Fish Question

[Cscultho]

As my RSR 250 (55g) tank approaches the end of its cycle Im thinking about how to add fish. I want to add (2) black and white ocellairs clownfish and (1) snowflake clown. Is it to much to add all three at the same time or should i stagger them.

Is it ok to add the (2) black and white clowns first and then the snowflake at a later date or will there be a territorial problem?

 

[wkscott]

Adding all 3 at the same time probably won't be too much strain on your biological filtration, however, three's a crowd when it comes to most clown species. Two may pair up and then harass the third wheel to death. In nature this doesn't happen often as there are so many of them that there is a long pecking order chain.
If you do try to do this, get 3 juveniles, all about the same size and introduce them to the tank at the same time. Even captive bred clownfish can come in with some nasty ailments, so quarantine is recommended.

 

[Cscultho]

That's what i was afraid of. Would it make a difference if the (2) black and whites were smaller than the snowflake or doesnt it matter?

 

[wkscott]

That's what i was afraid of. Would it make a difference if the (2) black and whites were smaller than the snowflake or doesnt it matter?

They don't grow at exactly the same rate. The smallest one will most likely be bullied.

 

[Maritimer]

Black & whites and snowflakes are all Amphiprion ocellaris. Unlike humans, they don't really seem to notice or care what color another ocellaris clown is and pick on it because of that. Whichever one of the three grows the fastest will become your female. Whichever one she likes best / grows next-fastest will become your breeding male. Between the two of them, they may choose to tolerate the third, or make his life miserable.

~Bruce

 

[4FordFamily]

Black & whites and snowflakes are all Amphiprion ocellaris. Unlike humans, they don't really seem to notice or care what color another ocellaris clown is and pick on it because of that. Whichever one of the three grows the fastest will become your female. Whichever one she likes best / grows next-fastest will become your breeding male. Between the two of them, they may choose to tolerate the third, or make his life miserable.

~Bruce

100% true as stated. Chances are the third unchosen male will perish, unfortunately.