So, I am migrating my SPS tank to a clownfish set up. I have procured someone to fabricate acrylic tank dividers and I believe I am going to three 12" compartments. I could use some direction, information, nubie tutoring as I am unable to get to an informed decision to ascertain if I should invest in mated pairs or going the route of procuring medium size single clownfish double and FINALLY, are there clownfish breeders that you all have worked with that you would be willing to share. I have heard the horror stories of two single clownfish and the fighting between and I would (at all cost) try to avoid that. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED. jff
Clownfish Mentoring HELP
- Thread starter Jon Fleck
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AnneO
Community Member
I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you going to try and breed clownfish? You could get in touch with these guys I love this video: If you just mean generally, I believe they are all male when young and the more dominant ones in the couple/harem turn into female. I guess maybe fighting occurs if they are older and had already both turned female as I don't think they can turn back...
Jon Fleck
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AnneO -
Thanks for the prompt response.
It is appreciated.
I would LIKE to attempt breeding clownfish.
I am seeing articles where two single young clownfish are purchase however, one will become dominant and aggressive to the point of health degredation to the other.
I am trying to weight the risks of procuring mated pairs or taking the chance of purchasing two singles and hope they bond.
Regards,
jff
AnneO
Community Member
I must admit I haven't heard about that that before.. I can only imagine it's because they can't decide who is dominant, so I would try to get one that is clearly bigger than the other
If your going to attempt to breed clowns I would highly suggest reading this book. It’s a bit old so the stores and some of the references are a bit out of date but the info is rock solid for a hobbyist breeder.
Give them lots of places that they can circle around with good speed.
That way they don't have to confront eachother but can be in chase mode indefinitely.
Try to get a slightly older one to go with a younger one. They don't have to be adults but having two different generations helps them decide which will turn into the female. Imagine if they were two juveniles in nature and found a perfect habitat. The more dominant fish will potentially attempt to drive away competition until it feels more ready to find a mate.
Feeding them more often, can help stop aggressive behaviour, they relax while digesting. While they are younger, feed them many smaller meals, rather than a few big meals. If they feel they have too little food, they might attempt to drive the competition away. So lots of places that they can chase around forever and be ready to stop agression with delicious foods.
That way they don't have to confront eachother but can be in chase mode indefinitely.
Try to get a slightly older one to go with a younger one. They don't have to be adults but having two different generations helps them decide which will turn into the female. Imagine if they were two juveniles in nature and found a perfect habitat. The more dominant fish will potentially attempt to drive away competition until it feels more ready to find a mate.
Feeding them more often, can help stop aggressive behaviour, they relax while digesting. While they are younger, feed them many smaller meals, rather than a few big meals. If they feel they have too little food, they might attempt to drive the competition away. So lots of places that they can chase around forever and be ready to stop agression with delicious foods.
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snowhite
Active Member
Typically getting clownfish to breed isn't a problem. Raising the babies successfully is the challenge.
Snowhite has a point here. If you want to breed your fishes, you should begin to prepare to build a Rotifer culture. I believe most species of clowns are ready to breed when they are two years old but if you don't have rotifers for the clown-larvae, they starve incredibly fast. So getting a rotifer culture up and running will be will be something you want to look into ;Happy
scottedontknow
Well-Known Member
It comes down to money lol. If you want already spawning pairs you’re looking at $800-$1000 for healthy pair (non designer). I’ve always just bought single fish while they were juveniles and raised them together until they started spawning haha. I wouldn’t worry about culturing phytoplankton or rotifers until your fish are actually spawning as they will give you plenty of time to get it set up ( the first few clutches are usually not viable ).
D-Nak
Valuable Member
I completely agree. Spending money on a "proven" pair can be a crap shoot, as shipping and change in environment could cause them to stop breeding indefinitely.
