Whats with designer clowns

buffalo123 · 06/04/2013, 06:54 PM

Trying to understand the fascination with designer clown fish. Especially since i find the normal varieties of clown fish to be fascinating enough.
. I guess it may show our desire to manipulate because we can. Hopefully it don't end up as dyed clown fish next.

NewAcreReef · 06/04/2013, 07:15 PM

Somebody wants something and has the money to buy said thing. It has to do with supply as well, if it were as common then it would be as cheap.

aandfsoccr04 · 06/04/2013, 07:34 PM

They are prettier than normal clowns?

SaltwaterSensei · 06/04/2013, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aandfsoccr04

They are prettier than normal clowns?

i dont think so, theres nothing more beatiful then a perfectly formed clown (or any species). I find the designer clowns off putting theyre like genetic oddballs

J2T · 06/04/2013, 07:51 PM

So long as someone will pay it they will charge it. Honestly the better for you if you enjoy normal clowns, all the cheaper

chopper320 · 06/04/2013, 08:02 PM

I'm not a fan of the designer clowns either. I think it all boils down to that collector aspect of this hobby. Some people like the more rare or highly sought after specimens and that's what brings them joy. Nothing wrong with that. Just not my cup of tea.

iClown · 06/04/2013, 08:30 PM

There are some truly beautiful designer clowns out there. But, not all designer clowns look nice. Majority of all designer clowns look ugly lol. MarvinsReef has some great ones, for example

iClown · 06/04/2013, 08:31 PM

I find it hilarious when I walk into a lfs and they have "designer" clowns for 300 bucks a pair or even 150 per pair. Screw that lol. Even the beautiful ones at the price of 600 plus? I don't think so buddy haha

mikem101 · 06/04/2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffalo123

Trying to understand the fascination with designer clown fish. Especially since i find the normal varieties of clown fish to be fascinating enough.
. I guess it may show our desire to manipulate because we can. Hopefully it don't end up as dyed clown fish next.

alot of the "designer" clowns that are out there are found in the wild. The only reason they are different is a breeder has 2 of the same "defect" to breed and in the wild these 2 fish would probably never find eachother to reproduce. So really all these clown designer clowns are just 2 clowns with a genetic defect bred together. IMO snowflake clowns are gorgeous, same with some others (all of which are wild caught). just my 2 cents.

jhaimes · 06/04/2013, 08:55 PM

give me a pair of GBMs any day!

cody6766 · 06/04/2013, 09:21 PM

What's the deal with designer dogs? Why doesn't everyone just own a wolf? Why a Dalmation or a Wiener Dog?

Basically because someone wanted it, we can an people will buy them.

l8_apex_it · 06/04/2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffalo123

Trying to understand the fascination with designer clown fish. Especially since i find the normal varieties of clown fish to be fascinating enough.
. I guess it may show our desire to manipulate because we can. Hopefully it don't end up as dyed clown fish next.

Wow... I've been keeping it in for so long. I thought there was something wrong with me. Figured I was just getting old and not able to adjust to new things. Thank you guys for sharing. Now I know that I am not the only one. To each their own but I really don't care for them. I keep trying to convince myself that they must be cool since they are so expensive. But to me it looks like they have some disease...

socal_48 · 06/04/2013, 10:48 PM

The gold stripe maroon clown for me is the best looking clownfish

Cloudburst2000 · 06/05/2013, 01:31 AM

It's just a matter of personal opinion. I am sure there are some 'designer' clownfish in the wild. They just haven't been captured. Look at the lightening maroon. That is one of the coolest looking clowns ever, and it was totally wild caught. It is basically a designer clown that was captured in the wild. And I do think some designer clowns are very pretty and some not so much. It's just a matter of personal preference. There's nothing wrong with someone liking a 'designer' clown more than a regular clown just as there is nothing wrong with someone liking a regular clown more than a 'designer' clown.

alexander_ktn · 06/05/2013, 05:18 AM

I prefer "natural" colors and have also done so when I was in the freshwater hobby but I understand that some people prefer designer animals. You can't argue taste after all...

Where the fun ends for me is where you can see deformities or functional problems in the fish due to inbreeding and in some(few) cases you can already see it in designer clowns - changed body shape, gill defects etc. It's like with some goldfish varieties that can't even swim normally anymore - and I hope our breeders don't let such things happen to marine fish.

