clownfish question

marschgator · 03/15/2009, 11:04 AM

I have a question regarding clownfish compatability. I have an occelaris (Sp?) clownfish that has been in my tank for several months. Today I was given another clownfish (same species) who was going to be flushed if I didn't take him. Is there any chance the 2 clownfish will get along in a 34 gallon tank? Also I was given a bicolar dottyback and I think they are an extremely aggressive. ANy ideas on how they would get along witha clown and a purple firefish? THanks in advance for answering.

jkrentz2515 · 03/15/2009, 11:19 AM

what size is the clown compared to the one you already have?

marschgator · 03/15/2009, 11:42 AM

THe new one is smaller, maybe 2/3 the size of the first.

kdc527 · 03/15/2009, 08:29 PM

The smaller one may change sex and yes the bicolors are very aggresive. The one in my tank is a real B****h she fights with my clowns all the time. very territorial

kraze3 · 03/15/2009, 08:32 PM

They may fight at first until one becomes the dominant one. They may fight until one dies, or they may be just fine. I say give it a shot, better than the poor guy being flushed. If it doesnt work out bring one to LFS or give him to someone else.

billsreef · 03/15/2009, 08:54 PM

With the size difference of the clowns, there is a fair chance they will settle into a pair with the larger one ending up as a female. The dottyback rates as a terrorist. It will kill the firefish for sure, and likely harass the clowns as well.

anthonyi · 03/16/2009, 04:20 AM

I have two Ocellaris Clownfish tank- raised and two Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish. All four get along great. They ever huddle together at night. I also have a small school of Blue/Green Reef Chromis and they love swimming with then in there formation. They all get along well with no fighting. Guess I/m lucky.

FavaBean · 03/16/2009, 05:29 AM

I bought 2 aquacultered clowns from saltwaterfish and put them in same jug to acclimate.... they did not fight one is alittle larger so maybe if they breed then they are a mated pair and I just saved some money...

03/15/2009, 11:04 AM	#1
marschgator Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Springfield Mo Posts: 95	clownfish question I have a question regarding clownfish compatability. I have an occelaris (Sp?) clownfish that has been in my tank for several months. Today I was given another clownfish (same species) who was going to be flushed if I didn't take him. Is there any chance the 2 clownfish will get along in a 34 gallon tank? Also I was given a bicolar dottyback and I think they are an extremely aggressive. ANy ideas on how they would get along witha clown and a purple firefish? THanks in advance for answering.

03/15/2009, 08:29 PM	#4
kdc527 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Boyertown, PA Posts: 333	The smaller one may change sex and yes the bicolors are very aggresive. The one in my tank is a real B****h she fights with my clowns all the time. very territorial __________________ she thinks the fish are pretty Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef 29 gallon sump 2 korlia 2's mag5 return current 48"pc light

03/15/2009, 08:54 PM	#6
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	With the size difference of the clowns, there is a fair chance they will settle into a pair with the larger one ending up as a female. The dottyback rates as a terrorist. It will kill the firefish for sure, and likely harass the clowns as well. __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

03/15/2009, 11:19 AM	#2
jkrentz2515 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mauerapolis Posts: 635	what size is the clown compared to the one you already have?

03/15/2009, 11:42 AM	#3
marschgator Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Springfield Mo Posts: 95	THe new one is smaller, maybe 2/3 the size of the first.

03/15/2009, 08:32 PM	#5
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	They may fight at first until one becomes the dominant one. They may fight until one dies, or they may be just fine. I say give it a shot, better than the poor guy being flushed. If it doesnt work out bring one to LFS or give him to someone else.

03/16/2009, 04:20 AM	#7
anthonyi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 21	I have two Ocellaris Clownfish tank- raised and two Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish. All four get along great. They ever huddle together at night. I also have a small school of Blue/Green Reef Chromis and they love swimming with then in there formation. They all get along well with no fighting. Guess I/m lucky.

03/16/2009, 05:29 AM	#8
FavaBean Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 789	I bought 2 aquacultered clowns from saltwaterfish and put them in same jug to acclimate.... they did not fight one is alittle larger so maybe if they breed then they are a mated pair and I just saved some money...