Black spots on Ocellaris Clowns

[percula99]

My three ocellaris clowns have black spots on them. I had them in quarantine for a month before introducing them to the main display. They have been there for two months now. I noticed the spots yesterday. I did a search on the RC search and came up with nothing pertinent to my problem. Any ideas out there?

 

[JHemdal]

Two things come to mind; a Turbellarian infection (rare or non-existant in clownfish) or hyper-melanized pigment spots from being stung by a LPS coral. You probably have corals that can sting in your main display - based on your tagline. If the clowns tried to nestle in them, they can get black spots - which in my understanding is relatively harmless hyper-melanization.

Jay

 

[percula99]

Interesting theory Jay. I had never thought of that. I have never had black spots on any fish in all the years I have kept an aquarium. These clowns are relatively new as I stated and so far they are not hosting in any corals that I have noticed. They sleep at the top of the tank so catching them would be quite easily done first thing in the morning if the need arises. I will look for that possibility tonight.

 

[percula99]

Jay, I observed my clowns sitting in my large leather umbrella last night for short periods of time then leaving. I would consider the umbrella to be a low to moderately aggressive coral. Would that be enough to cause the hyper-melanized pigment spots you mentioned?