HUNTER1 · 06/05/2013, 08:16 AM

I look at these designer clownfish and just wonder what so special about their look, for me, they look sickly. Well, that's just me.

d2mini · 06/05/2013, 08:28 AM

Clownfish are so played, especially after the whole nemo fascination.
Anything that looks more unique than a standard Percula is fine by me. I'd much rather have a tank full of unique fish than "perfect" looking standard fish. But that's just me.
For instance, I chose a desjardini sailfin over a regular sailfin. These are much prettier IMHO. But again, that might just be me. Same goes for wrasses. There's some beautiful specimens out their but the prices are insane. And anthias... you could get the plain old bartletts (i did) or you can get the borbonius. Eeek!

Railcar79 · 06/05/2013, 09:10 AM

I am more concerned with health. Inbreeding dogs for particular traits leads to hip displaysia, retardation and other health issues. Breeding for traits seems to me like you would get genetically broken fish that might lead to serious issues down the road. I don't think there is a test for mental capacity in clownfish, but anything designer seems to be asking for trouble

Adamw327 · 06/05/2013, 09:31 AM

Because everyone and their mother has a pair of clownfish in their tank. They are hardy, friendly, and awesome to watch. Its not so much about being rare, its unique and different. "I dont want to put ANOTHER pair of clowns in my next tank, but snowflakes, or black clowns, or misbars, that'd be something different"

Nina51 · 06/05/2013, 09:42 AM

don't even get me started on designer dogs!

when i was stocking my 14g cube, i got 2 snowflake clowns. i love the irregular color patterns and how each is unique...same reason i always had american paint horses.

when i was at the lfs to start stocking my 29g cube, they had another pair of snowflakes. boring, i know, but i went ahead and got them. love their little personalities and how bold they are.

Mr.Tan · 06/05/2013, 09:58 AM

its no different then someone having a personal preference for a lamborghini or a ford.. oakley over walmart brand..prada over levi... its what someone likes over something else and can afford to pay for it and that they want to "stand out" from the ordinary.

Joe0813 · 06/05/2013, 11:40 AM

im not really a fan either.... i think my clowns look awesome how they are... plus a pair of Picasso clowns is 300 dollars for a tank raised fish.... seems a bit steep for something that probably costs 50 dollars to raise

Reeferz412 · 06/05/2013, 11:43 AM

I like my $10 maroon clown thank you very much!

behlke · 06/05/2013, 01:48 PM

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Some people like them and some do not. I personally do not, but that is my opinion.

Later,Adam

accordsirh22 · 06/05/2013, 02:53 PM

most of you people have no idea how artificial selection and breeding works do you? lol

06/04/2013, 06:54 PM	#1
buffalo123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,092	Whats with designer clowns Trying to understand the fascination with designer clown fish. Especially since i find the normal varieties of clown fish to be fascinating enough. . I guess it may show our desire to manipulate because we can. Hopefully it don't end up as dyed clown fish next.

06/04/2013, 07:34 PM	#3
aandfsoccr04 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 3,561	They are prettier than normal clowns? __________________ 120 gallon mixed reef

06/04/2013, 07:51 PM	#5
J2T Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 952	So long as someone will pay it they will charge it. Honestly the better for you if you enjoy normal clowns, all the cheaper __________________ Jared 60 Gallon cube, 10g sump, 2 AI Sol Blue, SeaSide Aquatic CS3.5 Skimmer

06/04/2013, 09:21 PM	#11
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	What's the deal with designer dogs? Why doesn't everyone just own a wolf? Why a Dalmation or a Wiener Dog? Basically because someone wanted it, we can an people will buy them. __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI

06/05/2013, 08:28 AM	#17
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	Clownfish are so played, especially after the whole nemo fascination. Anything that looks more unique than a standard Percula is fine by me. I'd much rather have a tank full of unique fish than "perfect" looking standard fish. But that's just me. For instance, I chose a desjardini sailfin over a regular sailfin. These are much prettier IMHO. But again, that might just be me. Same goes for wrasses. There's some beautiful specimens out their but the prices are insane. And anthias... you could get the plain old bartletts (i did) or you can get the borbonius. Eeek! __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

06/04/2013, 07:15 PM	#2
NewAcreReef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 14	Somebody wants something and has the money to buy said thing. It has to do with supply as well, if it were as common then it would be as cheap.

06/04/2013, 08:02 PM	#6
chopper320 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 626	I'm not a fan of the designer clowns either. I think it all boils down to that collector aspect of this hobby. Some people like the more rare or highly sought after specimens and that's what brings them joy. Nothing wrong with that. Just not my cup of tea.

