2 New Maroon Clown fish, beh.       4/29/13
Hi,
I have just added 2 maroon clowns to my 500ltr. 40kgs of cured live rock, 70ltr sump with skimmer, uv, the tank has been running for  5 weeks and all water test are good, 0ppm Ammonia,0ppm Nitrite, 1ppm nitrate. I have done 1x25ltr water change every week. (no other fish, only CUC)I added them as my first fish today.
They where sold as a pair, 1 is 4x the size of the other and much darker in colour to the smaller 1…
after adding them to the tank the larger 1 has moved to the top Conner of the tank behind a power head and will not move.
I tried to feed them after, the smaller 1 is eating with no problems but the larger 1 is not interested.
As i am new to marines I am worried that there my be a problem, or something I've done wrong.
I spent about 2hrs acclimating them to my tank water and all seemed good during that time, but after adding them I was worried I my have added them to soon.
There was no sign of stress and they both had a swim around there new tank at first.
The smaller 1 will not leave the others side as well, is this normal?
<Not abnormal... Clownfish species do hide, stay about their "hosts" in the wild and captivity... This one will work itself in w/ time. Bob Fenner>
Kind regards
Andy

Maroon clownfish - juvenile likely to be male - destined to stay smaller than average?    6/28/12
Bob, quick update/questions on my attempts to pair my maroon clowns.
<Ok>
No success yet. I have tried many things, and recently/primarily isolation of the smaller clown in the hope that the larger will establish "her" tank nest. With two removals of the isolation barrier to date, "she" is merciless towards "him" (being the younger) and I have had to intervene. I will give it one more go then get rid of one.
<Mmm, I still urge patience>
My planned species list for my FOWLR build is quite a raucous bunch, so my hope is to have a maroon (if not two) that is as large as possible.
<A rogue/single (female) can be more "mean" than a pair>
Since a month has gone by with the two in tank, I am assuming their genders may be closer to "hard-wired".
<Mmm, not so... unless one is advanced (enough) to have become a determinate female (Amphipriones are synchronous protandrous hermaphrodites), the small/ish ones can stay male/s, become females>
 If I decide to keep the small male and get rid of the larger female, am I destined for a smaller maroon clown?
<No; any "one" will "grow up", become a large female>
 I read that males are generally smaller, although can't find out whether males can still grow to a larger (~5-6") size.
<This is decidedly not so>
If he will not likely grow big, then I will get rid of him. I would prefer to keep him, only because the older has much more fin tearing/bruising (as you saw in my prior emails). By the way, I've used isolation from the Eibli who was doing damage, did some large water changes and provided more cover, and it seems good health is returning and the pectoral fin that was heavily damaged is back to partial use.
<Ah good>
Thanks, Dave
<Welcome. Bob>
Re: Maroon clownfish - juvenile likely to be male - destined to stay smaller than average?    6/28/12
Bob, thank you. The large is about 2", small about 1". Not sure if that qualifies the bigger as "advanced" enough to become a determinate female (per your response).
<Mmm, yes... likely a female and male respectively at this stage>
OK, I will be patient! Do you think there is a length of time at which I should give up and decide that pairing will not occur?
<Sure... a couple more months>
I previously read (likely WWM) that it is best to keep the smaller in a transparent-walled specimen container within the tank (as I have done) in between monitored introductions, so the larger can find a tank "nest". Should I try the opposite for a period of time (larger in container)?
<Either one>
They are destined for a 150-200 gallon tank. I wonder if they would coexist as non-paired individuals. Likely not based on your responses in other FAQs?
<Perhaps... sometimes even in very large systems, these fish will seek each other out>
Maybe a "meaner" single female is a better clown candidate for my planned tank. I am planning: 3 engineer gobies, 2 (1?) maroon clown(s), Eibli angel, hippo tang, bicolor goatfish, red Coris wrasse, porcupine puffer.
<Yes, perhaps. B>

