New Clownfish added to Tank Help

Alex d · Jul 21, 2018

Hi guys,

I just added a pair of Percula Clowns to my tank about a day ago, this is a new tank all cycled ect. I was a little concerned because they seem to stick to the glass a lot and haven’t eating much, if not at all. I bought them two types of frozen food (see pictures) and break up the pieces into small amounts. They also seem to be getting along well but I have seen them fighting once. Any info is greatly appreciated this is my first pair of clowns.

Thanks, Alex

Alex d · Jul 21, 2018

Hi guys,

I just added a pair of Percula Clowns to my tank about a day ago, this is a new tank all cycled ect. I was a little concerned because they seem to stick to the glass a lot and haven’t eating much, if not at all. I bought them two types of frozen food (see pictures) and break up the pieces into small amounts. They also seem to be getting along well but I have seen them fighting once. Any info is greatly appreciated this is my first pair of clowns.

Thanks, Alex

Retro Reefer · Jul 21, 2018

It’s normal for them to sometimes stay in corners of tank and act strange when first introduced however they should be eating.. try frozen brine shrimp, mysis and flake, my clowns don’t seem to like either of those two foods your showing also if the clowns are not a bonded pair they may not coexist in the same tank so be ready to move one out of tank if needed.

EmdeReef · Jul 21, 2018

Give them a couple days to settle in. Some "fights" are normal until they establish their pecking order. Clowns find a spot in the tank and usually stick to it 80-90% of the time. It may take them a bit to feel comfortable to move about for feeding.
Do you thaw the food first? You can also add some selcon or garlic liquid to the mix to entice them, also may want to try dry food.

Lhall9187 · Jul 21, 2018

Hi Alex! Im also new to the hobby (about 3 months in) i also started with a pair of clowns, mine have stuck near the glass since day one, im thinking its a safety thing since they are not great swimmers, also as far as fighting they both start off as males and they decide who is more dominant, then the dominant one will become the female and become bigger, as long as they arent being injured from it they should be fine. I feed mine brine shrimp and mysis shrimp once per day and they love it, if you're still having trouble getting them to eat you could try calling the place you got them from and ask what they were feeding them, maybe its as simple as weening them onto a new food?

vetteguy53081 · Jul 21, 2018

It is squabbling, not aggression which is common with clowns. They also adjust slower than other fish but should be eating and/or showing interest in food by day 3. Clowns do best in tanks that contain mushrooms, anemone and even hammer which they can nestle/bed in

MTBake · Jul 21, 2018

Give them time to settle in.

My clowns also avoid the foods you posted. Rod's Food is good stuff. Mysis shrimp, Prime Reef flakes, and Omega One small pellets are good to have around as well.

Retro Reefer · Jul 21, 2018

Just remember establishing a pecking order and squabbling can lead to all out aggression and the death of one of your clowns, not saying it’s going to happen but it can so have a plan to remove one if needed.. seen it happen many times

davocean · Jul 21, 2018

For some reason clowns in particular quite often don't eat first couple/few days, often explore tank at first, find a spot they like, then start eating.
I see this posted all the time w/ clowns

vetteguy53081 · Jul 21, 2018

MTBake said:
Give them time to settle in.

My clowns also avoid the foods you posted. Rod's Food is good stuff. Mysis shrimp, Prime Reef flakes, and Omega One small pellets are good to have around as well.

natural food enticer is live or frozen brine shrimp and then Mysis, Larrys(LRS) and flake

MTBake · Jul 21, 2018

vetteguy53081 said:
natural food enticer is live or frozen brine shrimp and then Mysis, Larrys(LRS) and flake

Really not sure how brine shrimp is a natural 'food enticer'. It's not even found where clownfish live in the wild and definitely not a choice among the breeders as well.

However, I do agree with all the other foods you mentioned. Really wish I could find Larry's foods near me. Rod's been making his foods longer anyway. And, he's the person that brought onyx clowns into the hobby

vetteguy53081 · Jul 21, 2018

Don't mean natural as in their wild habitat, but rather industry natural. . . . . or in better words Normal
AFTER 30+ YEARS OF SALTWATER.... Brine shrimp although low in nutrition has been a leader from the 8o's in getting finicky and New fish to eat or at least show interest in feeding.