My old clown swimming sideways

[zappa151]

Well, 9 years ago I posted on this forum about my Clown Moe. He was 15 then and you guys were pretty impressed by his age. He's 24 now, but I'm worried about him. On a few occasions over the last month I've seen him swim sideways. It happens when he's just waking up from his sideways naps. It seems like he's stuck in a way and can't get himself rightside up. He'll go hide behind "the big rock". The next time I see him he'll be fine. He's eating well and looks fine except his bulging cataract eye. He's had that for years so I don't think that is the issue. I really don't think there is anything I can do, but I'm wondering if anyone has see or heard of this issue before. I fear this is a sign of his inevitable death. All water conditions are fine as usual. I did add a vitamin & mineral block a few weeks ago. It saved his life years ago during an emergency tank move so I figured it couldn't hurt. He lives in a 46 gallon tank with 4 other clowns.

[NDininno]

I NEED to see a picture of this fish. I'm only 3 years older than it.....

[PASoracco]

He's 24 now,. On a few occasions over the last month I've seen him swim sideways. It happens when he's just waking up from his sideways naps. It seems like he's stuck in a way and can't get himself rightside up. He'll go hide behind "the big rock". The next time I see him he'll be fine.

Does he do it at no other times, just when he has been at rest for a little while, and begins to swim around again? Sounds like he's stiff waking up from a nap; i don't even know if fish can be arthritic, but maybe he's just not as spry as he once was. Also, the 46 gallon doesn't allow a whole lot of room for them to stretch their fins, and at 24 years old, I'm sure he's a honking big clown.

[zappa151]

PASoracco: It only occurs when he's been sleeping on his side. He's not huge even though he's old. He grew up in a 22 gallon tank so his growth was stunted. I'd say he's about 7.5" long.

[Ardillakilla]

Take him to a vet. A state university's veterinary teaching hospital should be able to see any animal.

[PASoracco]

It only occurs when he's been sleeping on his side. He's not huge even though he's old. He grew up in a 22 gallon tank so his growth was stunted. I'd say he's about 7.5" long.

24 years old with stunted growth; my money is still on him being stiff or sore after laying still for a while. you said he'll hide when this happens, but does he looked panicked? does he grey out and breath quickly, or just act like its the same old routine? I wouldn't try to transport the old dude to a vet if you didn't have to.