How many Clownfish can I keep?

[ReeferGuyAlexK]

Hey guys! I'm new to reef keeping so need some help and advice. I've read on the Internet that a person can't keep more than 2 clownfish per aquarium, is this true? My tank is 120L/32 gallons. My one LFS said I can keep more than 2 as long as its even numbers. They said i can keep 4 clownfish. Is this true and if so, should it be same species etc

Thanks guys

 

[DRW0212]

In a 32 I’d stick with only one pair but if you wanted to try out two pairs I’d do the same species and add them all at the same time.

 

[TriggersAmuck]

With a tank that size I second Dr.W's recommendation. It is often hard enough getting two clowns to play nicely, yet alone a harem or multiple pairs! And be aware that some species are more aggressive/difficult than others. Maroons and Tomatoes can be much more difficult.

 

[ReeferGuyAlexK]

Awesome thanks. I got the normal Ocellaris clownfish,was thinking of getting a pair of the black variant. But i think I'll just stick to one pair to play it safe

 

[Phycodurus]

in that set-up, you’ll have the best success with a single pair ... if you had gone the two pair route, the dominant female from the first pair would likely take out the “intruders” -or- one fish from each set might form a new pair and then take out the other two.

harems are possible but you’ll have the best success starting with all juveniles from the same clutch.

 

[Stuartmercer]

If you want to do a herem, you cannot buy multiple pairs and put them together in a 32. What you can do is purchase baby clowns that are not female yet and put them together so they can make their own clown hierarchy.

 

[jamie1210]

If you want a peaceful tank, I wouldn't advise a Harem in a 32 gallon (practically a nano!). 4 clowns may work out for about a year, but when they start pairing up, there's going to be a lot aggression If you want to experiment, just be prepared that you likely won't be able to keep all 4 longterm. A single pair would be perfect.

 

[ReeferGuyAlexK]

in that set-up, you’ll have the best success with a single pair ... if you had gone the two pair route, the dominant female from the first pair would likely take out the “intruders” -or- one fish from each set might form a new pair and then take out the other two.

harems are possible but you’ll have the best success starting with all juveniles from the same clutch.

Okay thank you. Yea I'll just stick to a pair. They also very small so super cute
Thanks for the help guys appreciate it!

 

[Ribo15]

I have 4 in a 240 and it was a mistake. They all co-habit but they constantly chase and nip and the smallest male rarely comes out of hiding except to catch some food floating by

 

[James M]

@vetteguy53081 has kept more than 2 in smaller tanks. Hopefully he can give you advice

 

[Michael Gray]

I think only way it would work is babies from the same fry.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Best to either:
Put in at the same time
OR
IF ADDING, add larger ones and introduce under low light

 

[ReeferGuyAlexK]

Thank you everyone for the replies and help. I think im just sticking to one pair. Dont want any troubles!!

 

[...]

Ocellaris are awesome, they are fun and full of personality! I have a ocellaris and a perc and they are awesome and cute!

 

[GReef]

I am keeping 6 in 66g tank but all of them from the same fry. They are playing nicely in the same BTA.

 

[marine99702]

Best to either:
Put in at the same time
OR
IF ADDING, add larger ones and introduce under low light

So if I added a larger clown to the clown pair I have it would work out under low light

 

[vetteguy53081]

So if I added a larger clown to the clown pair I have it would work out under low light

Typically it would but will also depend on how territorial the existing clowns have become

 

[marine99702]

Typically it would but will also depend on how territorial the existing clowns have become

Good to know, my percula I have currently does still nip at my ocerilas from time to time but they swim at night together. I wanted to add another ocerilas or percula.

 

[marine99702]

Good to know, my percula I have currently does still nip at my ocerilas from time to time but they swim at night together. I wanted to add another ocerilas or percula.

Was thinking of getting another rbt anemone (already have one) for them to hide in incase of to much aggression.

 

[sc50964]

Tanks that have long term success with many pairs of clowns usually are nem tanks as well.