Add another clownfish?
- Thread starter 8galdorm
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It would have to be much smaller or much larger. Even then your taking a chance of aggression from the original.
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Reeferella
Community Member
I believe your current clownfish would enjoy the companionship of another clownfish very much. Certainly he's bored all alone. A small juvenile will be your best bet for pairing. There may or may not be some aggression initially. That's normal. All that being said, your aquarium is much too small for one clownfish let alone two. I strongly encourage you to invest in a 20 gallon tank prior to adding a second fish. If nothing else, your current clownfish will benefit tremendously from not just the added space, but the increased water volume as well.
Reeferella
Community Member
All clownfish are considered male when they are born. So whenever you purchase a young juvenile clownfish who's not previously been paired with another another clownfish, you're likely purchasing a male. Your current clownfish is probably still a male too but because of his much larger size and strength, chances are he'll easily assume the dominant role and undergo the physiological process of morphing into a female. Often times when a dominant status between 2 clownfish is sought, both clownfish are of similar size and strength and will spare for the dominant role. In theory though, since your current clown is very large, the newer much smaller clown will likely be submissive- no guarantees though.
And unfortunately, I can't predict whether my own clownfish will accept a host much less yours. In my own experience, a single clownfish is no more likely to accept a host than a pair. And if your current clown spends the majority of his time atop the powerhead, he may be doing so not because it's his host, but because 1) he's bored 2) the flow of the water against his scales feels good and 3) the water quality is better in that area of the tank. Likely a combination of all 3.
But again, your tank is much too small for one or two clownfish. Respectfully, for the price of a second clown you could purchase a 20 gallon tank. And the difference in the footprint isn't worth mentioning IMO, even in a dorm. If you're like me, you have a strong desire to witness the natural behaviors of clownfish. For me, it's nearly an obsession. That being said, experience has taught me that before those natural behaviors will occur, an appropriate environment must be in place.
And unfortunately, I can't predict whether my own clownfish will accept a host much less yours. In my own experience, a single clownfish is no more likely to accept a host than a pair. And if your current clown spends the majority of his time atop the powerhead, he may be doing so not because it's his host, but because 1) he's bored 2) the flow of the water against his scales feels good and 3) the water quality is better in that area of the tank. Likely a combination of all 3.
But again, your tank is much too small for one or two clownfish. Respectfully, for the price of a second clown you could purchase a 20 gallon tank. And the difference in the footprint isn't worth mentioning IMO, even in a dorm. If you're like me, you have a strong desire to witness the natural behaviors of clownfish. For me, it's nearly an obsession. That being said, experience has taught me that before those natural behaviors will occur, an appropriate environment must be in place.
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SeahorseKeeper
Where's the mysis?
I would not add another clown in that size tank. I think they will be too cramped in that size tank and there will be aggression issues. When clowns fight, they can fight to the death. I have two clowns in my 55. One is a female and the other is male. The female only accepts the male when she wants. Otherwise, they are in opposite sides of the tank. They each are hosted by their own anemones.
Guess the bottom line is.....add one or don't it's your decision 
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Kworker
Tang Lover
What's the dimensions of the 8? Honestly I don't think just because you can't afford to possibly upgrade makes it okay to go pick up a second clown. You may be able to pick up a 20h or 15 gal and use same equipment. Petco is having a dollar gallon sale last I seen.
glb
7500 Club Member
It's not fair because they will be crowded and that's not healthy for fish. Also, your water quality will quickly become a problem unless you're constantly on top of it, which may not be realistic if you're in college. And, if they don't get along, there's no place to hide in a tank that small.
Adding another clown to an 8 gallon tank for the reasons you have provided is selfish. Telling that you post a question, get answers but not the one you're looking for so you try to rationalize this decision by projecting what you a human might know what a clown fish needs to be well cared for and happy. Implusive much???
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Kworker
Tang Lover
Okay people let's hold up a bit before we run someone away from the forum, listen.
You need to look at it simply. We are all here giving you advice and experience for FREE because we love the hobby. When you ask for advice you seek unbiased answers. You give yourself biased answers in this case, as would the local fish store since they're looking for a sale. But we in realty are not affected whatsoever from the decisions/actions you make. We are Simply here to help and better this hobby so that as it's passed down generation to generation, everyone entering it gains experiences from the mistakes of those before them. It's pretty much a fact that what you ask is not going to end well, I know you don't want to hear it. But than ask yourself. Wouldn't you end up losing more money if after you add a second clown and what we tell you will happen, happens? Than several things happen. We lose someone else from this hobby that we need more people in, you lose out from the hobby, you waste your money, and the clowns lives are lost.
With that said, don't take everyone's responses as an attack, everyone on the forum for the most part are passionate about the hobby. So stay awhile and listen
there's lot to learn.
You need to look at it simply. We are all here giving you advice and experience for FREE because we love the hobby. When you ask for advice you seek unbiased answers. You give yourself biased answers in this case, as would the local fish store since they're looking for a sale. But we in realty are not affected whatsoever from the decisions/actions you make. We are Simply here to help and better this hobby so that as it's passed down generation to generation, everyone entering it gains experiences from the mistakes of those before them. It's pretty much a fact that what you ask is not going to end well, I know you don't want to hear it. But than ask yourself. Wouldn't you end up losing more money if after you add a second clown and what we tell you will happen, happens? Than several things happen. We lose someone else from this hobby that we need more people in, you lose out from the hobby, you waste your money, and the clowns lives are lost.
With that said, don't take everyone's responses as an attack, everyone on the forum for the most part are passionate about the hobby. So stay awhile and listen
there's lot to learn.
mcarroll
10K Club member
I would give it more time to think about it. Waiting, in this hobby, is almost always a good thing.
If having two clowns is really where your heart is (not just a fleeting distraction) then you should equip yourself properly to raise them. An 8 gallon tank won't do it. Patiently watch Craigslist and something cheap or free bigger than 8 gallons WILL come up. Then you can sell the 8 gallon to keep the deal "revenue neutral" or use it for something different.
If you are feeling attached to that 8 gallon, then consider having just the one fish. It's still on the small side, but your clown will be just as happy vs cramped with two, you can still stock a few inverts and some corals - all good!
If one fish won't cut it, consider changing from clownfish. Barnacle Blennies might be my first suggestion, but there are lots of other choices that would be better suited to the tank you have.
Hope this helps!
-Matt
