Clownfish with possible swim bladder issue

[TKelly]

I noticed last night one of my clownfish was swimming with his tail up. This was at night however and he was in his typical night spot with the other clownfish and I just thought he was being a typical weird clownfish. Today I noticed him swimming in his pectinia coral that he tries to host but is swimming upside down, tail up, etc. He ate some food as it passed by but there is definitely something wrong.

I think he would be easy enough to catch and I do have a dedicated 25 gal qt tank w/ rock, sand and coral. I also have a bare 20 gal qt I can set up if needed for medication.

Can someone help diagnose him and tell me what meds to give? I have on hand: prazipro, metroplex, kanaplex, general cure.

 

[TKelly]

I should also note that I've had this fish for about 10 months. He's in a large 225 gal mixed reef tank with peaceful fish. He's never been bullied and eats well. I have only added one new fish lately: A small copperband butterfly which was in a qt for 2 weeks and was placed in an acclimation box in the dt two days ago. Parameters are stable.

 

[Humblefish]

This might be a swim bladder problem or some sort of internal injury: Internal Problems

Are you seeing anything wrong with him on the outside? Any bumps, cuts or bruises??

I would get him into your QT ASAP (and possibly put him inside an acclimation box for his own safety.)

Do you happen to have any methylene blue? That’s probably the only treatment he will tolerate in his current state.

 

[TKelly]

I put him in the coral qt inside an acclimation box and ordered some methylene blue which will arrive tomorrow. Is the methylene blue reef safe, or should I set up the basic 20 gal qt? As far as markings go, he doesn't look injured. No swelling or cuts. However the white on his body isn't as white as normal. It's kinds more white/gray.

 

[Humblefish]

Is the methylene blue reef safe, or should I set up the basic 20 gal qt?

I would setup the QT with no working bio filter as MB kills nitrifying bacteria anyway. Just use a bubbler on high for aeration/flow.

 

[TKelly]

I've had the clownfish in MB for about 3 days now. He's in an acclimation box inside an AIO 10 gal hospital tank with no bio filter. He's still about the same. He has a good appetite but will only eat seaweed extreme pellet food. When should I start seeing improvement?

 

[Humblefish]

I've had the clownfish in MB for about 3 days now. He's in an acclimation box inside an AIO 10 gal hospital tank with no bio filter. He's still about the same. He has a good appetite but will only eat seaweed extreme pellet food. When should I start seeing improvement?

I would give it at least a week before considering other options. Is he at least eating better now?

 

[TKelly]

Yes. He's eating well. Still only eats the pellets but he's excited about eating.