Clown Issue

[frog.pauley]

For those who haven't seen my nem thread, I have a pair of Picasso Clowns that have been with me almost a year now. I have been a bad reef keeper lately and have been doin water changes to deal with nitrates. Anyways, My female clown has her mouth gaped open and will not leave the safety of her nem. Her whole face looks a little swollen. She did eat, but did not react immediately to my presence or food. She ate a few pellets, some of which she spit right back out.
Anyone have an idea what might cause this?
The only recent change has been the addition of a couple emerald crabs which are dealing with a bubble algae out break nicely

FWIW the nitrate problem was at around 20 ( nem if extremely displeased). That's the only parameter i found out of wack.

 

[ThRoewer]

To cause fish problems nitrates would need to be much higher.
The crabs likely imported a parasite, from your description it could be Brooklynella or Amyloodinium.

I would try a formalin dip on all fish of the tank and then transfer them to a clean quarantine tank.
If the symptoms remain I would try CP (though do not use it with wrasses or pipefish)

 

[frog.pauley]

I was unaware that a crab could bring in parasites... Although it would make since. The crabs have been in for about a week. She is just laying in her nem. The male seems fine...

 

[frog.pauley]

Whatever the deal was is better. She ate this evening and since has been fine. Spent probably 4-5 hours acting like that, then gobbled up some mysis and has been fine. At this point i am wondering if she may have had a scrap with one of the new emeralds when it got close to the nem. She is extremely protective of the nem, even to the male. Who knows?!