Swim Bladder Problems in Clowns

[Lady Godiva]

After months of tank preparation, I finally bought my very-first-ever salt water fish on Wednesday - two clown fish.

One of them isn't doing so well. He can't swim for very long. He swims when I feed and he eats like a hound, but then he goes right back to lying on the bottom. I spoke with the place I bought them and they mentioned something about swim bladder deflation.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with this? Why does it happen or are they born with it? Can they recover? I am thinking of bringing him back tomorrow, but if it's recoverable, I will hold on to him. The two clowns have mated up so would prefer not to seperate them if I don't have to.

What is correct swimming for a clown fish? The other one swims with his body at about a 45degree angle all the time. They are both from the same locally-bred fry. I am wondering if its a genetic problem and am concerned about getting another one from the same source.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Karen

 

[SPC]

Karen, when you say "lying on the bottom" is he on his side or is his belly?
Steve

 

[Lady Godiva]

On his side.

 

[Len]

Swim bladder problem is very plausible. If the clown was wild caught, it could've been decompression damage, although this is unlikely. Could be just a natural disease too, or a genetic defect stemming from all the inbreeding. Could be infection of internal organs leading to swelling. Lots of possibilities really, and I certainly can't say for sure what it is, let alone if it can heal. I'd personally take it back if the store is willing.

 

[Lady Godiva]

Thanks Leonard.