FAQs about the Clownfishes & Anemones 1 Related FAQs: Clownfish/Anemones 2, Clownfish/Anemones 3, Clownfish/Anemones 4, Clownfish/Hosts 5, Clownfish/Hosts 6, Clownfish/Hosts 7, & Clownfishes in General, Clownfish Identification, Clownfish Selection, Clownfish Compatibility, Clownfish Behavior, Clownfish Systems, Clownfish Feeding, Clownfish Diseases,  Brooklynellosis, Breeding Clowns,  Related Articles: Clownfishes, Clownfish & Anemone Compatibility By James Gasta, Maroon Clowns, Anemones,  Amphiprion leucokranos in a  Heteractis crispa at the Birch Aquarium, San Diego, Calif.

Hi Bob, I was wondering if I could pick your brains about my latest project. I am looking to upgrade from my Nano Cube to something slightly larger but am fully doing my research before hand as what I'm hoping to create is a type of system that I haven't seen very often, but I know will look amazing! A Clownfish and Anemone Reef. So in an approximately 350 -- 400 litre tank, I want to keep Clowns only with different anemone's for them to live in. I have seen these before in a few books but I found it difficult to find out any more information about whether I could have a wide variety of Clowns and Anemone's or is it best to stick to one particular species to avoid bullying and fighting. Also with several Anemones in one tank how likely is it that any corals will survive in the same aquarium? Are there any in particular that I should avoid? Thanks Richard Brown  Hello Richard'¦ and fine to pick what little grey matter I've remaining'¦ And kudos to you for doing your look-seeing ahead of jumping into your new system. Clownfish with their symbiotic anemones are always a big hit with aquarists and non (or not yet!) aquarists alike. There are some real issues with trying to mix different species of both though. Basically, there are very real incompatibilities between/amongst these animals. One can observe that in the wild it is rare to find different Clown species in close proximity, and generally this is so with Anemones as well'¦ but not always'¦ Requiring that an earnest aquarist have a HUGE volume for keeping these mixed as species, together.             However, as mentioned, there is a rather tried and true means of trying to introduce more than one Anemone species in the same system'¦ By carefully mixing some water twixt two separated systems for a few to several weeks, they can often be 'desensitized' to outright chemical and physical warring with each other. What this involves is removing a cup or two of water from each ones tank, and placing it in t'other'¦ every day. With keen observation, you'll be able to see the anemones reacting to the chemical 'smell' of the other'¦ and in weeks time, when there is no discernible reaction'¦ it is time to try them together. Depending on the species (some live on rock, others in sand to muck), they should be placed well-apart (as far apart as possible actually)'¦ and then still carefully observed.             Mixing Clownfishes by species rarely works out in such small volumes'¦ but you might have some success starting with small, captive produced individuals (these may not 'take' to your anemones'¦ ever) and raising them up together.             So, to reiterate'¦ and give direction of sorts'¦ I'd suggest you stick with one species of Anemone and one species of Clownfish'¦ The best of the former would be a tank 'bred' (asexually reproduced) Bubbletip/Entacmaea quadricolor (that may well in time frag itself'¦) and a group of the same species of tank-bred Clown'¦ This combination is the most likely to yield success.

Hi Bob, I recently bought an aquarium and put marine fish in. However I particularly wanted a pair of Clown fish coupled with an anemone. I managed to buy two baby Clown fish and a Molu anemone <Malu... Heteractis malu>  despite being told that he chances the Clown fish going to live in the anemone were minimal. The reason being I was told by marine specialists that Clown fish are tank bred in this country as with others that they are not aware that they should live in one and therefore wouldn't recognise that this is where they should live in the tank with the anemone once we placed them together. You can imagine my disappointment so I started to make enquiries as to what methods have been tried to pair Clown fish with an anemone. Again I was faced with more disappointment as I was told that there was no success. So after a long hard think I decided to  invent my own method, such was the importance of it working. My method is very simple and was greeted by wide eyed smiles when I told my local suppliers in Mortlake about my method. My method is as follows: After buying two clown fish and one Molu anemone, took them home and set the lighting a little darker in the tank for the sake of the anemone. I then placed the anemone in a clear plastic fish trap along with the Clown fish. Closed the trap door and placed it at the bottom of the tank and left it there for three hours. When I released the Clown fish and anemone, the Clown fish ventured around the tank and the anemone settled in it's desired area at the bottom of the tank. At first I was worried that my method hadn't worked but to my delight, that evening the Clown fish had gone to the anemone. The Clown fish have continued to live in the anemone and seem very happy. Look forward to your response. Regards Will Smith   Mmm, I count you as "lucky" here Will... In many such trials, I would expect the Clownfish to be consumed by its erstwhile Anemone host... There are other techniques for introducing, generating this intended relationship, but the very best by far is to simply be patient, feed the Clowns near the host Anemone, and let time tell. As you truthfully state, tank-bred/reared clowns often don't "recognize" symbiotic Actinarians as such, and it should be mentioned that not only do various Clown species form mutualistic relations with Anemone species they are not found with in the wild (including Condylactis of the tropical West Atlantic where no Amphiprionines are found), they are indeed always found in such relationships in the wild, and not necessarily in captivity.      Lastly I'd like to mention the better choice of Anemone species for Clowns... the Bubble tip, Entacmaea quadricolor is by far the best for hardiness, acceptance, overall suitability for aquarium use, particularly those that are available as captive-produced clones from fission. Secondly, I'd rank the Sebae or Leather Anemone, Heteractis crispa... And STRONGLY encourage all who are earnestly interested in keeping these stinging celled animals to thoroughly study up on their needs and importantly, their selection. These organisms are actually not easily kept, and their removal from the wild is of substantial import... Bob Fenner

Maroon Clownfish/Behavior  - 07/30/06 Hello! <Joe> I just recently bought a young Maroon Clownfish from a local pet shop. Ever since I bought the little guy he only swims at the top of the tank. The only time he will venture any further down from the top is when I feed him, and even then it seems like it's afraid to go too far. I have a small tank, the only other living things in there are a Bubble Tip Anemone (Which I had for almost a month now and seems to be thriving) <Small tanks aren't suitable for anemones.> and 2 turbo snails. I have plenty of live rock and live sand. I heard that sometimes the tank may be too bare, so 3 days ago I went out and got 2 plastic plants and another small sculpture for the bottom of the tank. this did nothing as the clown still stays at the top. I can't figure out whats wrong, please help! <Not uncommon behavior for newly introduced clownfish.  Give it some time.  Live rock would be more suitable than plastic plants and ornaments.  It gives you a means of making caves/grottos, a good denitrification source, and adds to the feeling of security for the fish.  Here is a link to an article on Maroon Clowns.  You may also want to read the above links on the article page.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maroonclnart.htm James (Salty Dog)>

