Clown Loach - Something Under Eye

[jackiejo]

We've kept clown loaches for a few years and have 2 in our tank at present (having just lost 3 to bad outbreak of Ich). They're both OK now after treatment, and are eating well and seem happy.

Over the last couple of days we've noticed a very odd thing that we've never seen before - they are occasionally opening out something white from underneath their eyes, and closing it again really quickly so we don't get to see exactly what it is. Can anyone can explain what it is, and why they are doing it?

 

[The-Wolf]

clowns have a spine/spike, just under the eye.
they use this for defence and also displays to rivals

 

[jackiejo]

Thanks for that info! It was odd that we've spent so many hours watching them, yet have never seen it happen before. They were arguing over some food at the time, so perhaps that's why.