Perc Sick?

[shoreliner11]

I have had 2 percs in my 20 gal for about about a week and a half now. They seem to be much darker than most percs. They have dark splotches on some of their fins and a couple on their body. It doesn't look like something is actually on him (like ich) but almost a discoloration. The larger of the two is eating good but still has the discoloration, while the smaller has still never eaten like a normal clown does. Is this something I need to be worried about? Thanks. Oh, and which one of you mods is in Gig Harbor? I was wondering what lfs you go to? I go to the Shark Reef in Silverdale. Anyway, thanks for the help.

 

[beth]

These percs are likely juveniles, and thus the appearance of discolorations. Juvenile clowns can certainly have changes in color, and even changes in their markings! Are they small or junvenile fish?
However, I would think that the 1 clown not eating is something to be concerned about. Have you noticed aggression between the bigger and smaller clown? What are you feeding the fish? What are your water readings?

 

[shoreliner11]

Both fish are jeveniles. I have posted about the smaller clown not eatin before in other forums. At first neither of them ate for a good week, but the larger one eats well now. Both seem to be very picky eaters. The larger one will eat brine and flake. The smaller will only eat flake. I have tried mysis, Marine S, brine, and seaweed sheets. I also used garlic when they weren't eating, but it didn't seem to make that much of a difference. They don't seem to be aggresive towards eachother at all. You can tell the smaller one is somewhat subordinate to the larger because he always follows her around. But when feeding he'll spit half of the pieces he gets out. They aren't too big, he just doesn't seem to like them. After trying every food I could think of I am kinda just letting it up to nature. He has been improving a little bit in the last week though.

 

[beth]

You might try making your own fish food using fresh seafood. I have yet to see any healthy fish refuse that!

 

[shoreliner11]

Sounds like a good idea. Should I just buy some small coctail shrimp and grind it up or what? Thanks.

 

[beth]

No. Do a quick seach for some of my suggestions on fresh foods. I've posted several posts. Probably put "food processor" and my name in the SEARCH and you will get the threads.

 

[krautburner]

Originally Posted by Shoreliner11
http:///forum/post/600963
IOh, and which one of you mods is in Gig Harbor? I was wondering what lfs you go to? I go to the Shark Reef in Silverdale. Anyway, thanks for the help.
is there a Mod in Gig harbor?

 

[kikithemermaid]

Originally Posted by Shoreliner11
http:///forum/post/600963
I have had 2 percs in my 20 gal for about about a week and a half now. They seem to be much darker than most percs. They have dark splotches on some of their fins and a couple on their body. It doesn't look like something is actually on him (like ich) but almost a discoloration. The larger of the two is eating good but still has the discoloration, while the smaller has still never eaten like a normal clown does. Is this something I need to be worried about? Thanks. Oh, and which one of you mods is in Gig Harbor? I was wondering what lfs you go to? I go to the Shark Reef in Silverdale. Anyway, thanks for the help.
Okay totally random but I'm a marine bio major too! Yay us!