Clownfish Swimming, Premnas beh.    2/21/12
Hello crew! Jake here,
<BobF here, doing most all he can to avoid his other work>
I have a quick question!  I just bought a small, about an inch long, Maroon Clownfish from the lfs,
<Mmm, a tank-bred specimen I hope/trust; rather than wild-collected>
he had a fray on each of his front fins because he was being nipped at by a damsel in the tank, but other then that he seemed to be the perfect specimen, he ate at the fish store and was quite active.  After i brought him home he seemed to be crazy exhausted and 'rested' on the sand bed. 
<Not a good sign>
he was sitting up right, still moving his fins around keeping him self righted but sitting on the sand bed.  i figured he was just stressed from the move and was resting ( lights were out as to reduce stress ). So i checked on him periodicity throughout the night and now in the morning with the lights on, he is happily scooting around the tank.
<Oh good>
 My question is about his swimming: he is swimming with his head up and his tail down, like he has a weight on his  back side and is swimming 'up' to stay in the water column.  Is this abnormal, or is it perhaps due to the slight fray in his fins?
<Mmm, can't tell... again... tank-bred are superior. IF this is not the case, this individual might well have been damaged in collection, holding, shipping...>
A speedy reply would be magnificent!  Best regards,
Jake
<And you, Bob Fenner>
Re: Clownfish Swimming... Premnas; using WWM      2/23/12
Hello Bob, just some follow up questions.
<Ok>
Would it be a good idea to move him to a different tank and do a 5 day copper treatment?
<... no; see WWM re Amphiprionines and copper use>
  i have CopperSafe on hand, and some Melafix.  an word on the effectiveness on these? 
<Posted, archived... learn to/use the search tool, indices on WWM>
Also i should mention that the clown seems to eat well: some Cyclop-eeze soaked with Selcon and a few bits of Mysis.  Any other ideas to accelerate his heath? other then good water chemistry and all.
<Read on WWM re Premnas. BobF>

Maroon Clownfish Behavior 11/28/10
Hi, I've had a maroon clownfish (juvenile) for over 3 weeks. At first he swam all over the aquarium but in the past week he has seemed to settle in one spot of aquarium on the substrate between 2 small live rocks. He pretty much lays there even on his side at times and also kinda "fans" the water around in the area. Once I enter the room he's everywhere he associates me with food I guess. He is very aggressive at getting the food so that tends to make me think that's a good sign. I've even handfed him on occasion. He's in the tank by himself other than a small hermit hitchhiker and 4 Nassarius snails. I've read that this could be a common behavior for a non paired clown.
<Can be>
I plan on getting another one (smaller in size) to hopefully start a pair but I wanted to take my time.
<If this system space, shape will allow it, the addition of other fishes should find this Premnas more up and about. Bob Fenner>

