Clown Loach Acting Strangely

[nem2k2]

I have 4 clown loaches in my 96L tank and they've been happily swimming about together for a few months now. However, a few days ago, one of them has started sitting on his own inside a ceramic pipe while the other 3 hang out together, usually under a large piece of driftwood. Sometimes he will lie down on his side in the pipe, but when anyone goes past the tank he usually gets up and swims to the other 3 and seems back to normal. He is still eating and he looks fine apart from some small white marks/tears on the back of his dorsal fin, which I assume are from play fighting? I bought the loaches in 2 batches, so 2 of them are bigger than the other 2 (the one acting strangely is one of the smaller ones)

I have not changed anything in the tank lately, except for adding some meds to try and help treat a danio with dropsy, but I had to euthanize him.

Tank size: 96L
Occupants: 4xclown loach, 4xneon tetra (moving to a new tank soon), 5xzebra danio, 1xbristlenose pleco
pH: 7
ammonia/nitrates/nitrites all fine
water changes - 25% at least once weekly



(note: the white dots that appear on the fish are actually on the outside of the tank - I cleaned the tank just after taking this photo ) And he is a bit chubby because he had just eaten )

 

[loader]

Hi Nem
I wouldnt be to worried about the clown lying on its side. Clowns have a habit of lying in odd positions. Mines regulary stop in the middle of the tank and go for what looks like a snooze lying on their sides. Then when you think they have kicked the bucket they then get up and swim away perfectly normal clown behaviour. The tears and nicks could be from they rubbing on decor when they are looking about for food. I wouldnt worry too much about it unless it develops into something more serious. If it does then try one of the readily available fin fungus treatments. Although beware that clowns are quite suspectibile to certains medications so always check with the staff at the fish shop.

Hope this helps
Loader

 

[nem2k2]

Hi Loader,

Thanks forthe reply. I'll try not to worry about him too much then!

One other thing I noticed when I was last feedign them; the loaches chase each other away from food when it is feeding time, and this loach seems to get chased away a lot more than the others. Maybe it's just the loach pecking order...

 

[nashnut]

My Yo Yo's do the same thing. Taking a nap I guess.

 

[nem2k2]

Hmm I know I said I wouldn't do this.. but he is lying down a lot more now, almost constantly. Is it possible he might have a swim bladder disorder? (http/bettas.fishjunkies.com/Disorders/sbd.php) Should I try feeding some crushed cooked pea?

 

[nem2k2]

Another update... the other smaller loach is now lying in the pipe with the original one!!