LFS selling massive clowns

Anthony Cusumano · Oct 28, 2019

went to a lfs today to get my first fish. Didn’t have much of a selection but what they did have was about 20+ giant clowns in little cubicles. I’m talking 8 inch ful grown clowns (tomato and maroon).

I can understand if there was one from a fellow reefers tank that outgrown it but over 20? Those big old clowns should be left in the ocean. And I being too sensitive?

John Robbins · Oct 28, 2019

Anthony Cusumano said:
went to a lfs today to get my first fish. Didn’t have much of a selection but what they did have was about 20+ giant clowns in little cubicles. I’m talking 8 inch ful grown clowns (tomato and maroon).

I can understand if there was one from a fellow reefers tank that outgrown it but over 20? Those big old clowns should be left in the ocean. And I being too sensitive?

I cant speak about those specific fish you saw, but it is very common for clownfish to be captive bred nowadays so there is a pretty good chance those were not from the wild.

Halal Hotdog · Oct 28, 2019

Why no pictures??? Most likely they were captive bred, but I am not a fan of those small holding tanks. Of all the fish we keep, I feel most comfortable with clownfish being in aquariums. Mine have never completely explored my 6' tank, which makes me feel like I've provided an adequate home.

Anthony Cusumano · Oct 28, 2019

I actually was going to ask why they have them but I ended up leaving. I guess if they are captive bred it’s less of a big deal. I just don’t see a market for fully grown clowns.