Two Ocellaris Clownfish in 20g

[fadijohn]

Hello, I'm new to reefing and I currently have a 20g Red Sea Max Nano with corals and a neon blue goby. I'm looking to add two more fish and was debating on getting two Ocellaris Clownfish (not necessarily a breeding pair - just two juveniles). I've heard as they mature, clownfish get aggressive - is this something I should be concerned about for a 20g tank like mine?

The goby has plenty of dartholes/hiding places, so my concern (I think) would more likely be for the other clownfish and/or the corals.

If you think clownfish wouldn't work in a setup like mine, would a single clownfish be better off in the long haul? Or should I consider other fish(es) all together? Thank you!

 

[Erin O]

I don't think that you'll have a problem adding 2 juvenile ocellaris, but I'm fairly new to the hobby, as well. I'm going to tag a few people who may be able to help you
@fishguy242 @Eagle_Steve @sfin52

 

[Azedenkae]

Hello, I'm new to reefing and I currently have a 20g Red Sea Max Nano with corals and a neon blue goby. I'm looking to add two more fish and was debating on getting two Ocellaris Clownfish (not necessarily a breeding pair - just two juveniles). I've heard as they mature, clownfish get aggressive - is this something I should be concerned about for a 20g tank like mine?

The goby has plenty of dartholes/hiding places, so my concern (I think) would more likely be for the other clownfish and/or the corals.

If you think clownfish wouldn't work in a setup like mine, would a single clownfish be better off in the long haul? Or should I consider other fish(es) all together? Thank you!

Your stocking plan could work, yeah. Clownfish can get pretty aggressive, and whether they try to kill off your goby kind depends on the individual personality of each clownfish. I think I saw in the clown appreciation thread earlier today that one of their clowns decided to take over a whole 210 gallons or something of the sorts, so yeah, if you have a particularly angry clown then not much can be done except getting rid of it or everything else.

Clowns can be aggressive with each other, but that is natural clownfish behavior as they establish hierarchy, and then sometimes when the female tries to subdue the male. This can turn brutal and lead to death, but again, natural clownfish behavior. It would absolutely be harder in a 20 gallons if this happens, but then again, in a large tank a female still may chase a male all over the tank anyways, so not necessarily be anything too different.

 

[Jekyl]

You should be fine. Usually it's the maroons that are really awful.

 

[UkiahTheTurtle]

add them

 

[sfin52]

You'll be fine adding them. Thanks for the tag @Erin O

 

[zalick]

I kept two clowns In a 20 with a few other fish for years. No issues whatsoever. Maroons, Tomato and maybe Clarkii tend to be more aggressive. Percula and ocellaris are peaceful IME.

 

[fadijohn]

Ok great, thank you for all the helpful info everyone!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

And just cause I got tagged and didn’t get here in time lol.

Another you are ok to add those 2 clowns. The neon blue goby are considered cleaners, so typically they are overlooked. Especially by clowns.