A closer look at toadstool mushroom

[flintech]

Honestly, I highly doubt it, a toadstool mushroom isn't exactly a suitable host for a clownfish.

[zenoxa]

While it's not common, clownfish can occasionally be found hosting in toadstool mushrooms. The toadstool itself may experience stress as a result, and research suggests that clowns that don't host in anemones or choose not to host at all may be more susceptible to disease. In my experience, this holds true.

I'm curious, what species of clownfish do you have?

[flintech]

I've got 2 percs at home. I was at the LFS the other day and saw this clown that seemed to be hosting a toadstool, but it was weird 'cause it was always around it, never really in it. I dunno, just seemed odd, so I figured I'd ask.

[zenoxa]

It's worth a shot, might be interesting to see if they'll take to it.

[flintech]

Got my clown home, looks awesome, but as soon as I got him in the tank, his tentacles shrunk right up. Pretty sure this is normal, new tank and all, just wanna make sure everything's good... they're starting to come out a bit now, little by little.

[ironclad9]

I had a similar experience with my toadstool - it was a bit of a drama queen when I first introduced it to the tank. Took a few days for the polyps to fully extend, but after that, it was good to go.

One thing I've noticed is that it retracts its polyps for a bit every day, usually after the cleaner shrimp has had its way with it or when the lighting changes from moon/actinic to halide. It's pretty predictable, but I guess it's just the toadstool's way of dealing with stress.

Despite the initial drama, I've found toadstools to be pretty hardy overall. And don't be too surprised if your clowns don't end up hosting - it's not the end of the world, and they'll still thrive.