Maroon clown laying on sand

[IowaReefer]

Hi all

I have a 16 year old maroon clown (my first saltwater fish) who is laying on the sand at the back of the tank a lot. She has a healthy appetite and will readily come out to eat but then retires back to the sand bed. Breathing seems rapid but water parameters are good (don't ask me to list them, I am not a noob). Tank mates are a yellow tail damsel (been together for 4 years), and a tiny coral beauty angelfish and a coral handed shrimp which were added a couple months ago. 20 gallon tank.

Any ideas? Parasitic infection maybe?

 

[ostrow]

Sadly, she may just well be nearing that time. I believe that's right about average lifespan. If she is eating, internal parasite is pretty unlikely.

 

[IowaReefer]

Boo. I figured as much though. She is still kicking but also has shown no signs of improvement.