Clownfish Facing Nose-down for Days

[suitsnakes]

I'm hoping someone can help me figure out what's wrong with my true perc clownfish, Nemo (original, I know). I've had her for 7 years, and suspect she's around 8 years old now. She survived multiple mini-tragedies that happened to the fish tank as I got through the saltwater learning curve, so she's definitely a really tough fish.

Last Wednesday (10 days ago) I noticed that Nemo was swimming a bit oddly. We did a water change that day and hoped it wasn't a big deal, as it seemed only a little strange. But over the next few days, she started acting weirder, and would hang out very still in places that she could get herself "stuck" and not float away. She'd stay in the same place without moving for hours and hours.

Then she seemed to get even worse, now she's been facing her nose straight to the ground for a couple of days, so she's in a totally vertical position. She still finds places that she can stay without moving for long periods of time. She just barely flaps her fins every now and then, like maybe she feels weak. She can't seem to swim well; I'm pretty sure she can't really aim her direction anymore and she's reluctant to explore or move around the tank.

She still has a hearty appetite, although she can't swim and get to the food anymore. I just make a point of making sure a ton of food goes her way and she usually manages to get a piece.

There have been no deaths in the tank in over a year, and the water parameters are all stable. The three other fish are all acting totally fine and normal. Assuming the water is fine (we check often, and continue to do water changes 2-3x a week), what else could be wrong with Nemo? Is this normal behavior for death by old age? It's been going on for 10 days, so is Nemo just putting up one last fight, or is there something I can do to fix this?

Hoping someone can help

[Mikesville510]

According to National Geographic (http://animals.nationalgeographic.co...n-anemonefish/), the average life expectancy for clown fish is between 6 and 10 years.

I hope the guy pulls through.

[tekjunkie28]

Wc 2-3x's a week?? Why so often?

Poor fish. Sometimes fish get there equilibrium off I've heard and hopefully that's all this is. Keep her happy amd fed. She's getting old though.

Sent from my SCH-I605

[JustinGr]

There are breeders and hobbyist on here that have clowns that are over 15 years old. I recall one guy in the pic of clowns thread that has a pic of his clown that is over 20.

I'd think about a parasite or maybe a swim bladder issue.

Justin

[suitsnakes]

Originally Posted by tekjunkie28

Wc 2-3x's a week?? Why so often?

We normally do one once every week or two, but we started doing it more to overcome a cyanobacteria problem. Also, with Nemo acting weird, we're trying to be super diligent in making sure the water quality is great, hoping it will help.

[suitsnakes]

Originally Posted by JustinGr

There are breeders and hobbyist on here that have clowns that are over 15 years old. I recall one guy in the pic of clowns thread that has a pic of his clown that is over 20.

I'd think about a parasite or maybe a swim bladder issue.

Justin

I've heard of many clownfish living to old ages like that, which is why I'm hoping maybe I can do something to help Nemo and give her a few more years. I'll look into the parasite or swim bladder possibilities -- I'd do just about anything to help Nemo get better!

Thanks so much everyone for your replies and suggestions, I really appreciate it!! If anyone else has something to add, I am all ears...

[tekjunkie28]

How is nemo now?

[suitsnakes]

Originally Posted by tekjunkie28

How is nemo now?

Thanks for asking. Nemo's still alive, but has not gotten any better. I've started adding 2 types of powder medication to food that I use a dropper to feed him with, one type for bacteria and the other for parasites.

I can't believe it's been over a month now that this has been going on, but I just keep hoping it's an illness that'll get worked out. In the meantime it's really sad to watch. He still can't swim right and simply stays in one spot, almost completely still at all times.

[ResponsiCulture]

Any news on nemo? I think your doing all there is to do. If she gets worse i would QT her or maybe a HydroPlex Dip. I work at a LFS and whenever we get new fish that act like this we try Hydro Plex dips..two days later Para Guard dips...that usually takes care of any funkiness.

[suitsnakes]

Originally Posted by ResponsiCulture

Any news on nemo? I think your doing all there is to do. If she gets worse i would QT her or maybe a HydroPlex Dip. I work at a LFS and whenever we get new fish that act like this we try Hydro Plex dips..two days later Para Guard dips...that usually takes care of any funkiness.

Hey there. Thanks for asking and for your advice. The update is still the same, although I'd say she's getting slightly worse every day. Less activity, less ability to move toward nearby food, pretty much less of every good sign we could be looking for...

I was thinking about setting up our QT tank, but worried that the lower water quality it would have and the stress of moving Nemo may outweigh the benefits. She has lived in that same tank for years and the other fish still leave her alone, so I figured unless there is a medication conflict, I'd rather leave her in the current tank and cross my fingers. Thoughts on this?

I'll look into the dips next time I'm at the LFS and see if they have them. Seems like the powder meds I've tried so far aren't helping enough, so hopefully the dips could be the solution!