Black False Perc Laying Down On Rock

[Bredfan]

Hi,

Observing something weird with one of my clown fish...no real answers after scouring the forum via search...

My first clown went in the tank in early December 2011. The black one joined early January 2012.

The black one overtook the orange one in size pretty quickly - she (she?) always eats more.

Parameters:

Temp - 80
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - barely readable - .2ish
ph - 7.5ish
26 gallon bow front
Fish only - 2 clowns
3 hermit crabs
HOB Protein skimmer
Powerhead for water flow
30lbs rock - all covered in coraline now (18lbs started live)

This afternoon, I noticed the black clown "laying down" on top of the rock. This is the rock that they always hang out near. This is different...she'll perch on top of the rock, kind of tilted a little sideways and just sit there for maybe 20 seconds - up to a minute or so. Then swim around just like normal, then go back and perch again.

Sometimes she's almost completely on her side for 10 seconds at a time.

I fed frozen brine shrimp and they both ate normally.

I got a picture - in this one, she's about an inch from the main spot, but she's doing the behavior.

So... is this something to worry about?

Here's a pic:

http://www.localbizbuz.com/Clown-Fish-Laying-Down.jpg

 

[Whip316]

She could be hosting the rock in that spot. Is she wiggling on the spot frequently? Like a belly rub? Post a video if you can. But I think they are just hangin in the rock. It's different but I don't think it's an issue unless they stop eating or breathing heavy.
My clarkii pair Hide behind a clay pot and barely move. They are huddled back there almost like they are playing hide and go seek. some clowns just don't like to swim. Hehe


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[MD Ocean Girl]

Your pH is a bit low (should be around 8-8.2), and your temp is a bit warmer than I'd be comfortable with.

What is the specific gravity of the water? And your ammonia reading? How long has she been doing this for? How long has the tank been set up? Is she still breathing normally?

Clowns can perch or lay on things, especially at night, but if she's doing it for extended periods of time during the day, I'd be a bit concerned.

 

[Bredfan]

Hi Karen -

The SG is 1.024 and is pretty steady. I do a top off once or twice a week with about 16-20 oz - so there might be a tiny fluctuation in SG at that time.

The tank was set up back in September of last year. It was stable enough for fish in Nov - added the orange clown in early Dec.

There is 0 ammonia (sorry - forgot to include in params)

Yesterday was the first time I noticed it. She is eating, swimming and breathing as usual.

This morning she was her wiggly self. I'm starting to think she's just being a weird clown.

I'm taking a water sample to local store to validate my params this afternoon and look into raising my ph a bit...

 

[MD Ocean Girl]

Hi Karen -

The SG is 1.024 and is pretty steady. I do a top off once or twice a week with about 16-20 oz - so there might be a tiny fluctuation in SG at that time.

The tank was set up back in September of last year. It was stable enough for fish in Nov - added the orange clown in early Dec.

There is 0 ammonia (sorry - forgot to include in params)

Yesterday was the first time I noticed it. She is eating, swimming and breathing as usual.

This morning she was her wiggly self. I'm starting to think she's just being a weird clown.

I'm taking a water sample to local store to validate my params this afternoon and look into raising my ph a bit...

Glad to hear she's back to her old self. :bounce1: Definitely a good idea to have your LFS check your parameters. They should be able to give you some suggestions on how to raise your pH and/or Alk (if it's low as well). If you can run your specific gravity at 1.025-1.026, that would be a bit better, but what you have right now isn't bad at all. Good luck with everything!!