Starving Perc

[Cpt.Ahab]

Hey guys,

I bought two false percs about 3 days ago that seemed to be getting along well at the LFS. When I got them home, I noticed that one was eating more than the other. The next day, the one that wasn't eating as much wasn't eating at all. It had dorsal fin and bottom fins tucked in and would hide sometimes. Is this guy sick? The other one is doing great and they don't seem to be fighting. I've tried flake, frozen brine shrimp, and pellets. Only one of them will eat. Any ideas on how to get this guy better? It probably won't last too much longer if this continues. Oh, no other fish in the tank. They died after someone unplugged the heater. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Were these two clowns in a tank with other clowns? How big is your tank? Is the clown in question breathing heavily?

It's hard to say what is wrong with the one clown. They could be fighting, or the one clown could be sick, or perhaps he's just slow to acclimate.

I'd ask the LFS what they are feeding the clowns. Or, consider a little live brine...that usually gets the fish excited.

Keep us posted!

 

[Cpt.Ahab]

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually hadn't thought of asking the LFS. I'll do that tommorrow. The two clowns are by themselves in a 40 gallon with about 40 lbs. of live rock. Like I said, my other fish died and I did a 25% water change the day before I bought the two fish so just wondering what it could be. Doesn't seem like they are fighting since they hang out next to each other without displaying any aggresive behavior.

 

[Anonymous]

Did you give the clown a fresh water dip yet? Make sure the tempand the pH are the same as your tank, and give him a dip for a couple of minutes. Could have a parasite, you never know. The clamped fins indicate something is wrong with the poor fella. Do you have a quarantine/hospital tank you could treat him in?