a clownfish that...scoots.

[Ron Popeil]

i was in a store the other day and noticed a chrysopterus clown that didnt swim like it should. it instead swam only with its pectoral fins, and almost "scooted" across the bottom of the tank, unable to to the typical clownfish bob. breathing was fine. appearance was normal. just its inability to swim properly. is this fish doomed?

what does this mean? what is it a sign of? are there treatments for it? is it permanent?

 

[Qwiv]

maybe not doomed, but messed up. It most likely had some sort of damage in its lifetime. It could have a damaged swim bladder, happens in captive raised fish sometimes, or it could have some other problem. If it can get to food, it might be ok, but it is at a disadvantage with other fish in the tank.

 

[Ron Popeil]

success! treated with some piperazine treated mysis shrimp, and added it to the QT water every other day and within a week of treatment, the fish now swims normally. a very dramatic difference.

thanks for the help and suggestions!

 

[MadSkillzMan]

can i be a newb and ask what piperazine treated mysis shrimp are? mine appears to have a similar problem, hes just not scooting yet..