My Maroon sleeps on his head! Help! 3/18/10
Hello All,
<Hi>
Can I take this time to applaud all you guys on such a wonderful site. It is so full of knowledge and unmatched by any other site I have found.
<Thanks>
I have a few questions about my tank. I currently have a Nano Cube 12 gal DX. I know that the staff is wary about smaller tanks, but it is the only size tank that would fit in my apartment now - planning on moving in the near future (by the end of this year). With this move, I will upgrade to a 55 gal, and perhaps use this current 12 gal as a fuge, but most likely looking to buy a cheap 20 gal instead to use as a fuge. I am using the time before I move and upgrade to research as much as possible so that I can set up a great system with no mistakes from the start - which is truly a difficult feat. But with enough time and research, and this site of course, I am confident that I can do it! I used to have a fresh water setup years ago that I did hardly any maintenance to. I didn't even know about water changes when I first bought the tank! I don't want to make that mistake again with this tank! So I'm taking my time.
<Good>
Anyways, here is my setup, I will try to be as thorough as possible: I replaced the stock pump with a MJ900, added a Hydor flo, took out two filter sponges (don't want any more detritus buildup and nitrates if possible, still have one in there. Should I remove the last one?),
<Depends if nitrates are becoming a problem.>
took out the ceramic bio-rings, added a small bag of carbon and a small bag of Purigen. I still have about 5 bio balls in the back though, because I only have about 4-5 lbs of live rock. I am planning on adding more ASAP, but I am quite picky about buying the right shape and quality LR. As soon as I add more, I will be removing the bioballs. I also have about 1 inch of live sand. Other than that I have a 50w heater that seems to do a good job keeping my temp around 79. Also, in my quest to keep my water as clean as possible, I have been placing a piece of rectangular cut filter media bag (Boyd's Chemi-bag) between the overflow attachment and the intake grill so that all water gets filtered through it. The holes are extremely small and catches brown gunk daily. I actually clean it out 2 times a day, once when I wake up, and once around dinner time. If I don't clean it out that often, it will start clogging up and cause the water level to be too high and spill over the false wall instead of solely through the overflow attachment. Do you think that this is beneficial ( am I going overboard??!) or should I just let the filter sponge inside catch this stuff.
<If you don't mind the work it should be fine.>
The filter bag is way easier to clean than digging out the sponge and it gives me satisfaction knowing that I'm getting so much gunk out of the tank (can't really see/confirm that I'm actually cleaning out the sponge). However, it is a hassle to be cleaning it twice a day.
<I'm sure.>
Parameters are: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate = 0, pH around 8-8.2 (can't really tell from my API test tubes), temp = 79-81, calcium = around 420, Alk = 8-9 (having trouble keeping it higher than that, I dose with my WC with Seachem's liquid reef carbonate, but would rather rely on WC than dosing with anything). I do a 3-4 gal WC weekly using Instant Ocean with RO water bought from the supermarket. I know that this is a fairly large WC (right?), but am afraid that nutrients will build up without a skimmer. Am I changing too much water?
<Should be fine.>
The tank was fishless cycled for a month, but never showed any huge spikes in ammonia or nitrites, but possibly because I put in live rock that was fully cured and live sand as well. The maroon was added, then 2 weeks later the shrimp and snail. Haven't seen any ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate, testing twice a week or more.
Livestock: a 3/4 inch Gold Strip Maroon, a 1 inch skunk cleaner shrimp, and 1 medium sized turbo snail. I know that the maroon will definitely outgrow this tank, but the 55 gal that I am planning will house him only (and maybe a mate if I can get them to pair later on 'not sure yet haven't researched enough on that yet).
<The sooner the better, it will start to suffer long before it shows behavioral or health issues.>
But for now, it seems like he has plenty of swimming space - much better than the poor fish had in the tiny sectioned off area he was in at the LFS.
<Is temporary at the LFS, not so much in it's new home.>
My Questions: All inhabitants are healthy and very responsive. I feed them once a day, very little- they probably finish within at most 90 seconds or so (both frozen and flake). The shrimp molts around every 2.5-3 weeks. Is this normal?
<If it is young and growing rapidly it is fine.>
I have read that it should be around once a month. Also, the maroon will come close to have the shrimp clean him, but the shrimp is very hesitant. Once the shrimp starts cleaning, very gingerly, the maroon will swim just out of reach. They do this process continually all evening. The shrimp jumps all over my hand and ferociously cleans my hand when its in the tank. Do maroon/cleaner not usually have a great cleaning relationship?
<Small fish are often wary of cleaner shrimp.>
It's been over 2 months since they have been in the tank together.
