Twitching Clownfish

[kjbrat]

If it were my clowns, I would call that stressed...mine rarely go near the sand, but do the occasional wiggle towards eachother. I was told once that maybe the twitching is bc they have larval amphipods on them or something, and are trying to shake them off?

But those are just my clowns...and like everyone has said, they tend to be weird!

 

[zhonk]

I don't think that this is a water quality issue. Coraline growth is setting in. Anything that could hurt a clown, would also kill the coraline, or the angelfish for that matter, who is in excellent condition.

 

[Grins]

although I've seen clowns try to use a patch of sand to host in and certainly seen them twitching in various areas of the tank including the top I don't agree that the water parameters are fine just because coraline is is present.

What are your actual water parameters?

 

[zhonk]

amonia 0ppm
nitrite 0ppm
nitrate 0ppm
ph 8.3

 

[FeatherDuster]

I have seen my clown twitch around the surface when she is looking for food. Its a habit that she has developed ever since I feed flake food that would float on top.

Have you tried to find out what is setting off her twitching? Does she do it around a certain time of the day?

 

[zhonk]

I haven't seen him for 24 hours. Should I look for him? I know the region of the tank he it hinding in, but I don't want to stress him out any futher.
Oh, clownfish remain male until they can find a mate, then they turn female.

 

[salty420]

i'd be pretty nervous if she's mia... i say she because i believe that clowns are female unless mated...

 

[FeatherDuster]

i'd be pretty nervous if she's mia... i say she because i believe that clowns are female unless mated...

I have been told the same thing. A lone clown will automatically assume the dominant role. It wouldn't be a good idea to try to pair off two clowns that have been by themselves for over a year or more.

And I hope your clown fish pulls through.

 

[zhonk]

Should I look for him, or would that be more destructive than helpful?

 

[salty420]

i'd check the ammonia level to see if you are getting a spike