Clownfish lost colour almost instantly

[IMPaulyn]

Apologies if this post is already here - did a quick search but found nothing.

Small 10 gal nano with 2 orange percula. The bigger of the two has lost its vibrant colour almost instantly - definitely within 24 hours. No signs of damage or mucus or the like that I can see at least. Its just its orange colour isn't the dark orange it should be. The fish is swimming and eating really well. No rubbing on things or anything. If it wasn't for the lack of colour, you wouldn't know anything was wrong. The sudden change worries me most.

This is a relatively new tank, and still cycling.

I've done a water change as usual on sundays.

These were both tank bred youngsters. Could this be the fish changing sex, or do you think we are talking disease?

Thanks for your help in advance.


IMP

 

[HurricaneSystem]

Sounds like stress to me. Did you acclimate the fish or just dump him in?

 

[sbaquariums]

Clownfish are known to "fade" when under stress. This can be induced by shipping, new environments, new tank mates and even rearranging an existing tank. If your chemistry is fine your clown should return to its normal coloration within a day.

 

[IMPaulyn]

I did re-arrange the tank a day or so ago - more by accident than design cleaning the tank. Ended up knocking a piece of live rock over, so decided I should secure them better. He's been fine for the last 3 weeks, and yes I did acclimatise him for a good hour or so. Maybe thats it. At least he looks healthy still. Will wait and see. Thanks for the replies.

 

[BlueFyre]

What are the parameters? You mentioned that the tank is still cycling. Cycling can be really stressful for fish and I would say the color change is due to something wrong with the water parameters.

 

[IMPaulyn]

ph is 7.8, ammonia is 0.25ppm, nitrite 0.25ppm and nitrate is 40ppm. Salinitiy 1.0205.

 

[Clownfishfan]

Do a 25-30% water change,ammonia and nitrie is really bad for a fish and your PH is low.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

Your tank I still cycling, as you might have stated. Sounds like these parameters are getting the best if the clown. Go get you some Seachem Stability and Prime. Will cost about 20 bucks. This will neutralize the ammonia and also. Uncle the tank with the Stability. Use the Stability daily for around 10 days.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

Oh yes, and as stated above, do a water change ASAP.

 

[IMPaulyn]

Did a water change - she has her colour back overnight, as quickly as it disappeared. I'll keep my eye on the parameters, thanks.