My most pressing question/concern! The maroon is very healthy and swims all over the tank during the day. But during the night, he will swim and squeeze almost vertically (head down) between my glass thermometer and overflow attachment (a very small space). He stays about 3-4 inches from the top of the tank. Is he trying to host there?
<A safe place to sleep.>
During this time, he is still very attentive and will come out from there if I walk close to the tank. Is this a sign that something is amiss?
<Not likely.>
Could it be that there is not enough oxygen? Due to the rotating Hydor flo, the surface has many ripples throughout the surface, but only for 1-2 seconds every 6-7 seconds.
I'm guessing that there is enough oxygen because he is fine during the day.
I also have a small plastic decoration that he swims inside (as if he is hosting) consistently throughout the day. He stays near there most of the time, if not in it - and also drops food in there after he is full (which I have to clean!).
<Is hosting there.>
It's just that around 8pm as I turn the lights off, he will abandon his "home" and sleep near the thermometer. Is this normal behavior? Why does he do this every night?
<Feels safe there.>
Also - the Nanocube came with 2 led blue moonlights. Should I keep them on throughout the night or it is better to have them in pitch dark?
<As long as they are not very bright not a big deal, but if in doubt leave them off.>
I currently have been keeping them in the dark without the light because I thought that maybe the light is for my benefit, to be able to see them at night, rather than for their benefit - but have started to second guess that due to the maroon's behavior at night.
<Is for your benefit.>
I had a great explosion of purple coralline algae in the beginning, but they have slowly become lighter and lighter, almost white. I would rather have that nice rich purple. Because I do not have any corals that need that much lighting, I have cut the lighting in half by just pulling out one set of bulbs. The bulbs are 24 w CFL with 50/50 10k and actinic. First, will this even help to darken up the coralline (I have noticed that the coralline on the under hangs are much darker)?
<Generally the more light the better.>
Second, I have no experience with ballasts - it says it's a "remote electronic ballast with disconnect." Originally, I just pulled one of the two plugs out of the ballast so that only one set of bulbs would light up, but the moonlights did not work. So now I have connected both and just pulled one bulb out of the socket. I'm not sure if this is a silly question, but will not having a bulb installed hurt any of the equipment? (or cause the ballast to heat up/malfunction over time) I keep the light on just about 12 hours/day.
<I would worry about salt creep getting into the light fixture.>
I would like to add some more live rock to the DT, but am worried about causing another cycle. If I add just base rock (dry) will that cause a cycle?
<Base rock will not.>
Second, if I get live rock from my LFS that they say is fully cured, doesn't have a bad odor (other than smelling strongly like the ocean), is it fully cured and ready to plop into my tank?
<Impossible to say, I would error on the side of caution and cure it myself.>
Should I take any other precautions as to adding either base or live to my DT?
<If it came from a tank with fish or connected to a tank with fish you will have to worry about parasites/disease.>
If enough LR, do I still need to have carbon and/or Purigen?
<Not unless you are addressing a specific concern.>
I buy RO water from the supermarket vending machine, but everywhere on the web I see that I should be using RO/DI. My LFS sells DI water, NOT RO/DI. Which should I use?
<RO is generally better, but those vending machine are often not well maintained and deliver water of poor quality, I would test it with a TDS meter and see where you stand.>
I was initially using the DI water, but had some Cyano - I switched over to the RO only, and the Cyano has almost disappeared. It may just have been part of the initial cycle. Which would you choose in the case you don't have RO/DI - RO only or DI only?
<RO only.>
I also have zero nitrates - I expected to have at least a little because of the bio balls, and having not enough live rock. Could my test kit be faulty?
<Perhaps>
Is it even possible to have zero with my setup and stocking? Or are my WC taking care of this.
<Is possible, but I would check with another test kit to be sure.>
I also had a copepod explosion about 2 weeks ago, but there seems only be hundreds now, not thousands. Are my shrimp and maroon eating them? If so, should I be feeding less?
<Yes and no.>
My last question is about my flow. I know that the MJ900 has 230?gph, which is plenty (I think) for 12 gal. However, it seems like the Hydor flo is reducing it. Is it just spreading it out (so I don't feel/see as much velocity), or it is truly reducing the flow.
<Both>
If so, by how much do you think?
<Is probably still adequate.>
I do have a few almost dead spots in the tank, but if I put my stock powerhead back into the tank, my poor maroon seems almost like he's drowning because too much flow.
Wow! I didn't realize this email would turn out so long, I thought I only had a few simple questions..
<No problem.>
Do you have any suggestions for me??
<Find a bigger home for that clown soon.>
Thanks again for all your help!! Without you guys I wouldn't have been able to get this far! Your guys' site is such an invaluable service to all of us clueless, and not so clueless, people!
<Welcome>
<Chris>