Galaxea coral My mated pair of true percula clownfish are just starting to go in what they think is an anemone but it is a Galaxea.  It closes up but now the clownfish got the Galaxea used to it.  Yesterday I bought a Sebae anemone, a farm raised one (they have a better chance of living longer) and I don't think the clowns are going to go in it but the male doesn't go in the Galaxea with the female but the female tries to push it in.  Will the male go in the Sebae anemone if is doesn't go in the Galaxea with the other clownfish? <Sometimes they will split up. But eventually they will go into one or the other as a pair.>  Will the female clownfish go with the male if he goes in the real anemone? <Eventually, they will pair up and find a suitable home for the both of them.  Hopefully, it will be the anemone.  MikeB.> Tomato Clown, anemone and Mandarin Fish question Would a Mandarin be eaten by an anemone protected by a Tomato clown? <It is possible.> He is always inside and is very protective of it. In a 72 gallon or a 180 gallon can a Tomato Clown be kept with two baby perculas? <You would have a better shot in the 180, but it is not to be recommended.> He is always inside the anemone. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Carmina Perez <Talk to you later. -Steven Pro>

Clownfish Hosting Bob, <<Actually, JasonC... how are you?>> I currently have a 50-gal tank with 2 tank raised perc clownfish, bicolour blenny, some snails etc. and some xenia and a Caulastrea (trumpet) coral. The Perc's have been in the tank for app. 5 mos. now and I think they have just decided on the male/female thing (one is now slightly larger than the other). <<Ok.>> Well this is all fine and dandy, except the male perc (smaller) has suddenly decided that he must host with the trumpet coral. Had tried a "home-made" anemone in the past and neither fish showed much interest and there were no plans in the future for a host anemone for these fish. Just wondering if should try another home-made anemone or is there some other way to discourage this behaviour short of removing one or the other (fish or coral). <<I think it was Steve Pro who mentioned to someone the other day about using a flashlight at night to spot-light the item you want the clown to host in... sort of like lighting the motel light. I've not had any experience with the method, but it certainly sounds like a painless thing to try. Short of that, you may have to remove the trumpet coral to a quarantine tank until both the clowns move to another host.>> Thanks, <<Cheers, J -- >>

Re: Clownfish Hosting Thanks Jason (speed demon :) ) <<My pleasure...>> Can't hurt but to try. <<And you know... I don't even think it will hurt ;-) >> Aven <<Cheers, J -- >>

Tomato Clown Hi guys! This is not really a question. I recently and stupidly bought a Condylactis anemone, Florida pink tipped, and after searching I could not find anything that was listed as a host or at least nothing that I could find at the LFS. <There are no clownfish in the Caribbean, so no natural clownfish host anemones there.> So, I bought a tomato clown and by the grace of god he did it for a month. Now they live together the clown feeds and cleans the anemone. I just thought that it was a really neat thing you might appreciate. Josh <This is an uncommon event. Sometimes the clownfish go for it, other times not. You have a better chance with captive raised clownfish vs. wild caught. Thank for the report. -Steven Pro>

Host for clowns Okay No anemones then .But is there any kind of mushrooms that can host clowns? <None commonly> sorry for asking u a lot Mr. Anthony but as I said its hard to get a good book here. truly sorry. <no worries, my friend. A better solution for you would be a large common mushroom leather coral (Sarcophyton species). These corals are very hardy and tolerant of hosting clownfish and are much hardier than anemones. Really, they are one of the best corals for beginners too. Best regards, Anthony>

clownfish & Condylactis Dear Bob, I noticed that in your article on clownfish, you deem Condylactis anemones unsuitable for clownfish. <Mmm, yes... in so much that these associations too often result in the Clowns being consumed> Well, I have 2 Indonesian two-banded (?- that's what they were called in the shop) clowns who love their three Condylactis and took to them in about 3 days. <Yes, this happens> In return the Condys are hardy, robust and beautiful, as well as cheap and eco-friendly. Keep up the good work anyway! Massimo Redaelli, Brighton UK <Thank you for your input. Will post for others edification. Bob Fenner>

Re: clownfish & Condylactis What an amazingly fast response! By the way my clowns were only about 2cm long (now about 4) and luckily they are doing fine. <Good to hear... they are likely captive-produced (the premier facility for this is Tropic Marine Centre: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AqBizSubWebIndex/tmcpropc.htm and these successively tank bred species have proven to keep the trend of being much hardier... tolerant if you will, of aquarium conditions. Cheers, Bob Fenner> Cheers, M

Maiden's Hair and a diving question.... (Goin' to California with an achin' in my heart) Hello Mr. Fenner,  Phil here, I have a patch of Maiden's Hair in my 12 gallon Eclipse. It's getting bigger everyday. I plan to remove it and cut it down to size today. Its about the size of a baseball, my Tomato Clown seems to think its an anemone.  <Neat> Should I remove most of it or just trim it? <I'd try cutting away about half... see how the Clown does... keep the patch at about what you consider manageable size/shape, attractive> Thanks! BTW I will be in LA area from Aug 15 through Aug. 24. I am a certified open water scuba diver. Could you point out any good diving sites? Thanks again!  <Mmm, well... I'd make it on down to Laguna Beach if you could... Scotchman's Cove... and there's a couple other sites near there (that might be better depending on the day's tides, currents, waves). If you can spare the time to drive up north, there are many fabulous sites (with a 7 mil suit or dry) in and around Monterey... Jade Cove all the way to off of the Aquarium... Do chat this up with the local dive shops, do take care in planning your dive/diving your plan... and DO dive with a local buddy who "knows the terrain". Bob Fenner>

Condylactis host question I have a 37 gallon aquarium that I plan on being a reef tank with maroon clowns being the show fish. Right now my lighting is in order. Showing a lack of patience and a large interest in anemones, I purchased a Condy pink tipped tubes with a white body. Now the question is will any fish host with this anemone? <No natural hosts. Some captive raised clownfish will host in just about anything.> One more side question, what will be my best choice host for the maroon clown? <E. quadricolor. Please read up on anemones and their care. Here are three articles you should read: http://trickstr.tripod.com/survey_r.htm http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen8.html http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/bubbletipanemones.htm Sincerely, Steven Pro>

