I just got an ocellaris clown fish a few days ago. 2 days ago i noticed a little tiny white spot on his side. Now it looks like it has filled up like a balloon. It hasn't gotten bigger around, but sticks out from him like a tiny balloon i am trying to get a good picture but can't. I'll try to get a good one and put it up here. Just from the description does anyone know what this is?
White object on ocellaris clownfish???
- Thread starter Gpsdrew
- Start date
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Is there any skin problem, peeling, sloughing, etc.?
Yes. The skin is peeling on his face and around his eyes. I didn't notice until you asked and I went to check.
This is weird; The balloon I talked about earlier is gone. It was there half an hour ago but now it isn't. All that is there now is a slight difference in the coloration of his skin where it used to be.
This is weird; The balloon I talked about earlier is gone. It was there half an hour ago but now it isn't. All that is there now is a slight difference in the coloration of his skin where it used to be.
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Triton_Z
Member
The description sounds like it is consistent with Brooklynella, a parasitic protozoan. Brook acts fast and infected fish need immediate treatment. Treatment is a formalin bath. The tank is now infected and all fish have to be QT and treated.
Read the sticky brook thread for more information and some decent pictures.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135372&page=2
How's the clownfish's behavior so far?
Read the sticky brook thread for more information and some decent pictures.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135372&page=2
How's the clownfish's behavior so far?
MrTuskfish
Team RC
No. the only treatment I know of is Formalin. Formalin can be hard to find; but several products contain it. Brooklynella is a quick killer, i'm surprised it took this long to progress. Melafix is nothing but a feel-good herbal product that claims to cure everything. IMO, its worthless. You could easily lose all of your fish if you don't treat ASAP. Brooklynella is scary stuff and a main reason to use a QT regimen on all fish.
How long does it take to spread to other fish and how long can a fish live with it? Jason from aquarium designs says that the mucus coat is caused by stress from the other clown in the tank. I haven't noticed any aggression but it probably goes on while i'm not watching. The ocellaris has had a mucus coat for two weeks now and is still alive (but doesn't look like he has much more in him) and all the other fish are fine. I am taking him back to the store to be quarantined tomorrow since i don't have a quarantine tank. I am definitely going to try and get one though.
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Without seeing a pic, I can't tell much. Google "brooklynella'' and check the link by Triton_Z above to see if you can tell. A fish dying from a "stress-induced mucus coat" is sure a new to me. I'd watch your other fish very closely, I think you're dealing with a deadly and very contagious parasite.
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Triton_Z
Member
Sorry to hear about the loss. I would keep a close watch of the rest of your fish and be ready to pull and treat if another fish comes down with any similar symptoms. The products readily available in stores tend to be combo solutions like Aquarium Product's Quick Cure or Kordon's Rid-Ich+. They are combined Formalin/Malachite solutions. I'd grab a bottle and keep it on hand.
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