Maroon clown swimming weird? -- 03/18/10
Hello, I have recently acquired a 75 gallon saltwater tank from a friend that moved and no longer had room for it in their house. it has a ton of live rock, a decorator crab, hermit crab, a few snails, a blue damsel, a blue streaked damsel (I think that's what it is) and a pair of mated maroon clown fish...shortly after I got everything set up the two clown fish started "digging" in the sand in one of the front corner of the tank.
<Natural behavior>
I've recently noticed that the female clown is swimming with her head up, tail down and swims in place. The male does most of the digging and moving of rocks while she watches. I have done some reading but haven't really seen
much on this behavior...not sure if it's anything to be concerned about or not.
<Not likely>
Also, none of the fish besides the blue damsel goes to the top of the tank when I feed them, seems like they are too scared to make the trek to the top of the tank for some reason.
<Going to the surface in the wild is a poor idea... predators>
I have resorted to putting the food in a syringe with a tube attached and injecting it into their general vicinity. When I do this, they eat fine. I don't know if they're just too lazy to swim up to the top of the tank or what. I'm used to my freshwater fish that practically beg for food every time I walk up to the tank.
Should I just put the food in and not worry about it?
<Mainly, yes... can be trained... but I'd use foods that sink... Spectrum brand is a good base>
Their diet consists of two kinds of flake food, some dried Mysis shrimp and micro crab granules.
Thanks
for your help!
Leah
<Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Maroon Clown Questions, beh., comp. 5/4/09
My Maroon Clowns are going on 2.5 years old. The female has developed a dark gold bar on her front bar, and the male is getting yellowish on his bars. Will the bars be brighter with time? Right now, they are very dark, but are definitely gold.
<Might, lots depends on the individuals genetics, water quality, and food quality and type.>
Second question: I have a regular Maroon Clown pair in another tank and am considering combining both tanks. My aquariums are a 65 gallon live reef and a 29 gallon live reef (which I'd like to do away with), so my question is since both are paired up maroon pairs, and I have 2 anemone, one on one side of the 65 (the 3 foot version of the 65 gallon) and one anemone about 2' away from that one, if it would be advisable to house both pairs together?
<I would not, most likely will end up with just one pair in this case.>
Thank you in advance
<Welcome>
<Chris>

