Clown Fish look “dirty”

[smiller5438]

My son came running down this morning and told me something was wrong with his clown fish. Ran up and he was right! They look almost like spotted platy...

They are eating, swimming and enjoying life. No unusual behavior at all.

They are 3 months old. Flawless thru QT. Just started adding Coral to his Nano tank, then this happens.

Any thoughts? This is very strange.

 

[bwils]

They look like coral stings. When clown fish try to find a spot to host they rub against the coral which can sting them and leave black spots on their skin.

Mine clowns have them too I have a bta but they prefer my zoa garden. It doesn’t seem to effect them they have had the marks for over two years.

 

[smiller5438]

Thx for your input! I do have quite a few RBTAs in my large display. Should I try putting one in the Nano? There’s plenty of light and flow to support it. I just didn’t want one cruising around killing all my coral....

 

[PSU4ME]

Black Small Smudges on your Anemonefish?

Hyper-Melanization Those small black smudges on the Anemonefish are reactions of the fish coming into contact with a marine lifeform that is irritating their skin. The result is the condition known as Hyper-Melanization. You can find sample photos of fishes with this condition on the...

www.reefsanctuary.com

Take a look here

 

[smiller5438]

Thanks! Sounds like what’s happening. They’re probably trying to host the Zoas or Xenia in the tank.