What is wrong with my clownfish

[myaclownfishlover]

For some context I picked this tank up fully set up at reefapalooza this weekend in orlando i’m a little confused on what’s going on with this guy it’s a five gallon fully set up tank from the macro lady i was told since the clowns have permanently flared gills they can live in this tank for the rest of their lives he is now swimming sideways since this morning i’m very worried i haven’t checked my parameters since i assumed if they were very off the coral and anemone would have been the first to go i have 3 shrimp and the two clowns I would really love any advice i can get

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

For some context I picked this tank up fully set up at reefapalooza this weekend in orlando i’m a little confused on what’s going on with this guy it’s a five gallon fully set up tank from the macro lady i was told since the clowns have permanently flared gills they can live in this tank for the rest of their lives he is now swimming sideways since this morning i’m very worried i haven’t checked my parameters since i assumed if they were very off the coral and anemone would have been the first to go i have 3 shrimp and the two clowns I would really love any advice i can get

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Can you post a video so that we can get a better idea as to what it is you are seeing?

The flared gills in clownfish are a result of genetic or developmental issues. I think that the vendor expected that these fish would become stunted in their growth. That doesn't always happen, you may need a larger tank at some point. I can also see some exophthalmos (popeye). That isn't normal, and can be a sign of internal issues like kidney problems or Mycobacterium.

 

[myaclownfishlover]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Can you post a video so that we can get a better idea as to what it is you are seeing?

The flared gills in clownfish are a result of genetic or developmental issues. I think that the vendor expected that these fish would become stunted in their growth. That doesn't always happen, you may need a larger tank at some point. I can also see some exophthalmos (popeye). That isn't normal, and can be a sign of internal issues like kidney problems or Mycobacterium.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Can you post a video so that we can get a better idea as to what it is you are seeing?

The flared gills in clownfish are a result of genetic or developmental issues. I think that the vendor expected that these fish would become stunted in their growth. That doesn't always happen, you may need a larger tank at some point. I can also see some exophthalmos (popeye). That isn't normal, and can be a sign of internal issues like kidney problems or Mycobacterium.

the swelling has gone down significantly and swimming sideways has ceased on its own i’m assuming he hit a rock during transport of the tank and yes the flared gills i believe was genetic i’ll be sure to keep the fact i might need a bigger tank in the future! if you have any tips on any other cleaning crew i can put in here i’d gladly appreciate it my sand is now getting brown as well as my tank walls

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

the swelling has gone down significantly and swimming sideways has ceased on its own i’m assuming he hit a rock during transport of the tank and yes the flared gills i believe was genetic i’ll be sure to keep the fact i might need a bigger tank in the future! if you have any tips on any other cleaning crew i can put in here i’d gladly appreciate it my sand is now getting brown as well as my tank walls

I’d post on the general reef forum to get some good suggestions for clean up crew. I get my CUC from Reef Cleaners.