Clownfish is a common name for fish of the subfamily Amphiprioninae, which belong to the family Pomacentridae. They are called clownfish because they have one or two white stripes on their faces, resembling the clown characters in Peking Opera. They are a tropical saltwater fish. They inhabit coral reefs and rock reefs, and as juveniles, they often live symbiotically with large anemones, sea urchins, or small coral tops. They form small to large schools, and the contents of their stomachs include algae, crustaceans, and other planktonic arthropods. Clownfish are hermaphroditic, and while hermaphroditism is common, they can change their sex during growth and development. They can change from asexuality to male, and then from male to female, but once they change to female, they do not change sex again. The body surface of clownfish has a special mucus that ensures that they are not affected by anemones. Because of the protection from anemones, clownfish can avoid attacks from larger fish, and the leftover food eaten by anemones is also provided to clownfish. Clownfish will remove dead tissue and parasites from anemones, and attract other fish to come close to the anemones, increasing the chances of successful predation.
1. Ichthyophthiriasis
Find that the body of the fish is covered with "white hair". The disease develops, the affected area rots, the appetite decreases, and eventually dies. This disease can occur throughout the year.
Treatment methods: A. Soak the diseased fish in 3% saline solution once a day for 5-10 minutes each time. B. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 2ppm potassium permanganate and 5% saline solution for 20-30 minutes once a day. C. Immerse the diseased fish in a solution of 1-2ppm malachite green for 20-30 minutes twice a day. D. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 5ppm furazolidone until recovered.
2. Lymphocystis Disease (Pine Cone Disease)
The scales of the diseased fish stand up like pine cones.
Treatment methods: A. Bathe the diseased fish in a solution of 1/100,000 tetracycline once a day for one hour. B. Mix a solution of 2% sodium chloride with a solution of 3% sodium bicarbonate, and bathe the fish twice a day for 10 minutes each time. C. Bathe in a concentration of 0.5g chloramphenicol per 40kg of water.
3. Trematode Disease
After the fish is infected, it will swim rapidly in the aquarium.
Treatment methods: Put the diseased fish in a solution of formalin. Put formalin ICC in 4kg of water. After soaking the diseased fish for 1-20 seconds, immediately remove it and put it back into the original tank. Do this twice a day for 2-3 consecutive days to cure the disease.
4. Cold
The fish is motionless, floating on the surface, the skin and fins lose luster, and the color becomes dull.
Treatment methods: Keep the water temperature stable, soak the diseased fish in small amounts of baking soda or 1% saline solution to increase light exposure and gradually restore its health.
5. Fish Lice Disease
The skin of the diseased fish becomes inflamed and ulcerated. When the parasites attach to the fish's body, the fish will rub against the glass, etc.
Treatment methods: Put the diseased fish in a 1.0-1.5% saline solution to remove parasites after 2-3 days.
6. Ichthyophthiriasis
In the early stage, individual small white spots appear on the fins and body of the fish, with appetite and no significant change in spirit. In the middle stage, white spots appear all over the fins and body, without appetite, dislike of activity, itching everywhere, and the color becomes dark. Late stage, white spots cover the whole body, the fish floats on the water surface or sinks to the bottom of the tank. The fish is weak, sways from side to side, the mucus on the body surface increases, breathing is difficult, suffocates and dies.
Treatment: This disease requires comprehensive treatment, and the effect of medication alone is not significant. Strengthening feeding management is important. First, stop feeding for 4-5 days to reduce pollution; at the same time, keep the water temperature stable, and it is better to increase the temperature by 2-3°C higher than the original water temperature. Medication can be used appropriately in the absence of water plants, because water plants quickly die when exposed to various drugs.
7. Black Spot Disease
Black spots grow on the fish's body, appearing gray-white. Filaments of fungi wrap around and adhere to the cells and tissues of the wound, causing tissue necrosis. At the same time, the diseased fish's appetite decreases and eventually dies.
Treatment: Putting a small amount of salt in the aquarium where new fish are grown can inhibit the occurrence of water mold. Pay attention to cleaning and disinfection when feeding live bait. Keep the water clean to isolate the growth of water mold. In general, this disease can be prevented.
Quarantine and isolation should be carried out before new fish are put into the tank. Although it takes some time and money, doing so can prevent many fish from getting sick in the future, which would be a loss. Quarantine and isolation mainly aim to eliminate parasites on the fish and ensure that they are healthy and free of parasites when they are put into the tank. It can also help clownfish become familiar with the environment. Training clownfish to open their mouths can also be done during this process. A quarantine period of 4-6 weeks is sufficient, and the time should not be shortened due to impatience.
Clownfish need to be fed regularly and in fixed amounts every day. During feeding, they should be trained to get used to siphons, hands, and other commonly used devices. For example, shake a siphon in front of them or try to train them to eat directly from the hand. Water changes should also be done regularly. When changing water, the new water should be slowly added and should not be flushed directly onto the fish's body to avoid injuring the clownfish.
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