Experts only please

So as you all should know, I know my way around a reef.

But my black and 5 year old white clown fish has had white spots on and off for about two months now.

At first I thought Ich or Velvet...so she was separated from the male Onyx and QTed.

The spots cleared up to where there was only one or two dots and I decided to throw her back in the display.

Well, ever since then, she continues to get random white spots on her. I am beginning to think the are cysts or possibly scales she continues to run off.

But anyone with experience and knowledgeable regards to this is more than welcome to chime in. NO there are no pictures because the spots are small and my clown is much faster than my iPhone camera

She is very active, healthy, and eating the same way she has for the past 5 years and no other fish show ANY signs of these white spots or any unhealthy behavior.

 

Does the fish rub or "scratch" itself on the LR at all? Or do you catch him swimming sideways or "laying" sideways on the bottom or anything out of the ordinary?

 

Damn! If only I had passed that 'Expert' exam, maybe next time.

 

Does the fish host any coral or anemone?

 

No and no !! It is really out of this world.

I have been breeding/handling clowns for years and never have I seen this type of situation (I refuse to call it a problem since the fish is in excellent health)

 

So the fish acts completely normal? I would say keep a close watch on it, if you start to see any abnormal behavior you may want to separate her again. It could just be something stress related. Very odd but hopefully it doesn't cause any major issues!

 

Thanks for your input Tgood. I just want to know that I am not the only one completely confused by this.

If classes for the semester had not just ended, I would have brought her into see my marine bio professor

 

Even an expert can't vividly know what you're describing without a clear picture (capable camera or not).

 

Agreed, pic would definitely help... or if you search google images of "white spots on fish" or "fish disease" and try and find an image that is close to what your fish looks like.

 

In no way am I an expert, and without a picture, I might as well be a 1st day noob, but seems like you already hit the nail on the head. I had a pink skunk that had ICH from introduction, white spots would pop up but the fish showed no signs of stress or anything. Fish is fine to this day.

Seeing as you know your way around reef tanks, I'm sure you know all about the different stages of ICH and how only 1 stage is actually visible on your fish, and that if its in your tank, all your fish have it, but normally they're healthy enough to fight it off.

If everything you're saying is true, just keep feeding the fish, she'll probably be fine, seeing as all your other fish are too. My royal gramma went through the exact same thing (i knew it was ICH however), white spots would come and go, I just fed him and tried to prevent any stressful situations. Today he's spot free.

However, if you see signs worsening, separate and treat for parasite/ich (you probably already know how to do this).