[sandrewo]

I have a 20 gallon long tank, with the EcoSystems 40 refugium for filtration. My lighting is 50/50, 136 watts. All my parameters are perfect, and all other specimens (rose tip anemone, bubble tip anemone, ricordia, polyps, leathers, mushrooms, snails, yellow watchman goby, mimic blenny, 2 peppermint shrimp, scarlet skunk shrimp, and sea star) are all thriving. I have 2 pink skunk clown fish(Mahatma and Indira), and they have taken to the anemones quite well. Indira is perfectly pink, happy, and healthy. About two weeks ago, though, Mahatma, who lives in the rose anemone, started fading in color. He will also lay on his side for two or three days at a time in the anemone panting and not moving a whole lot. But after that third day, for a day or two, he is up and about, moving around as if he's the perfect specimen of health. Then, he goes and does the three day 'lay in my anemone and pant for three days thing'. There are no markings, or signs of ill health anywhere on his body, the only thing that is different about him is that his color has faded dramatically. Can anyone tell what this is a sign of and how I may cure it? I have not added anything (additives or live specimens) into the tank since their arrival except for that Mark Weiss stuff that makes the coralline algae proliferate. Help!!

[scubadude]

Hi Sandrewo

Welcome to Reefland

Ok l Have a few questions about Mahatma and Indira

Mahatma is the only one that looks sick correct?

Does Indira live in the RBTA w/ Mahatma?

How long has Mahatma been around the RBTA before he started this behavior?

I have a couple of guesses on what could be happening...here goes

Mahatma is trying to get the RBTA adjusted to him?
Mahatma is performing a possible mating ceremony for Indira?

Do you have the book clownfishes by Joyce Wilkerson? I have it and was gonna look up some of your signs but I let a freind borrow the book

[sandrewo]

Yes, Mahatma is the only on that looks sick. No, they have separate anemones, though Mahatma used to go and kick Indira out of hers periodically (I think it may have been to show dominance). He took to the RBTA about three days after I got him (I'd gotten Indira the day before), and was fine for about two months. I guess I should go and get that book, I've seen a lot of people recommend it. Thanks for your reply. Oh, by the way, a lot of mornings when I've woken up, but their light is not on yet, I will find both of them in the regular BTA together.

Originally Posted by scubadude

Hi Sandrewo

Welcome to Reefland

Ok l Have a few questions about Mahatma and Indira

Mahatma is the only one that looks sick correct?

Does Indira live in the RBTA w/ Mahatma?

How long has Mahatma been around the RBTA before he started this behavior?

I have a couple of guesses on what could be happening...here goes

Mahatma is trying to get the RBTA adjusted to him?
Mahatma is performing a possible mating ceremony for Indira?

Do you have the book clownfishes by Joyce Wilkerson? I have it and was gonna look up some of your signs but I let a freind borrow the book