Maroon Clownfish/Behavior 3/17/09
I have a 90 gallon salt water tank...I added my clownfish and anemone a few days ago...Now my Maroon clownfish has dug a circular trench around the anemone, and appears to be trying to kill it...he moves all around and going downward onto the center of the anemone. The tentacles on the anemone do not look as large as they did several hours ago. Is there reason for concern?
<Not at present, he is grooming the fortress, quite normal behavior.
Do you have the lighting requirements for keeping this anemone alive? I only ask as you provided no information on your system.
Do read here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/cnidaria/anthozoa/anemones.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Robin

Maroon clowns, beh. mostly 2/28/09 Hey gang, I have another question for the knowledgeable crew, this time regarding maroon clownfish. I bought 2 maroon clowns(one white stripe and one gold stripe), at different times, from two different places. They are both in my 300g display tank now(have been for about 1-1/2 months). I bought them about 3 months apart, and about 3 weeks ago, I also bought a rose bubble tip anemone, which the clowns took to after about a week of it being in my tank. So now, both the clowns are hosting in the anemone, and what I'm wondering is, will two female clowns live in the same anemone peacefully? Or is it possible that I have a male and a female maroon clown? I know that it only takes about a month for a clown to turn to a female when it's the only one in the tank(which the white stripe was the only one in the tank for about 3 months before I got the 2nd maroon). They are quite different in size, the white stripe being about 3-1/2", and the gold stripe being about 2". <The bigger one is going to be the female.> For a while the gold stripe was displaying the typical "submissive" behaviour towards the white stripe(rolling over and quivering in front of it, showing it's belly), it also looks to be "kissing" the cheek spines of the white stripe, and they do both sleep in the anemone together. Actually, my anemone split after about 2 weeks in my tank, so now there's two anemone's(one on either end of my tank), and they seem to be guarding both of them, I moved one of the anemone's to the other end of the tank, in the hopes that my 2 ocellaris clowns would take to it, but that hasn't happened, as the gold stripe maroon makes sure of that, by chasing them away from both of the anemone's. From what I've found on the net, it's not very often that a male clown will get to be more than 2" or so in length, <What? No... they get bigger than that. The male will be smaller than the female, but definitely bigger than 2" (usually will grow to 4 or 5 inches or so).> which leads me to believe that the white stripe is female, but I've also read that usually the female will turn a deep maroon colour, but of my 2 maroons, the smaller one seems to be a much deeper maroon colour than the larger one which is a much brighter red. I have attached a pic for you. Thanks in advance for the help. <I think you shouldn't let the internet be your only source of information. Please pick up a book by Scott W. Michael on care/identification of marine fish.> Todd Angus <Cheers, Sara M.>

Maroon Clown Fish/Behavior 2/23/09 Hi There! <Hello Deb> I have one Maroon clown in a 180 gallon tank. I have had her (or Him) for two years now. She or he has a habit of sweeping and cleaning her bottle ( where she lives) out several times a day. I did check your site and noticed that some other people had questioned this behavior and it seems to be a mating behavior. If so, I feel bad as I only have one, should I try and introduce a mate, or is this behavior Ok for her to continue. <Is not abnormal, no need to worry. Likely preparing a nest site.> She shares this bottle with a snail, and will not let any other fish into her space, can not stand it if sand gets into the bottle, she will remove with her mouth and spit out the sand, and again sweep, sweep, sweep all day! What can I do if anything for her to take away what seems like a stressful situation for this fish. <No stress here, things will be fine. I actually unwind when I clean out a bottle:). If you decide to add a mate, do insure you have plenty of retreats as females of this specie can be very feisty and at the age of your clown fish, it is likely a female.> Thanks <You're welcome, Deb> DEB (LOVE YOUR SITE!) <Why thank you!>

Maroon clown with spines? 2/16/08 Hi there. This is the first time I have needed to ask you guys a question due to the fact that I can usually get an answer to my question just by browsing your site. Very helpful! I have a 75 gallon reef tank. Mostly soft corals and a few bubble tip anemones, a Sailfin tang, two Chromis, a small blenny, a damsel and a maroon clownfish. I also have several snails, hermits, a cleaner shrimp and a brittle star. Everything is good in my tank as far as water parameters go and everything seems to be doing great(the tank has been up and running for four years). Everything that is except for my clownfish. Today I notices she had small white spines sticking out of her face around her mouth and on her cheek. It looks like she got into a fight with a cactus and lost! My question is can a bristle worm sting a fish and leave the spines in the skin of the fish? <Yes... and this is the more likely occasion here> She bites everything that comes too close to her anemone (including my hand) and it would seem befitting that she would get spined in the mouth by something she was trying to bite at. I know I have some bristle worms in my system but not a whole lot of them. <Mmm, you might want to keep a flashlight near by for night viewing... consider a trapping foray> If it is a bristle worm that spined her is there something I should do or will they work themselves out by themselves? <The latter> If it not from the spines of a bristle worm what else can it be? I have attached a picture so you can sort of see what I am talking about. Any help would be much appreciated. Jenn <Hopefully this too shall pass. The behavior you describe so well is "par" for Premnas. Bob Fenner>

