Maroon Clownfish (large) lays on side but eats fine! (1 Viewer)

[SUP]

I have a large (female) maroon clownfish that recently (first of December) started laying on it's side in the back of the 75 gallon tank. She lays there until it is time to eat and then goes after the pellets, brine shrimp, etc. She gets her fair share of food. Then she goes right back tot he same spot and lays on her side. The MC was not doing this previously. I purchased this fish in 2014 MC was an adult when purchased.

Nitrate level did get to 80 and I have done water changes to get it down to 30. The other fish (Powder Brown Tang, BiColor Angelfish, Three Stripe Damsel show no changes in their behaviors. They are younger fish but I have had them at least 5 years.

Could this be old age kicking in? No signs of spots or any diseases externally.

Ideas?

SUP

 

[Humblefish]

I've had some older clownfish that developed swim bladder problems. They just lay around, except to eat. Exactly as you are describing.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment. However, they will live for years this way if you target feed them.

 

[SUP]

Not much I can do. I do "target feed" the Maroon Clown. As long as the food is in the area, she gobbles it up. Colors are good, just lays on side when not eating.
Thanks,
SUP

 

[SUP]

9 months later and the maroon clownfish seems fine. I previously had a egg crate barrier that kept the maroon clown from harassing my bi-color angelfish. This
had been there a few years. I removed it after breaking the tank down and doing a good cleaning. Put all back together without the egg crate divider and the maroon clownfish swims around the tank a lot more. She does have a back corner she likes to stay in. Perhaps laying down but the clownfish is much more active. All is good

 

[webster1234]

Have you thought about getting a anemone for her? Nems might be a little more picky re water quality though, and definitely lighting. Not sure if you're running a fish only tank or a reef. I guess I should ask that first.

 

[SUP]

Maroon clownfish doing fine. Droops a bit on the tail side when swimming but definitely eats and moves around a bit. Tank is a fish only with
live rock. It has a resident tang and a bicolor angel that have been in the tank for a few years (4-5). Do not wish to move to a reef as I do keep up
with water changes, etc. but do not wish to have to have the stress of water quality sliding a bit. All seems good. Thanks!