Clownfish and anemone Hi gang! <cheers!> I am setting up a 55 gallon fish/invert aquarium (with 35 gal. sump - about 15 gal. area separated off as a refugium with lots of Macroalgae in it and the top tank (about 75 lbs. live rock, 5 inch sand bed in both main tank and refugium) - things are going good)  <all sounds like a good start> and so far all I have in it is a cleaner shrimp, a fire (scarlet) shrimp and one Kole tang (who is so happy to have the whole tank to himself I must say). The only additions for the future are some soft corals, maybe a cardinalfish, and definitely last, but not least a Ocellaris Clown and anemone.  <wow... I was excited and with you right up to the part about the anemone. A truly awful choice for a bazillion reasons. Please read through the FAQs on the numerous difficulties with importing, acquiring and acclimating host anemones. Furthermore, they are arguably suffering from collection more than most other reef animals (poor rates of recovery in the wild)... furthermore: A. ocellaris are very difficult to introduce to an anemone (preferring the very difficult to keep Ritteri anemone needing heavy metal halide lighting)... furthermore (!) the clown will fare as well and any anemone will fare better in captivity for never having met... and last but not least: anemones (motile) are a recipe for disaster with corals (sessile). If you must keep anemones and clowns, do so in a species specific tank with no other stinging animals (a halide and some natural sunlight would be nice too)> I was in Octopus' Garden several months back and saw a little baby ocellaris with a little baby anemone.  <ughh... I wish most dealers were smart enough to sell other hardier inverts that will keep people in the hobby more successfully> Of course, I wasn't ready for them at the time, and am still not, but getting closer, and one question comes to mind,... Do the two grow at the same rate. <anemones are theorized to live for more than 100 years old (possibly well over) and hence the reason for poor rates of propagation and recovery in the wild> It seems like the clownfish may grow faster than his host.  <you are very correct> (The other way around wouldn't matter, but perhaps once the fish got too big and is trying to snuggle up with this little anemone he might not jive with it anymore.) <commonly/eventually kills the undersized anemone (another theory is that small anemones live in crevices in the wild until they are large enough to host> Maybe it doesn't matter, but I was just wondering. <sorry for the soapbox... but I am sure this animal is likely to die if it goes into your mixed reef display> Also, is there a local Marine Aquarium society? (I live in San Diego) <yep... a very nice one that Bob frequents as well: http://sdmas.org/> And one more thing, I have a degree in Biology and am in a job I do not love, so I am thinking of continuing my education in Marine Bio or Oceanography. Are there many jobs out there in that field?  <very competitive and relatively low pay. You must love the science of it and be willing to travel away from family> (Maybe you guys don't really know the answer to that, but might be able to help me with a new job path - I don't have a career, and don't want one, I just want a job I love.) thanks for all the advice, Jana <I wish you the very best along your journey <smile>. Kindly, Anthony>

Re: clownfish and anemone Well, gosh! I will definitely NOT be getting a clown fish and anemone. Rest assured that you talked me out of it.  <heehee... you mean my subtle hint worked <wink>. Indeed, it is one of those very few animals that are inappropriately popular> I might do a species tank in the future though. (Sucks, though because the tank I have does get direct sunlight and does GREAT with temperature and stuff during these hours. I don't have to use my light as much - compact fluorescence (360W)). <alas...yes...it would be great for the anemones, but still a boon for your corals. A species tank for the anemone will serve you much better indeed> So are there any host anemones for clownfish that are not so difficult to keep and that are breed in captivity? I really don't care to have a clownfish without it's host. <hmmm... not with ocellaris. But a brown sebae/malu anemone (never yellow or white... dyed or dieing) or green Long tentacle are reasonably hardy with tomato/cinnamon type clowns... perhaps a sebae/clarkii clown. If you don't mind expensive and incredibly beautiful, a rose bubble tip with a maroon clown (aggressive!) would be striking too! All are reasonably hardy. A brown or green carpet anemone could also fare well but be a little more difficult to get a clownfish for.> Thanks for all the advice, Jana <thanks for caring to know and learn, my friend. kindly, Anthony>

Dropping PH & Send in the Clowns Greetings WWM Crew, <Hello, Steve Pro in this morning.> The sun came out and all the questions dried up! I decided to fill in with my quandary. <Yes, what we all thought originally.> My experience into the hobby started at Christmas last year with a statement that "someday" it would nice to get an aquarium again. Next thing I knew I was hip deep in aquariums (three now - display, small tank I thought would be a QT, and a 20 gal QT). My gift was the display tank listed below with only the Eclipse hood and stand. Little did I realize that my wife's generous gift would turn into such a great experience. Since Christmas my education has been pushed along by three books worth noting: Fenner's The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, Calfo's Book of Coral Propagation (#1152 thanks Anthony), and Wilkerson's Clownfishes. All three books have made an impact for the better on how I maintain my livestock. I only wish that I had read them before making that statement about getting an aquarium someday! I've been a daily reader of WWM since about the 1st of the year - too bad I didn't start in November 2001 tee hee! Would have angled for a much bigger tank! I'm maintaining a 30"x12"x24" glass tank (40 gal) with an 8 gal sump - FOWLR (50lbs of liverock) Filtration: Eclipse 3 hood and Aquaclear aquatics Pro 75 sump minus bioballs plus 5" fine aragonite sand. Pumps: Eclipse 3's 250gph pump and the Mag 7 externally mounted for the sump providing about a 15X turnover/hour. Too much? <No, sounds fine.> Lighting: 2x65 PC (6500K and Actinic) - (upgraded from NO bulbs that were running 14 hours/day) - finally up to 8 hours of the 6500K with zero from the actinic. BTW - it was a huge trick to shoehorn the overflow under the Eclipse hood along with the 2x65 PC - I need to get pictures together. Livestock: Royal Gramma (Grace), Kole Tang (RoscoeP as in RoscoePKoleTang), Coral Banded Shrimp, 3 Peppermint shrimp, some (3-8) blue leg hermit crabs, 3 red leg hermit crabs, and 6-8 zebra hermit crabs, assorted snails (Cerith, turbo, etc) I have a neon goby (G. Oceanops) in QT - started today. Water changes: 8 gal every two weeks (water is dechlorinated, aeration + heat overnight, Instant Ocean added, mixed at least 24 hrs in that order before adding. Substrate: No verbal tongue lashing here please - Its bad: 3" crushed coral. I want to switch to aragonite sand but I'll miss all those cool critters (brittle stars, bristle worms, all sorts of pods) <Not really bad, but can trap a lot of detritus. In your case, the trapping of detritus is fueling the population of critters to eat it. If you keep up with it, regular vacuuming, it can be ok. It is just a lot more work.> Water specs: Ammonia and Nitrite zero, Nitrate 20, SG 1.023, PH 8.1 to 8.3 (morning and just after lights out), Phosphates 0.2, calcium 350, alk 7dkH Problem 1: pH dropping and calcium low. (small patch of Cyano algae everyday disappears by lights out and reappears in the morning) <The Cyano is caused by nutrients. The pH problems are related to your low alkalinity.> My solution so far: Dosing with Seachem's Marine buffer every other week - opposite the water changes along with topping off with Aragamite solution. I've been doing this for six weeks and my PH does not seem to hold well, alk seems on the low side, and calcium seems a little low. <Try Seachem's other product, Reef Builder. It is an alkalinity booster/additive. Also, test your water change water and make sure everything is ideal in that.> I am thinking that replacing the crushed coral substrate with 5" of fine aragonite sand would address this issue along with the nitrates. <Will address several issues. Removing the possibility of trapped debris will help nitrates, phosphates, and Cyano issues.> The process of replacing the substrate seems extremely painful. Any good short-cuts (other than doing it different the first time ;-]) <No real short cuts. It will be labor intensive.> Problem 2: I plan on getting a pair of tank raised A. Percula or A. Ocellaris. I know an anemone is not necessary, however, the sight of the clownfish with an anemone is very cool. Compatibility charts point toward the Ritteri anemone (Heteractis magnifica) for either or the Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa) for the A. Percula only. I'm not through with Wilkerson's book so my decision here may firm up later. Do I have enough lighting? <No> Would another 6500K or 8500K be preferred over the actinic for either anemone? <Keep the actinic and add another two lamps for a total of 4 96 watt PC's.> I would like to add three Chromis (Chromis viridis or C. cyanea) or three Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) to school near the top of the tank. If I still have room (probably not) a coral beauty (Centropyge bispinosus) or Flame Angelfish (C. loricula) would be the final fish. <You have a Kole Tang, a Gramma, and a Neon Goby. To which you will add a pair of clownfish. After that, pick one of the above, three Chromis or Dwarf Angelfish to round out your tank.> Looking forward to your reply. Maybe this week will perk up with a couple dozen messages! Thanks for the help, advice, direction. Kinzie <You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Pictures Steven mentioned over on WWF that he has had clowns hosting in an elegance, any chance of pictures? my internet surfing has turned up nothing so far, but one link that was just to frightening to think about. <You can see a bunch of pictures of my tank on the Pittsburgh Marine Aquarium Society, Inc. webpage. The link is http://www.pmas.org/ Hit "Enter Here" and then look for "Photos of Our Membership". -Steven Pro>

