Clownfish compatibility question

North Borders · Aug 7, 2017

I currently have a sole black and white clown in my 65 gallon tank. It hosts on a bunch of zoanthids I have on a rock in the back corner.

My LFS has an adorable set of orange baby clowns. They're about the size of your top pinky finger joint.

What are the chances my black and white would go nuts and kill them? I have a green clown goby in the tank with it and it only ever chases it if it sets up shop in the zoanthids.

I would set them up with something to host on the opposite side of the tank.

Tahoe61 · Aug 7, 2017

I would definitely use an acclimation box. Put the babies in the acclimation box for 4-5 days. Placement should be in a lower flow area of the tank. Tiny clowns eat even tinier pieces of food so be prepared to offer food they will accept.

SashimiTurtle · Aug 7, 2017

+1 on the acclimation box. My female Darwin ocellaris is usually the first to harass a new fish. Tail slapping, fin nipping, constant chasing. I had a small angel in an acclimation box for 3 weeks and she still tried to kill it when I released it. The male is peaceful. Being a single, it won't be as aggressive as a paired female, but it's got a host. Even tho it's zoas and not a nem, it will defend those zoas with it's life, or kill the fish that stays too close.

North Borders · Aug 7, 2017

I have dwarf raspboras and have very tiny New Life Spectrum pellets to offer them, as well as a food crusher so I can make my own tiny pellets if needed. I would have them in quarantine for at least 2 months. Food shouldn't be an issue. I have an acclimation box too. More concerned with the medium size clown in there now attacking them or them ganging up on it when they get bigger.

North Borders · Aug 7, 2017

Robin Haselden said:
+1 on the acclimation box. My female Darwin ocellaris is usually the first to harass a new fish. Tail slapping, fin nipping, constant chasing. I had a small angel in an acclimation box for 3 weeks and she still tried to kill it when I released it. The male is peaceful. Being a single, it won't be as aggressive as a paired female, but it's got a host. Even tho it's zoas and not a nem, it will defend those zoas with it's life, or kill the fish that stays too close.

Does it chase off of it's home and all over the tank or just chase whatever gets close to it's spot?

Tahoe61 · Aug 7, 2017

If they are going in QT for 2 months you're still going to have issues if not more. An adult will more readily accept small clowns that have not began to sexually mature. It's pretty risky since the current clown is well established.

North Borders · Aug 7, 2017

Yeah maybe it's safest not to do it. I'd feel horrible if they got bullied/killed. The AWWWW factor is strong though!

SashimiTurtle · Aug 7, 2017

Mine have no host, so the entire 75g tank is their home. Almost killed my baby angel and it had to be removed. I have a small BTA, but it's half the size of my female and they pay no attention to it. Larger fish, and for some reason my 1.5" six line, she leaves alone.

North Borders · Aug 7, 2017

My black and white will swim with my tail spot blenny. At feeding time they cruise up and down the tank together with zero aggression.

Tahoe61 · Aug 7, 2017

Time for another tank right!!! It can cycle while they are in QT. Just remember the little cuties will grow up and be not so cute mean adults.

North Borders · Aug 7, 2017

Tahoe61 said:
Time for another tank right!!! It can cycle while they are in QT. Just remember the little cuties will grow up and be not so cute mean adults.

My girlfriend would leave me hahaha. I already have my reef + 3 small betta tanks.