Maroon Clown pairing

[Darth_Kirk]

Wanted to add a pair to my FO tank, I’ve had a Maroon, but never a pair. I’m not overly worried about in the display tank as it’s 450 gallons, with plenty of rock work. Just wondering how they will be in a 55 gallon QT together? Was considering either Lightning or Thunder variety, so I don’t want to drop that much money to have them beat each other up.

 

[Peace River]

Wanted to add a pair to my FO tank, I’ve had a Maroon, but never a pair. I’m not overly worried about in the display tank as it’s 450 gallons, with plenty of rock work. Just wondering how they will be in a 55 gallon QT together? Was considering either Lightning or Thunder variety, so I don’t want to drop that much money to have them beat each other up.

In Wilkerson's (1998) classic book "Clownfish: A Guide to Their Captive Care, Breeding & Natural History", she makes the point that unlike other species where you can put two juvenile clowns in a tank and they will figure out their roles, with Maroons this is highly problematic and it is recommended to add a large and small Maroon in order to increase the chances of forming a pair (p. 138). In my experience, I have found this to be true and have followed this guidance. Additionally, in the 55g QT I would suggest that you also consider adding some type of cover or hiding spot for the smaller fish. Sometimes it is enough to add something that will block the view of some parts of the tank. Other times I have added an upside down mesh container where the mesh holes are big enough for the smaller fish to fit through, but small enough that the large fish can't fit. All of that said, clowns are wired for hierarchy and aggression so even with the best plan there is no guarantees. Good luck and keep us updated if you decide together the clownfish!

 

[Bayareareefer18]

I have a lightning and a gold nugget in my 75. They pretty much did their own thing for the first year or so. They now hang out together and are doing a bit of the dance. Got them very small and they were the first to go in.

 

[FlowGod]

I just dropped both my maroon clowns in my 40 gallon and she beat up on him really good for a month I would say but i had spots for him to hide, now they are paired and share all my anemones. Ifs it's a QT DEFINITELY have spots for him to hide or else she will just kill him.

 

[Darth_Kirk]

Thanks for the replies. I definitely know Maroons are unique Clowns, I had one for 6 years back in the early 2000’s, and it was a jerk! Thinking maybe doing them separately now, do the smaller one first, then add a larger one, or maybe the opposite is better.

 

[Darth_Kirk]

I have a lightning and a gold nugget in my 75. They pretty much did their own thing for the first year or so. They now hang out together and are doing a bit of the dance. Got them very small and they were the first to go in.

I like that idea, one of each variety.

 

[Peace River]

Thanks for the replies. I definitely know Maroons are unique Clowns, I had one for 6 years back in the early 2000’s, and it was a jerk! Thinking maybe doing them separately now, do the smaller one first, then add a larger one, or maybe the opposite is better.

I would suggest that you add the larger one first or a large and small one at the same time. Good luck!