Colt Coral & Skunk Clown Good evening Anthony or Steve! I have a rather large Colt coral that my pink skunk clownfish has suddenly fallen in love with. I've had the coral for 4 or 5 months and the clown never noticed it until recently. Now the clown very rarely leave the coral. For the most part (which amazes me) the coral seem to be fine with this and sometimes it seems to be irritated (closed up on some branches that the clown is loving on). Is this normal <It is normal for clownfish to accept surrogate anemones in home aquaria.> and why all of a sudden did the clown fall in love? <It varies. Sometimes it takes weeks to months for a clownfish to take to a natural host anemone.> He/she is the only clown! Should I move the clown or the coral? <This unnatural behavior may be doing damage to the coral. It will depend on your particular animals, but moving the clownfish maybe in order if the Colt is staying closed for days at a time. -Steven Pro>

Maroon clown and the colt I just want to know why or how. I have a maroon clown in an 150 gal reef tank set up, and I have observed my clown fish getting really friendly with this colt coral, like to the point that he wiggles in it and lays there very happy & comfortable. Is this normal I have never seen such a sight, it is actually really cute in a way, but why does he do that is there a special relationship they have, like with maybe an anemone. I was just curious to find out why cause he seems quite content there. thanks Walter <Walter... there is no specific relationship with Premnas (the maroon clown) and Alcyonium (Colt Coral). The clown is simply using the octocoral for a surrogate host anemone. Clowns commonly do this in captivity. It is irritating and sometimes harmful to the coral especially when they take residence in a large polyped stony coral. Your soft colt coral most likely will be fine. Enjoy. Kindly, Anthony>

Help with clownfish/wrasse Hi Bob, you have been tremendously helpful in the past. Thank you. If you have the time, please see if you can help me with the following questions: My set up: 30 gallons, 45 lbs premium Fiji live rock. Just bought a true Percula and am upgrading to a 92 gallon reef later this year. When I do, I want to add an anemone. Can you recommend a few that are will host the Percula and are relatively easy to find?  <Please read through the many FAQs on Anemone selection, use posted on WWM starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anemones.htm> In the meantime, while I'm in my 30 gallon, a friend suggested to get a pink tip because he has heard of them hosting the odd Percula. Have you ever heard of this? Also, could I add a saddleback clown with a tank (the 92 gallon) that already has a Percula? <I would NOT try this... please study... this is an a possibility fraught with danger> When I go to a reef set up, I know I have to get rid of my (small at the moment) red Coris wrasse. Do I have to get rid of my (also small) golden Coris wrasse too?  <Not likely, this is a Halichoeres chrysus I'll assume> I currently have inverts (cleaner shrimp, assortment of crabs) and plan to add more in the reef set up. Are there any wrasses that are OK with inverts that I could put in a reef tank? Thanks again Bob. <Many. Please read through WetWebMedia.com Bob Fenner>

A sleepless tomato clown Hi, Bob. Happy New Year! <Gung hay fat choy!> I have a tomato clown for almost a week now. He has good appetite and looks very healthy. However, it seems that he never got tired. Each night he just stays at the surface of water after I switch off the light. Can he sleep in this way? <Yes> I have a kind of Heteractis crispa anemone (purple color tip) and the tomato clown seems not very interested in it and always stays away from it. should I try to do anything about it or just take a wait and see approach? Thanks ...Eric <Wait. This may be the Clown's approach. Bob Fenner>

