Is there safety in numbers?

[Dom]

Several years ago I had a pair of Ocellaris clowns in a 40 Long with another tank mate, a Valentini puffer.

They got along so well at first that one of the clowns swam with puffer instead of the other clown. But then they turned on the puffer and killed him.

Today, those two clowns are the only inhabitants in a newly set up 125 gallon. If I were to add 4 Valentini puffers (after proper quarantine), would I have to worry about aggression by the clowns toward the puffers? Or, will they be kept in check because they are outnumbered?

 

[jabberwock]

Always have to worry about clown aggression.

 

[Dom]

Always have to worry about clown aggression.

This is true.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Several years ago I had a pair of Ocellaris clowns in a 40 Long with another tank mate, a Valentini puffer.

They got along so well at first that one of the clowns swam with puffer instead of the other clown. But then they turned on the puffer and killed him.

Today, those two clowns are the only inhabitants in a newly set up 125 gallon. If I were to add 4 Valentini puffers (after proper quarantine), would I have to worry about aggression by the clowns toward the puffers? Or, will they be kept in check because they are outnumbered?

Clowns can be territorial especially if bonded but I would suggest placing the clowns in an acclimation box for a week or two opposed to 4 puffers in the box allowing them to get acquainted with tank and surroundings

 

[Dom]

Clowns can be territorial especially if bonded but I would suggest placing the clowns in an acclimation box for a week or two opposed to 4 puffers in the box allowing them to get acquainted with tank and surroundings

Getting those guys out of an aquascaped 125 will be a challenge.

 

[nereefpat]

I would think the new 125 gallon would be more than enough room. You did say 'ocellaris' not clarkii.

Can you keep multiples of those dwarf puffers, or will they go after each other?

 

[Dom]

I would think the new 125 gallon would be more than enough room. You did say 'ocellaris' not clarkii.

Can you keep multiples of those dwarf puffers, or will they go after each other?

I don't know. They are very peaceful creatures, so I thought it would be ok.