Maroon clown with spines? 2/16/09 Hi there. <Hello> This is the first time I have needed to ask you guys a question due to the fact that I can usually get an answer to my question just by browsing your site. Very helpful! <Thanks> I have a 75 gallon reef tank. Mostly soft corals and a few bubble tip anemones, a Sailfin tang, two Chromis, a small blenny, a damsel and a maroon clownfish. I also have several snails, hermits, a cleaner shrimp and a brittle star. Everything is good in my tank as far as water parameters go and everything seems to be doing great (the tank has been up and running for four years). Everything that is except for my clownfish. Today I noticed she had small white spines sticking out of her face around her mouth and on her cheek. It looks like she got into a fight with a cactus and lost! My question is can a bristle worm sting a fish and leave the spines in the skin of the fish? <Could, but I am guessing you are seeing the cheek spines that the Maroon has.> She bites everything that comes too close to her anemone(including my hand) and it would seem befitting that she would get spined in the mouth by something she was trying to bite at. <Are quite territorial and aggressive.> I know I have some bristle worms in my system but not a whole lot of them. If it is a bristle worm that spined her is there something I should do or will they work themselves out by themselves? <Would most likely work themselves out, but I don't think that is what is going on here.> If it not from the spines of a bristle worm what else can it be? I have attached a picture so you can sort of see what I am talking about. <The pic does not seem to work for me.> Any help would be much appreciated. Jenn <Welcome> <Chris>

Missing Maroon Clowns 3-5-08 <Good Evening, Yunachin here.> I am very worried, I just came home from school today and I noticed I was missing a clown. My tank is a 55 gallon w/ built in overflow (completely sealed off, so I don't think it's in the sump) <Have you looked? Also have you checked around the tank to make sure he didn't jump?> Livestock: 2 green Chromis, 1 six line wrasse, and what USED to be a pair of maroon clowns, (there hasn't been any aggression between the two clowns, as I bought them from a breeder who kept them with lots of other clowns, and from my observations were looking really friendly.) I have 1 giant hairy mushroom, 1 frogspawn, some mushrooms, and what I am hoping is not the case, a clown-eating-bubble coral. <Your bubble anemone was most likely not the culprit but it could happen.> The coral is quite large in comparison to the clowns (8 inches v/s 1inch) but from what I have read can have quite an amiable relationship. <If they have been hosting in it I am pretty confident that it wasn't the reason of his disappearance.> I have looked all over and underneath the rock, and it didn't even come out during feeding time. What can I do? Man, this sucks! If it was the bubble, how will I know? If it wasn't the coral, could it just be hiding (a little optimistic, I know)? :-( <There are many scenarios here: He could be in the sump or overflow box (I have had this happen personally with my clowns), he may have jumped out of the tank. You may have unseen predators, i.e.: mantis shrimp or serpent stars; http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/stomatopods/mantisshrimp.htm; http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm Or he may have been ill and passed and was devoured by other fish, crabs or snails. Hopefully he is swimming around below though. I wish you the best luck and hope you find your friend. ---Yunachin>

Clown Behavior 11/6/07 Hello Crew and good evening. <Hello> I have what I hope is an easy one. I have, among other things, a solitary Gold Stripe Maroon clown in my 110g display. He was my first fish and I got her when she was about 1" long. Now she is about 3.5" long and happily paired with a BTA. Over the past month or so, I have noticed that she has started clearing the substrate from around the BTA to the point where the glass bottom is showing. In fact, she even moved out of the way (a fair distance) a 1" x 1" piece of PVC that I used to support a piece of live rock that became dislodged. One recent evening, I was thumbing through the CMA and I happened to come upon the section addressing Clowns. I read that mated Clowns will clear the substrate in preparation of mating. Is my Clown lonely, or is this just normal bachlorettehood behavior? <Normal behavior, preparing in case a mating chance comes along.> My tank is not overstocked (1 Brown Combtooth Blenny, 1 Canary Wrasse, 1 Royal Gramma, and 1 Sailfin Tang) and I think I have room for another Clown, but I've read that introducing unmated adult pairs is very risky. <Difficult with Maroon clowns for sure, the females are quite picky unlike most other clownfish.> My wife is not keen on the idea of allowing baby Nemos to be eaten by my Shrooms and softies. <Most likely to happen too.> Thanks! Andy <Welcome> <Chris>