A. frenatus I have a question in regards to how many A. frenatus clown fish I could possibly hope to keep in a 175 gal reef tank. Given that tank has become an ideal E. quadricolor producing tank. <Very nice! Will try to reproduce one of your images to go along with posting this FAQ tomorrow> I try to maintain the number of E. quads between 40 and 50 and sell anything above that number. The fish load on the tank is quite light. only a tang, a single young A. Frenatus and a Chromis damsel fish. The system has approximately 950 watts of VHO which I would assume that if I'm meeting the E. quads needs, I would not have to alter for the A. Frenatus. The system has medium current and is heavily skimmed. It has been up and running for 6 years now, so it's a pretty stable system. The anemones extend on the back side of the rock the length of the system and are now expanding to the front of the system. I am sending a few pics so you will have an idea of the setup and a bit of a view of the anemone volume in the system. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. If in fact A. frenatus is the way to go? Thank you for any ideas. <This species of Clownfish is a definite possibility... I would start with a good batch of very small (to one inch overall length) tank bred/reared individuals... maybe ten, twelve... Please see the following: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anemones.htm for my table on naturally compatible clowns/anemones. If you have the time, could you tell us what you think has lead/leads to your success here with replicating the Bubble Tips? Bob Fenner> James Black

Sorry I sent my question to a link given to me. I just did a search of your site and found your discussion board. I probably should have posted there. Sorry for any inconvenience I have caused. <No worries my friend. Thank you for sharing your input, images. You will see these posted to our daily FAQs tomorrow: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dailyq&a.htm Be chatting. Bob Fenner> James Black

Fish tale Bob, <<Actually, JasonC helping out during the holiday>> I moved my tank this weekend to our new house and it is back up running again. I didn't lose any livestock and everything is well. <<Good stuff - is always a good measure of success in a tank move.>> Interesting story about the move though, I bucketed the bubble-tip anemone under water with the piece of rock it was on and placed it in a twenty gallon trash can about half full of tank water (I didn't want to risk tearing the foot) and then placed a mated pair of false Perc's in the trash can as well. <<ok>> They had already taken to the anemone, even though not natural, but when I was rebucketing the rock/anemone to put in the tank the fish just stayed right on it without even moving. I bucketed both clowns and the anemone/rock together. Interesting how the fish feel so protected by that anemone that they are willing to be moved around and replaced in a new spot but still feel safe. <<Was my response too, these fish obviously feel safer staying put.>> I would like to see this relationship in the wild. <<Learn to dive - I'm doing this myself.>> Anyhow, thanks for your help over the past few weeks regarding this move and my new tank schematic. I hope all is well and you have a Merry Christmas! <<will pass along the good words, and you have a fine, safe holiday too.>> Sincerely, Mike PS: I'm getting 'CMA' for Christmas. <<Cheers, J -- >>

Entacmaea, clown, new tank Hi Bob, <Howdy> I just recently got into the reef tank hobby....my tank just finished cycling and I added my first fish just last week a Maroon Clownfish along with a Entacmaea quadricolor. After, searching the internet for the last 2 months I have learned a lot about this hobby and the mistakes made by many.  <Good idea... no sense "re-inventing broken wheels"> I for one am one of the many that have already made a big mistake purchasing an anemone since I am fairly new at this and I know that anemones should not be kept by beginners. <This is so> Well, I wanted to let you know that your site has eased a lot of my concerns since there is so much information available here! I found this site yesterday and I think it is one of the better informative sites out there on Marine Aquariums.  <Appreciate this. How would you make it better?> You see, after purchasing the Entacmaea I was really worried about its survival since it was doing a whole bunch of things like wandering around, expanding and contracting, and changing colours. I was worried since I did not see that happening at the fish store. Anyway, after reading all the FAQ's about anemones I am more confident about his/her survival since all the questions that I wanted to ask were already asked and answered on your website. <Ah, good> I just wanted to thank you for making the website so that people like me can learn about this wonderful hobby. Also, I am an internet programmer and I think I can help you guys out with this site if you need any....but unfortunately I don't do graphic design so I cant help with the look and feel, but I really think adding a database to the site would make it more scalable since you do have an abundance of information. Regards, Robert Lee <Thank you for your input, involvement. Be chatting. Bob Fenner>

Bubble Coral and Tomato Clowns Hello. I was wondering if you ever heard of a bubble coral hosting a tomato or cinnamon clownfish. <Oh yes! Plerogyra, and many other members of its family... hosting all sorts of species of Clowns> I purchased a bubble coral several months ago (I am 100% certain it is a coral) and my cinnamon clown has taken to it as if it were an anemone. I have anemone in the tank also that I purchased for the clownfish, but he ignores them and remains with the bubble coral... Is this normal? Thanks and great site! Ben Mendez <Thank you, and yes... "normal" for aquarium care. Bob Fenner>

Clown/Anemone interactions Dear Mr. Bob, Just want to know that why does my this Maroon Clown Fish keeps disturbing the Sea Anemones even I switch off the light??? I am worry that my Sea Anemones will die!!!! <Likely not a big bother... a way the Clown communicates with its host> I also found that my Clown Fish like to keep the food there. I know this is the habits of the Clown Fish, the only problem is I am afraid that the food will effect the quality of the water. <Possibly. Take care not to overfeed> Another things that happened is I found that my Sea Anemones sometime becoming big and small and sometime even becoming very. very small just like what had happened this morning. At night I found that the whole thing is covered and the fish is sleeping in it. <Normal> Is this normal to see these things happened. By the way my water is about 1.015. Do you think my Sea Anemones will be OK. <I would not keep anemones that are symbiotic with Clownfishes this low in spg... I would keep it near natural seawater... about 1.025... and raise it back there at no more than a thousandth per day. Bob Fenner> sfo

Anemone/Clown/Anemone Thank you for your previous responses with my inquiries. I have a Sebae Clownfish which has just began hosting a carpet anemone.  <Interesting... and vice versa!> The carpet was put in the tank one week ago. Before my most recent discovery this morning our Domino Damsel would host the carpet though only when the lights were out. This morning before the lights went on I discovered the Sebae Clownfish was hosting the carpet and this behavior has continued throughout the day. When a fish hosts an anemone who benefits by this behavior? <Both, all parties... some get food, other/both protection from predators... even a space for the Clowns to lay their eggs under in seclusion.> I also have a Bubble Tip Anemone which both fish are ignoring. <Yes... please take a read through the "Anemone" sections and FAQs posted on our website: www.WetWebMedia.com and the references in turn listed there... much to learn and share my friend. Bob Fenner> Thanks !!!!!!

