about the clownfish
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ripple_under - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2022 3:36 am
about the clownfish
Hey guys, I'm cycling a 120gal tank with a 50gal sump, and I've decided on black clownfish. I was wondering how many I can fit in there safely. I've heard some different opinions on this - some say one pair is the max, while others claim two pairs or even a family of five can work. I just wanna get some more input, lol. What's your take on this?
Re: about the clownfish
From my understanding, one clownfish is always a safe bet.
If you're considering two, it's generally okay as long as they're a male and female pair. Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex depending on the presence of a dominant male or female. To minimize potential conflicts, it's best to get a larger one, likely a female, and a smaller one, likely a male, or two immature ones. Keep in mind that a male and female clownfish won't tolerate another of the same sex.
Having a group can work for a while, but eventually, a juvenile may challenge the established male or female, leading to trouble. In the wild, the subordinate fish can swim away, but in a tank, there's nowhere to escape.
If you're considering two, it's generally okay as long as they're a male and female pair. Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex depending on the presence of a dominant male or female. To minimize potential conflicts, it's best to get a larger one, likely a female, and a smaller one, likely a male, or two immature ones. Keep in mind that a male and female clownfish won't tolerate another of the same sex.
Having a group can work for a while, but eventually, a juvenile may challenge the established male or female, leading to trouble. In the wild, the subordinate fish can swim away, but in a tank, there's nowhere to escape.
Re: about the clownfish
I'm running a similar setup and thought I'd share my experience. I've got four clownfish - two black and two false percs. Initially, they all got along just fine for about 20 minutes, then things took a turn for the worse. One of the false percs is currently residing in the sump due to the aggression.
In my 3ft tank, it seems three's a crowd. If you're looking to keep multiple clownfish, I'd suggest arranging your tank with plenty of hiding spots, like co-flakes, where they can host at either end. This might help reduce aggression. From what I've observed, the black and white ones seem more aggressive than the false perculas. So, I'd recommend sticking with just two. I've tried reintroducing the other false perc a few times, but the black and whites actively seek him out and give him a hard time.
In my 3ft tank, it seems three's a crowd. If you're looking to keep multiple clownfish, I'd suggest arranging your tank with plenty of hiding spots, like co-flakes, where they can host at either end. This might help reduce aggression. From what I've observed, the black and white ones seem more aggressive than the false perculas. So, I'd recommend sticking with just two. I've tried reintroducing the other false perc a few times, but the black and whites actively seek him out and give him a hard time.
Re: about the clownfish
In a 120-gallon setup, you might be able to keep a small group of clownfish, but I'd advise against it, especially considering the species-specific aggression. Seven seems like a stretch to me, even with different species, but a small group could work if you're careful.
Re: about the clownfish
I think keeping multiple clownfish pairs or a group in your 120-gallon tank is doable, but the key to their harmonious coexistence lies in how you acquire them. Buy them all from the same dealer, on the same day, and when they're really young juveniles, then let them grow up together in your tank.
Ideally, get ones that are already tankmates in the shop. At that age, they'll all be males since all clownfish start life as males. As they mature, they'll form a hierarchy where the dominant male will grow larger, turn into a female, and pair off with the second most dominant male. The rest will follow in their order of dominance.
This approach can minimize problems since buying mature clownfish can lead to conflicts among them. Dominant ones will harass and even kill weaker competitors while defending their territory. However, once your clownfish are established, it's not recommended to introduce new ones, as they'll get bullied and possibly killed.
Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spaces, like caves or anemones, for any fish that might get picked on or bullied as they try to move up the ranks. This will help reduce stress and aggression within the group.
Ideally, get ones that are already tankmates in the shop. At that age, they'll all be males since all clownfish start life as males. As they mature, they'll form a hierarchy where the dominant male will grow larger, turn into a female, and pair off with the second most dominant male. The rest will follow in their order of dominance.
This approach can minimize problems since buying mature clownfish can lead to conflicts among them. Dominant ones will harass and even kill weaker competitors while defending their territory. However, once your clownfish are established, it's not recommended to introduce new ones, as they'll get bullied and possibly killed.
Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spaces, like caves or anemones, for any fish that might get picked on or bullied as they try to move up the ranks. This will help reduce stress and aggression within the group.
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