06/04/2013, 08:30 PM	#7
iClown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 141	There are some truly beautiful designer clowns out there. But, not all designer clowns look nice. Majority of all designer clowns look ugly lol. MarvinsReef has some great ones, for example

06/04/2013, 08:31 PM	#8
iClown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 141	I find it hilarious when I walk into a lfs and they have "designer" clowns for 300 bucks a pair or even 150 per pair. Screw that lol. Even the beautiful ones at the price of 600 plus? I don't think so buddy haha

06/04/2013, 08:55 PM	#10
jhaimes Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 78	give me a pair of GBMs any day!

06/04/2013, 10:48 PM	#13
socal_48 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Lemoore, CA Posts: 62	The gold stripe maroon clown for me is the best looking clownfish

06/05/2013, 01:31 AM	#14
Cloudburst2000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 1,485	It's just a matter of personal opinion. I am sure there are some 'designer' clownfish in the wild. They just haven't been captured. Look at the lightening maroon. That is one of the coolest looking clowns ever, and it was totally wild caught. It is basically a designer clown that was captured in the wild. And I do think some designer clowns are very pretty and some not so much. It's just a matter of personal preference. There's nothing wrong with someone liking a 'designer' clown more than a regular clown just as there is nothing wrong with someone liking a regular clown more than a 'designer' clown.

06/05/2013, 05:18 AM	#15
alexander_ktn Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Austria Posts: 851	I prefer "natural" colors and have also done so when I was in the freshwater hobby but I understand that some people prefer designer animals. You can't argue taste after all... Where the fun ends for me is where you can see deformities or functional problems in the fish due to inbreeding and in some(few) cases you can already see it in designer clowns - changed body shape, gill defects etc. It's like with some goldfish varieties that can't even swim normally anymore - and I hope our breeders don't let such things happen to marine fish.

06/05/2013, 08:16 AM	#16
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	I look at these designer clownfish and just wonder what so special about their look, for me, they look sickly. Well, that's just me.

06/05/2013, 09:10 AM	#18
Railcar79 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Colton South Dakota Posts: 229	I am more concerned with health. Inbreeding dogs for particular traits leads to hip displaysia, retardation and other health issues. Breeding for traits seems to me like you would get genetically broken fish that might lead to serious issues down the road. I don't think there is a test for mental capacity in clownfish, but anything designer seems to be asking for trouble

06/05/2013, 09:31 AM	#19
Adamw327 Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Owego, New York Posts: 387	Because everyone and their mother has a pair of clownfish in their tank. They are hardy, friendly, and awesome to watch. Its not so much about being rare, its unique and different. "I dont want to put ANOTHER pair of clowns in my next tank, but snowflakes, or black clowns, or misbars, that'd be something different"

06/05/2013, 09:42 AM	#20
Nina51 biggliest cofveve champ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: 5th floor, Illinois, gewgaw expert Posts: 3,506	don't even get me started on designer dogs! when i was stocking my 14g cube, i got 2 snowflake clowns. i love the irregular color patterns and how each is unique...same reason i always had american paint horses. when i was at the lfs to start stocking my 29g cube, they had another pair of snowflakes. boring, i know, but i went ahead and got them. love their little personalities and how bold they are. __________________ of all the things i've lost, i miss my gary the most. Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine into your brain, and that is where crappy ideas come from. Current Tank Info: i gave my reef away and i feel like a bird out of a cage!!

06/05/2013, 09:58 AM	#21
Mr.Tan Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: York, PA Posts: 734	its no different then someone having a personal preference for a lamborghini or a ford.. oakley over walmart brand..prada over levi... its what someone likes over something else and can afford to pay for it and that they want to "stand out" from the ordinary.

06/05/2013, 11:40 AM	#22
Joe0813 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston strong Posts: 2,766	im not really a fan either.... i think my clowns look awesome how they are... plus a pair of Picasso clowns is 300 dollars for a tank raised fish.... seems a bit steep for something that probably costs 50 dollars to raise __________________ Joe and Jenny Current Tank Info: 180 reef

06/05/2013, 11:43 AM	#23
Reeferz412 Coral Hoarder Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,247	I like my $10 maroon clown thank you very much! __________________ Alex FMAS Member Current Tank Info: 400 Gallons of frags... 30 gallon Deep Blue mixed reef ... 70 other tanks throughout south FL

06/05/2013, 01:48 PM	#24
behlke Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 163	Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people like them and some do not. I personally do not, but that is my opinion. Later,Adam __________________ Later,Adam "The solution to pollution is dilution, or concentration and removal." "Nothing is as good as nature, it has 4.6 billion years of experience." "Do not try anything I say at home." Current Tank Info: None. Heater failed on my old tank when I was on vacation. There were no survivors.

06/05/2013, 02:53 PM	#25
accordsirh22 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 817	most of you people have no idea how artificial selection and breeding works do you? lol