Marron clownfish as first fish?

[Hectaka]

My tank is finally ready for fish and I'm looking at a pair of Marron Lightning Clownfish. I'm a little concerned about their aggression levels as the first fish in the tank. What are your opinions on using Marrons as first fish? I have a 150g tank and you can see my current aquascape in this picture.

 

[Azedenkae]

Realistically, keeping maroon clownfish won't be much different from any other clownfish. Even the more 'placid' species can still result in extreme aggression between individuals.

Only concern is that they can be aggressive to other fish. But I don't think that is what you are asking?

So imo go for it.

 

[Hectaka]

I am concerned about aggression towards other fish in the future. Obviously they will be the only fish at first but with a 150 gallon tank I do plan on having other fish eventually.

I know each fish is different and the possible issues of aggression within a pair. I'm trying to pay attention to adding fish in a proper order though.

 

[Azedenkae]

I am concerned about aggression towards other fish in the future. Obviously they will be the only fish at first but with a 150 gallon tank I do plan on having other fish eventually.

I know each fish is different and the possible issues of aggression within a pair. I'm trying to pay attention to adding fish in a proper order though.

Oh gotcha.

My experience then has been, it matters not when maroons or other similarly aggressive clownfish are added. Whether soon or later, if they want to be aggressive they would be. It is a risk regardless. Some people manage to keep maroons with other fish, others can't.

 

[jeffchapok]

I got a pair as my first 2 fish 3 years ago. They don't bother any other fish at all.

 

[Dom]

Realistically, keeping maroon clownfish won't be much different from any other clownfish.

I agree, any clownfish would be an easy first fish, and quite comfortable in a tank that size.

My only concern is that clownfish can be extremely territorial and I would be aggressive toward any other fish you add after it.

 

[Spieg]

I'd probably get the less aggressive fish first.

 

[kdx7214]

In my experience, clownfish can become really territorial and will very aggressively defend said territory. They might be okay when they're small, but as they change to male and finally female, they get mean. I had a black percula that would take hunks out of my hand when I cleaned the tank. Just be aware of that and plan accordingly. Otherwise, clowns are very hardy fish.

 

[Hectaka]

Ok, it sounds like since I'm looking at a possibly slightly more aggressive type of clown that they should wait until later. Originally I wanted to start with 2 Banggai Cardinalfish but I've been having a difficult time finding them. What are some other suggestions of good first fish that are peaceful so future additions don't get bullied as much?

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Maroons can get a bit large if you keep them long term, and a bit territorial if they pair and spawn. You have the real estate for them, but I wouldn't start with them.

 

[Unitylover]

Ok, it sounds like since I'm looking at a possibly slightly more aggressive type of clown that they should wait until later. Originally I wanted to start with 2 Banggai Cardinalfish but I've been having a difficult time finding them. What are some other suggestions of good first fish that are peaceful so future additions don't get bullied as much?

You should get a mandarin fish, they are strikingly beautiful, and are peaceful.

 

[Hectaka]

You should get a mandarin fish, they are strikingly beautiful, and are peaceful.

I would love a mandarin and definitely want one eventually but my tank just finished cycling and I've read that a tank needs to mature and build up a population of pods before one should be considered.

 

[Unitylover]

I would love a mandarin and definitely want one eventually but my tank just finished cycling and I've read that a tank needs to mature and build up a population of pods before one should be considered.

good point, I agree.
I didnt know that your tank was that new, i was thinking a bit older.

 

[Largeangels]

Think of what your long term goal for fish is. Then start with smallest and least aggressive. If you put in the maroons first just have a backup plan to remove them temporarily if they get aggressive towards the other fish. IME maroons are slow growing, but can get very aggressive and will get large. My biggest is a +5" 20 year old GSM female. She can hold her own with a clown tang and hates emperors.

I suggest use of QT of all fish going in there.