Percula Clowns Robert, Quick question, I have had a couple of false Percula clowns for a couple of weeks now and everything was going fine with them. They seemed to be getting along great and were constantly next to one another. So the question, I decided to get a carpet anemone for them. I introduced it to the tank yesterday afternoon and they were instantly interested in it, within 2 hours they were already moving about in it and making their home. This really surprised me since everything I have read said it would take some time for them to "move in".  <Not always, particularly with wild-collected specimens... they are all found in close association with host anemones/actinarians...> Anyway, by last night they had started to get very aggressive with another. I am not sure if they are determining the pecking order or what. The biggest one is about 1.5 inches and the other a hair smaller. I have browsed through the site today but can not find a similar situation. Maybe you could shed some light on this for me. <Likely just as you are surmising, a pecking order of sorts undergoing a more vigorous testing... the larger specimen will continue its disproportionate growth, become the female of this pair... Though the tussle may seem overly-aggressive there is likely little real damage occurring> Thanks, Jason Previously from San Diego, now stuck in the Midwest. <Seek the best quality of life wherever you are my friend. Bob Fenner>

Clownfish Mr. Fenner, Hi I have got a 15g tank set-up with adequate lighting to keep an anemone and I was wondering weather or not I could house an anemone and a pair of clown in this tank I think it would be a fascinating display tank.  <Can be done... but not easy to accomplish in such a small system... the vast majority of "trials" here will/do end in disaster in a few weeks to months...> The tank is filtered by a AC200 and an external canister filter. No protein skimmer in the system as it is a small tank and I don't see the need. <You are wrong here my friend... hook one up, and see, smell the gunk it removes... You will be a believer in this simple tools use> I have kept SW and reef for about 1 year now so I sort of know enough to get me through. <I have tried to maintain systems like this for more than three decades and barely know enough to offer my scant opinions...> Where do you reply by e-mail or FAQ? <Ah, good question. By both.> Thanks a lot Matthew <You are welcome. Bob Fenner>

Calendars, Clown Liaisons Dear Bob, I want to add my thanks for the great photography that graces my computer screen changing monthly. The February high resolution pic is spectacular. Being a diver myself, I know how much equipment, know how and above all patience it must take to make such photographs. <Outstanding. Thank you so much for this... Will send along to my cohort Mike Kaechele here who makes up the Calendars...) Of interest perhaps is that my True Percula Clown has developed an anemone type relationship with the Valenciennea puellaris Goby. He follows the goby around as the goby sifts sand, leans on him, rubs against him and lays on his side and tries to slide under him. The goby pretty much ignores the clown and retreats to one of his caves if he tires of the attention. Ever heard of this before? <Not this species, but plenty of other "strange" associations... a friend who works on the anemones mainly, Dr. Daphne Fautin, told me of the use of attached rubber bands in Petri dishes as "substitutes" that they make ready partnerships with... and have many pix of other stinging-celled match-ups!> By the way this goby eats hair algae off the rocks even though there is plenty of other food for him. <A bonus. Be chatting. Bob Fenner> Howard

Clownfish/Anemone Question Hi Bob, If you get a second, I'd appreciate it if you could answer a question for me regarding clownfish/anemone symbiosis. I was recently given a pretty good sized clownfish which I think is of the species Amphiprion Frenatus. From his size (about 3"), I'm guessing that he's an adult, <And at this size, your frenatus/Tomato Clown is a she... a transformed female> and to my knowledge, he hasn't had a host anemone in the past. What are the chances of this fish adopting a bubble-tip anemone, which I've read is a common host for this type of clown, if I add one to my system? <Pretty good> On a related topic, is there a way to sex this clown? If so, would it be possible to get it to pair up with a member of the opposite sex, or do these guys need to be obtained as pairs? <Best to only try in a very large (seventy five gallons plus) system with lots of decor... starting with no  anemone/host present...> Thanks, Dan <You're welcome. Bob Fenner> Percula Clown One quick question of a Percula Clown, I have one, about 1 1/2 living in the tank with a bubble tip anemone, I want to add another. Percula, how hard is it to do? <How big a tank? If large, not as big a problem (like 75 or more gallons)> the only tank mates other than that is an flower anemone, and a cleaner shrimp... I have been looking into getting maroon clowns, would it be easier to trade him in for credit and do that? <This species can be tough on other fishes, even their own kind if crowded> I would rather not since I raised this dude for awhile now... also, is this clown supposed to be so mean dude? lol if I stick my hand in the tank he attacks pretty ferociously, for being so tiny, he can sting on the top part of your hand <sensitive side> If I get a Clown of the same size should I be ok? Thanks a bundle! <Size of system, personal temperament of this specimen... doesn't sound promising> Tim Geddes <Austin, TX> <Bob Fenner, who has an acquaintance named Jim Geddes here in San Diego> well its a 29 gallon... so I guess I need to trade the little dude in for something else huh?  hey cool about your friend, tell him Tim Geddes from Texas says 'what's up!' Thanks for the help -Tim- <I would trade this fish in... and maybe try two new tank raised individuals at the same time as replacements. And by very strange coincidence, who was at the Monday night run last eve? Jim Geddes' fab daughter who just graduated from Tulane's Medical School... who I haven't seen in... many years. Bob Fenner>

Clown fish & Strange Partnerships I read somewhere (?) on the internet that clown fish will sometimes accept Elegant coral as a host. Did you ever hear of this actually happening? <Yes... and other members of the same family (Caryophylliidae), the Euphyllias, Plerogyra... among other non-actinarian/anemone hosts they associate with in the wild... some pix of this relation to be found under the Clownfishes, Stony Coral families coverage on the site: www.WetWebMedia.com Bob Fenner

Tank raised clowns About a month ago I purchased a couple of tank raised Percula clowns. After spending most of that time in quarantine I added them to my 55 gal. "reef" tank. This tank houses one Percula, supposedly wild caught, a Sailfin tang, a couple of colt corral and a long tentacle anemone. Within two days both new clowns were dead, both found under the anemone in the morning. Neither had been observed near the anemone while the lights were on. Is it possible that this particular anemone is too strong for young tank raised perculas? As I understand it, clowns slowly coat themselves with anemone slime to avoid detection. Is it possible that these fish were killed by the anemone venom? I would appreciate any info you can offer. Thanks. <Sorry to read of your "mysterious" losses... I suspect you are right here in your assessment... You didn't notice (or comment) any aggression from the original clown? This species (Amphiprion Percula) does naturally (as in the wild, growing up there) associate with the Long Tentacle Anemone (Heteractis crispa), though the similar "false" Percula (A. ocellaris) does not... though all this can be considered "academic" as these associations are/can be "weird" in captivity, with Clowns associating or not with natural symbionts or species of anemones from even the Atlantic... And yes to these relationships developing over time through scarce intimate contact...  Cutting to the proverbial chase here: In all likelihood the "something" in your 55's water may have been from your soft corals (does the water, especially when you've been out of the house, smell somewhat of organics? I would/do encourage you to try two things/practices here ahead of introducing any other livestock: One, to keep up whatever your practices of good maintenance (water changes regularly with pre-made synthetic), the periodic use of chemical filtrants (activated carbon likely, in your filter flow path) AND to add some of the 55's water slowly (a cup a day after one week or so of all-new water) to the quarantine set-up... and observe the behavior of the new livestock... to ascertain if some sort of "biochemical" poisoning is/was at play here. Of a certainty, don't give up on captive bred stocks, they are the hardiest, most disease free forms available... And please do read over the sections on Clownfishes, Quarantine, Dips/Baths, Anemones (and the FAQ files for their relationships with Clowns and vice versa...) posted on the www.wetwebmedia.com site. Bob Fenner>

