SickCLown

[jmh]

How long do clownfish normally live? Because I have a five yr old black clown, that is in serious distress. He has never been sick and as of late last night he was eating everything still.. pellets and mysis. This morning he cant breathe and it actually looks like he has a mucus in his mouth thats preventing him from breathing and he has started to bob and weave. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. A fresh water dip may be too stressful thats how banged up he looks. Im bummed

 

[jmh]

I decided to do a freshwater dip for 5 min. he looks a lot better. (not upside down anymore)I will repeat later today and monitor him.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

IME freshwater dips stress the fish out and makes conditions worse. If the PH, temp etc of the freshwater isn't exact then that adds more stress as well. Lets look at is this way, what if someone were to throw you into a room with no air at freezing temps for an extended period of time, would you like that done to you?

 

[jmh]

I agree, because a fresh water dip has NEVER worked for me the 2x I"ve tried. but earlier today this fish was dead. Upside down and breathing heavy. with what looked like fish puke coming out of its mouth. I put RODI water in a bucket messed messed around to get the temp close enough and put him in, he began to swim for the first time all morning and I took him out in 5 min. He is now eating pellet food but still sluggish. I hope he can make it.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Freshwater dips are really just for parasites since inverts are more sensitive to changes in salinity. The stress to the fish (besides the lack of salt) is that fish can't osmo regulate that quickly and it can cause actual pain. If you can't positively ID the problem I wouldn't dip the fish.