Clownfish Gill Scratching

[vaporize]

Hi Steve,

My clownfish (blue stripe/orange fin) and ocellaris are scratching their gills against the side of the powerhead. They are in different tanks and tank paraemter seems to be normal. I have SW dip them with formalin before and does not seem to get any better.

Could you please shed some light on what might cause such, parasites? flukes?

Thanks

 

[jetaero]

It sounds to be, it may be Cryptocaryon irritans (ich). You can treat with hyposalinity, garlic, or medication. I prefer to use a medication called "no-ich" by fish vet. Even though, it states the medication is reef safe, please treat in a hospital tank.

-Josh-

 

[vaporize]

ich should have very visible white spot, it does not have any white spot at all on the skin

 

[jetaero]

It should be... but in it's initial stage, it grows within the gills. Also check the fins, and fin edges.

Also, be on the watch for brookynella, which is common in clownfish.

-Josh-

 

[steve-s]

I have SW dip them with formalin before and does not seem to get any better.

Could you please shed some light on what might cause such, parasites? flukes?

Could be flukes, Brook, something else or nothing at all. Would need more info about the fish and your previous treatment.

How long have you had the clowns, do they share a common sump, what other fish share the same tank(s)? What other physical symptoms are there aside from the gill scratching? Red sores, faded color, gapping mouth, excess/milky slime coat, rapid gilling, hiding or remaining stationary for long periods? Anything you can think of that might seem odd.

When you performed the formalin treatment, what exactly was the procedure/dosage used and how many treatments where done?

Cheers
Steve

 

[Elmo18]

Hi Steve,
scratching their gills against the side of the powerhead.
Thanks

If new clowns....brooklynella....

rather new clowns....brooklynella....

if the formalin was done as a dip....then probably still brooklynella.

If it is flukes, you will see reddenning of the skin in a bit.

If you would like my Formalin bath treatment, PM me. A dip is not a bath.
BTW, bluestripe clowns will die from brooklynella within a couple days. I am sorry for the bad news. Formalin will also get to flukes, but not all types. Praziquantel is another drug. Lets hope it is not brook.

Best,
Ilham

 

[Elmo18]

What is the outcome of this??

UPdates?

Best,
Ilham