract them and other times they get infected.

Jay

 

[theasherrr]

This is awesome info! Thank you! It’s been in one particular spot pretty often and it’s pretty protective over it. The other thing is that the smaller one (male) is very protective over it as well while the female is in it which is why I thought it might be laying eggs. I looked this morning and it’s a lot smaller. I’ll check out the clownfish forum!

thanks for everything!