Anemones Clowns, Introductions... Hello Bob. I was browsing the web and came upon this massive page with tonnes and tonnes of posted emails, all it appears directed towards you. I managed to acquire your email address whilst checking out wetwebmedia.com as was written in one of those emails. And now my question :) <Sounds all too familiar... maybe I can send some of these queries to you?> I've got 2 anemone's. A long tentacle (orange base white on top), and a dark orange/brown bulb anemone. I've also got 2 false Percula clowns, and an anemone shrimp. Tank size is 33 gal, with about a lb of live rock for every gal. My question? How do I encourage the clowns to hang out with the anemone?  When I bought the bulb, it had the shrimp and a clown loving it big time, so I bought it with the shrimp but left the clown at the store. Brought the bulb home and neither one of my clowns will touch it. I've had it about 5 days now, and I've had the long tentacle for about 2 weeks. Still no luck. I persuaded the shrimp to leave the bulb, and since it made friends with the long tentacle, the long tentacle seems to be doing better. Regards, James <Hmm, well, you likely know that Amphiprion ocellaris don't naturally "hang out" with these anemone species (Heteractis crispa, Entacmaea quadricolor), and you will know that this means little in captivity (i.e. Clownfishes can/do "learn" to associate with other giant (and not so symbiotic naturally) anemone species... More so if the Clownfish are not captive bred (the wild ones are more likely to resume symbioses)... How long have you had the Clowns? Do you feed any live food? I would try soaking the latter in a vitamin prep. (Pet fish labeled or otherwise) for a few minutes and feeding it in the direction of the anemone... In a few weeks time your Clowns will "get it" and learn that the anemone is "friendly", make it so... or not. Sometimes these relationships work out, other times... In the meanwhile, do read over the enormous wealth of anemone knowledge stored on the Breeder's Registry on the Net. Bob Fenner>

Clown and Anemone I have a 60G reef tank with some mushrooms, toadstool, finger leather, anchor, various polyps, purple tang, 4 Chromis, emerald crab, various hermits, brittle star. I am interested in adding a bubble tip anemone, knowing that it is the most hardy of the anemones. However, I would like to put a pair of true percula's with it. I have read many different things, some say perculas will go with a bubble tip, and some say they won't. I am really not interested in the more delicate anemone's that percula's go with in nature and probably just won't do the anemone/clown thing if you don't think it would work with the bubble and Percula. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks, Steve Romeyn <Hmm, really the only way to "tell" here is by trying. Best to place the anemone first, have it become well-situated, and then the clowns as small individuals... These two can/do form symbiotic relationships in captivity, but this often takes time, especially with tank bred and reared Clownfishes. Do take a read through the many worthwhile anecdotes on the Breeder's Registry re anemone husbandry. Bob Fenner>

Percula Anemone & Thanks I was just wondering which type of anemone is best suited for a Percula clown. Thanks, Mike PS-I love your web-site; thanks for doing this and answering peoples' questions. <You're welcome, and the best for the Percula would be a Stichodactyla gigantea IMO... though this species is found naturally with "Sebae" anemones (Heteractis crispa), which don't have a good survival record... and Heteractis magnifica which are not as suitable or hardy... and this species often can/will adapt/adopt other large actinarians as hosts. Bob Fenner>

New bubble-tip Hi Bob, First of all, I must say thank-you for all of your  wonderful advice and entertainment.  My problem lies with the addition of my new bubble-tip  anemone. I attempted (unsuccessfully) to position the  anemone in between live rock in hopes that it would  remain in one spot, so that it would not hurt my coral.  But instead the anemone fell a short distance to the  substrate of the tank and then attached itself to  underside of the live rock. It has remained in this  position for several days. The location is unhealthy b/c  the anemone receives little if no light. Should I move the anemone myself (if so, what techniques  do you suggest) or will the anemone eventually find a  more suitable location? <Thank you for writing... I would definitely NOT try to move this animal... as you state, it will move itself if/when it is ready to... to a more beneficial spot... as it deems> I also have one other concern: I have a 1 inch maroon  clown in my tank, another recent addition, and a piece of  Goniopora. I have read that clownfish might try to use  the Goniopora as a host-despite the anemone, which could  damage/kill the coral piece. Have I made a serious  blunder. Do I need to remove the fish to save the coral? Thanks so much for all your help. Sincerely, Lucas Swanson >> The maroon going into the Flowerpot Coral (Goniopora) will either be a one way trip for the Clownfish, or a mutual joining... There is almost zero chance/likelihood of the fish hurting the stony coral.  Bob Fenner

