Constipated clownfish (with pictures)

[Ross33]

I need some help with my little guy. He and the female have been in the tank with a royal gramma for over 2 years together now. (14g). I have not added anything new to the tank or made any changes. The other fish are doing great.

2 days ago I noticed he was hiding in his anemone and wasn't coming out much. He has not eaten much if any in the last 2 days. He appears to be more fat than normal and I am almost positive he is constipated. I tried feeding some peas mashed up into little pieces, but he would not take them.

What is the next step from here? I don't currently have a QT tank set up as I haven't gotten new fish in over 2 years. I know epsom salt can help. I could bag him with tank water dosed with epsom salt and float him for a couple hours, but I'm not sure if that is long enough to help.

The only other thing I can think to do is try to massage it out of him. I really don't want to lose this guy.

His breathing is a little bit fast but he is still swimming around. All water parameters are in check.

 

[Ross33]

Forgot to mention, his color has not changed, he does not have any extra mucus or protuded fins that would be consistent with dropsy.

 

[Jaypilot]

Kind of a dumb question but are you sure he is not a she? My females look like that when they are holding eggs. That's the only reason why I ask.

 

[sjwitt]

Could also be internal parasites. Have you considered QT with Prazi?

 

[Ross33]

Jay pilot, yes I am sure. His girlfriend and him have been a pair for over 2 years now.

Sj, I have not considered treating with prazi because I am 99.9% sure it is not a parasite. There have not been any new fish added to the tank. The three in the tank have been together for over 2 years with no health issues. Do you have any experience with parasites being introduced through rods food or another manner? That's the only thing that has gone Into the tank.

 

[sjwitt]

You have added no live rock or coral or anything? I still think it's "possible" that parasites could have been there all along. Still, even if it isn't parasites you need to catch him and put him in treatment. Prazi wouldn't hurt him. You might also try the sick fish forum and post there for additional advise.

 

[Ross33]

What makes you think it is a parasite in particular vs. constipation. From the reading I have done constipation is fairly common in clownfish and his symptoms are consistent with that. I have not seen anything that makes me think it is a parasite.

 

[Ross33]

Good news, little guy seems to have passed it and is feeling better. He is eating again and looking good.