 

[Hectaka]

Think of what your long term goal for fish is. Then start with smallest and least aggressive. If you put in the maroons first just have a backup plan to remove them temporarily if they get aggressive towards the other fish. IME maroons are slow growing, but can get very aggressive and will get large. My biggest is a +5" 20 year old GSM female. She can hold her own with a clown tang and hates emperors.

I suggest use of QT of all fish going in there.

Thanks for the tips. I think as much as I want the lightning clowns, I've learned they aren't a good choice to put in first so I will probably go with some kind of different patterned occellaris clown instead.

I do have a 20g tank setup right next to my main tank to use as a QT but I'm still leaning heavily towards paying the premium to get prequarantined fish from one of the online stores that offer that.

 

[dedragon]

for a clownfish pair, you wont need to get them fully qt'd. Buys straight from biota or ORA or buy straight out of the shipment bag from the LFS when they get in aquacultured fish. These fish will be 99.99% protected from pests as if they had a higher percentage of disease their whole facility would be in jeopardy

 

[dedragon]

If this is a 6 foot 150 you could probably get away with 2 pairs of clownfish anyway as long as they establish on opposite ends of the tank. An anemones on the left side and one the right end would allow you to do that pretty easily

 

[Hectaka]

for a clownfish pair, you wont need to get them fully qt'd. Buys straight from biota or ORA or buy straight out of the shipment bag from the LFS when they get in aquacultured fish. These fish will be 99.99% protected from pests as if they had a higher percentage of disease their whole facility would be in jeopardy

I have been looking at ORA and Diver's Den on LA, as well as TSM and Dr Reefs. My local store is terrible and I don't even trust them to order me anything. The last time I was there he tried to convince me that using tap water is better since RO/DI takes out all the minerals. I tried to explain the salt mix adds back in the necessary minerals but he wasn't listening.

If this is a 6 foot 150 you could probably get away with 2 pairs of clownfish anyway as long as they establish on opposite ends of the tank. An anemones on the left side and one the right end would allow you to do that pretty easily

I have an SCA150 which is 5x2x2. While I do like clowns they aren't my favorite so I only plan to get 1 pair.

Thanks for the information. I'm still learning a lot at each step of this process. Coming from freshwater when I was younger and just threw in whatever looked the coolest there is a lot for me to learn still.

 

[Zoa_Fanatic]

I have been looking at ORA and Diver's Den on LA, as well as TSM and Dr Reefs. My local store is terrible and I don't even trust them to order me anything. The last time I was there he tried to convince me that using tap water is better since RO/DI takes out all the minerals. I tried to explain the salt mix adds back in the necessary minerals but he wasn't listening.


I have an SCA150 which is 5x2x2. While I do like clowns they aren't my favorite so I only plan to get 1 pair.

Thanks for the information. I'm still learning a lot at each step of this process. Coming from freshwater when I was younger and just threw in whatever looked the coolest there is a lot for me to learn still.

Maroons can get huge for clownfish and will take over a significant portion of the tank as their territory. A friend has a similar tank to yours and can’t keep any coral at sand level or a few inches higher since his big female maroon kicks up so much sand. She also runs off his puffers and trigger fish claiming the whole left half of the tank as her own. My dad used to have one as big as bluegill in a biocube. Made cleaning the tank terrible since she liked to bite. I personally prefer Ocellaris clowns. Smaller and goofier.

 

[Hectaka]

Maroons can get huge for clownfish and will take over a significant portion of the tank as their territory. A friend has a similar tank to yours and can’t keep any coral at sand level or a few inches higher since his big female maroon kicks up so much sand. She also runs off his puffers and trigger fish claiming the whole left half of the tank as her own. My dad used to have one as big as bluegill in a biocube. Made cleaning the tank terrible since she liked to bite. I personally prefer Ocellaris clowns. Smaller and goofier.

I'm realizing that now. I'd heard that clowns can be territorial but hadn't noticed the size difference in maroons which is listed at double ocellaris.