Clownfish-host anemone relationships > First of all, thanks for your wisdom and time you spend on this column. It > is an amazing source of help. The clownfish-host anemone relationship > fascinates me. I am in the process of setting up a 50 gallon tank, with > live rock (probably 50lbs), a Berlin hang-on protein skimmer, a spray-bar > connected to a Rio 2500 for circulation behind and through the rock (a sump > is too costly at this time) and a couple of powerheads for main circulation. > First, I have read that many clowns never take to a host-anemone. I was > wondering if you have any suggestions of a clown that is most likely to take > to a bubble-tip anemone. True Perculas are a house-hold favorite, yet they > don't take to many anemones in the wild. My local fish store said they will > take to most anemones as long as they have a mild sting. What is your > opinion? > Second, as for lighting for the tank, what is your suggestion if I intend to > get into corals and anemones in the future. I have heard to shoot for 5 > watts/gallon, but that more is usually better (as the sun is much brighter > than this). Cost is a big issue, what type of lighting system would you > suggest? It seems you usually recommend PC systems for cost and efficiency, > but it is $470 to get 4-96w PC's, whereas you could get a two 175w MH system > for $360. What do you think? > Thanks, > Jonathan Good questions, well thought out and posted... Regarding the 32 or so species of Clownfishes, subfamily Amphiprionae... as you know all are found in close association with one or more of ten Sea Anemones (Order Actinaria) in the wild... And as you probably also are aware, not only am I a big fan of the Bubble tip Anemone (amongst the other nine species) for aquarium use... but it is also the most common species for such symbiotic relationships... Most all (I think only a few clowns are not naturally found in/amongst Entacmaea tentacles) of the more common Clown species offered in the trade will develop this partnership... and I would go "with your first choice" of the true Perculas if they are your faves. The lighting for a fifty gallon size/shape system question: A single MH (of 175W) and one or two regular to boosted output of actinic lighting would be my choice... You don't need "five watts per gallon"... and I can assure you that such "estimates" in the hobby/trade are fallacious on a few counts... most importantly, the "average" amount/quality of illumination AT THE DEPTH of these animals is nowhere near what folks blast them with day in day out from overhead... Do yourself, the animals in your care, in fact most everyone with the exception of the Utility Co. a favor, and go with "just enough, plus a little bit more" intensity lighting as I list... Bob Fenner Anemone Yeah it is me again the anemone guy. Hope I am not being to much of a  pain. I purchased another anemone yesterday. Sorry don't know the scientific  name, neither did the owner of the LFS. He just said that he was from the  pacific. Judging from my invert book, he looks like Heteractis SP.  Anyway, my tomato clown, who is about 4 inches and about 3 years old  nuzzles the anemone so forcefully that he knocks him of the rock and spins  him around on the sand. It seems like the clown won't let him settle. Will  this constant pestering harm the anemone before he gets a chance to settle in  somewhere? Should I remove the clown fish from my tank?  Thanks Again, Mike >> I would remove the Clown for a good week... Hopefully the anemone will become accustomed to your tank... and the Clown will "accept it" on its return... Yes, the Clown is more than capable of destroying the anemone. Bob Fenner, who says, no problem calling on me for help, opinions.

Hi, this is my first time writing to your column. I recently started a 29 gallon marine aquarium after doing a great deal of research and planning. I cycled the tank with live rock from Flying Fish Express, and started off with two tank raised ocellaris clowns. I followed all the steps and gave them freshwater dips and such, and they got along very well, sleeping side by side and staying together, but unfortunately one of them did not survive the acclimation (the other is eating well right now and seems to be healthy). My first question deals with pairing: is it possible to produce a true pair of clownfish once they are almost two inches, or is it highly unlikely that one will switch to a female? And if it is possible, will it be harder now that the surviving clown has established itself alone in the tank? Any other information regarding pairing and breeding would be much appreciated. My second question was about triggers. I really like the look and personality of triggers, but I am planning on introducing a sebae anemone (I assume sebae anemones are the hardiest hosts for ocellaris clowns) eventually for the clowns and maybe some Bisma work rock. I know shrimps and corals are out of the questions, but what other invertebrates will be okay with say a clown or Picasso trigger? Would a snowflake moray be out of the question too with the clowns or some royal grammas? Once again, thank you for any help you can offer me. Sincerely, Bryan Russett>> <<Hey there Bryan, and welcome to the marine hobby. It's very likely that you will have success in adding another ocellaris, and yes, one will almost certainly grow larger and become a/the female. There may be some skirmishing in your twenty nine due to its small volume, but I wouldn't be discouraged from trying. Re the triggers possibilities, actually corals have a better chance than the shrimp and Clownfishes of not being munched. And these two species (indeed all triggerfishes) get too big for your system. I would give you good chances though with the snowflake and royal grammas. If you'd like to read more on all these groups of fishes, I've archived old (geez that sounds bad, let's just say "previously run") articles on a website wetwebmedia.com Bob Fenner

Anemone Clown Relationship This is in response to an answer I was just reading" QUESTION: I just got a Condylactis Anemone <../inverts/anemone/condy.jpg>. Will a Percula clown take this as its host?  Also, I am worried about my Long-Spined Porcupine <../fish/puffers/spiny.htm>. He puffed up a couple times after I put in the Condylactis Anemone. Is this just because he was scared or with they not get along? Also, is the Condylactis Anemone poisonous, and what does it eat?  Bob's Answer: If the Clown goes in, it will <likely> be a one way trip! Condylactis Anemones are from the Atlantic... no Clownfishes found there.  The Puffer is probably acting out but may well eat the Anemone if so inclined.  Condylactis anemones are mildly venomous (never ate one, so I don't know about how poisonous they might be)... but other animals do eat them in the wild.  What do they eat? Most anything meaty. Don't overfeed them; once, twice a week some small bits.  I have a clown fish that readily goes into an Atlantic Anemone. It took him awhile but he's done it with two different species of Atlantic Anemone. Not sure of the scientific name or even the common name of either Anemone or fish. One Anemone was light purple with dark purple tips (passed away after 1 year in captivity) and the other is flat, day glow green with tentacles only around the rim (20 months in captivity so far and thriving). The clown in dark orange with one white strip that goes over his eye. Started with the long tentacle Anemone and after it passed he moved to the green. Just thought I would pass this along as I've heard your answer from numerous every fish stores. Keitt Moore >> Thank you for the input... and do know of other incidents of Atlantic anemone symbioses with Clowns and other animals that they're definitely not found with geographically... As you might surmise, these "responses" are gauged at the "most/more likely" scenarios... and the vast majority of Clowns are consumed in these "meetings"... But do keep track of all these reports (and forward them to friends in the "real world" of actinarian/anemone research... who are always amazed and amused when I relate how many Amphiprionines are found in captivity in close association with one of the ten species of Anemones that they've never been recorded with in the wild... or, like your experience... never even found in the same Ocean with! Thanks again.
Bob Fenner

200 Gallon Move Hi Guys and girls <Two in one day Joe?  Ryan again ;)   > My clown is looking rough. I have a cinnamon clown and have had it for more than a year. He is housed in a 90 gal reef with a Kole and blue tang (moving to a 200 gal soon) a royal gramma, and crabs and shrimp. I added an elegance coral that he calls home right around the time he started looking beat up. He also really digs in to the star polyps growing on  rock too. He also has a couple brown spots along his belly and lower side area. Can the elegance or polyps be stinging him?? <They're stinging him, but they're probably not doing the damage to him. <<<RMF disagrees>> I'd guess it's from scraping rocks, or of a bacterial nature.  If it gets worse, quarantine him and treat him accordingly.> Also, the 200 gal I'm going to be setting up for the 2 tangs, they are about 5" long now. What other types of fish can I put with them?? Id love a Picasso trigger. A clown trigger I would love but I wont for fear of its unpredictableness. A lion is on the list. What else would be safe?? <Triggers truly are at their best when housed alone...I'd pick up a Flame Angel with this setup.  Good luck, Ryan>