Maroon Clown Acting Strange, Very High Nitrates 9/12/07 Dear Crew Member, <Hello> I have a 4" gold-striped maroon fish who I've had in my 40 gallon salt water aquarium for well over a year. He has always been healthy and loves to nestle in his bubble tip anemone. The anemone has shrunk over time and now the clown fish avoids the anemone and consistently shimmies in almost a vertical position as if he is struggling to reach the top. <Clowns do have strange behaviors, the concern here is what is wrong with the anemone?> He has no outward signs that I can detect such as ulcers; however, his dorsal fins are noticeably clamped down. The only redeeming quality is that he is still voraciously eating with all my other fish. <A good sign.> Once he finishes eating, he resumes his behavior of shimmying. I've never noticed this behavior before. Is this behavior symptomatic of "velvet"? <Does not sound like it to me. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/amylloodiniumart.htm > All my parameters are within range except for my nitrates which are 100 PPM. <Very high, dangerously high, this is your problem.> I change 5 gallons every two weeks but I have neglected to use my Pura NiTRATE Lok packs because I haven't regenerated them yet. <Set up the water changes and find the source of the nitrates, NiTRATE Lok is just a band-aid. Are you overfeeding, overstocked?> Please advise whether you suspect some underlying illness or whether this behavior is typical or atypical with clown fish. Thanks in advance for your prompt response. Sincerely, Tom <Get those nitrates in line and I bet you see an improvement in the anemone and overall happier tank. The clown's behavior on its own is not terribly troubling, most likely it just found a new place to host since the anemone is no longer viable.> <Chris>

New RBTA, Entacmaea quadricolor and Hyperactive Maroon Clownfish, Premnas biaculeatus, comp. -- 8/18/07 Hi Crew, <Hi Wesley, Brenda here> First, great site! <Thank you!> I went from knowing nothing to running a successful reef tank for a year now largely in part to the information on this site. <Great! Good to hear!> Yesterday I added a rose anemone and a maroon clownfish. After acclimation, the RBTA attached its foot quickly then expanded and looks quite healthy. That evening it shrank up and expelled some waste and today is fully inflated and doing well. I was wondering how soon I should start feeding it. <I would give it a few days. If it doesn't accept the food try again in a day or two. Make sure you use small portions.> My second question is about the maroon clown. It seems I purchased a hyperactive one. Is it uncommon for a maroon to race around the tank all day? <It may be adjusting to its new home. Did you quarantine the clownfish? What size tank do you have it in?> The ones in my LFS display tank lazily drift around the bottom of the tank. After closely inspecting the live stock, I chose her because she looked the healthiest and most active. Now that she's in my tank she is even more active. <Keep an eye on it for now. This species is known to be aggressive.> I'm guessing she's just getting used to her surroundings because she hasn't yet claimed a part of the tank as hers or even taken notice of her tank mates (yellow tang, Firefish dart goby, and sand sifting goby). <Hopefully it will find the anemone soon.> Thanks for your help, <You're Welcome! Brenda> Wesley

Clownfish, Premnas beh., mixing anemones with other Cnid.s 6/21/07 Hello Crew, <Marc> I currently have a 36 gallon salt water "reef" setup. I say that only because there are a few corals and invertebrates, but not too many. I have a yellow tail damsel, a royal Gramma, and a maroon clownfish <Will likely cause territorial trouble with the other fishes here with growth, time> placed in the tank. They all get along wonderfully but the clownfish, recently had some strange "things" on his sides and near his gills. I just discovered them a few days after I added a new anemone <... What species? You have read re Actinarian compatibility with other cnidarians?> to the tank, which he made his home almost instantly. The "growth" near his gills on his right side, looks like a small, pointed, white spike, with a little white discoloration near it's base. The other "growths" are on both his right and left side, about in the center of his body, and just seem to be white scales, like he scraped himself or something. <Might be just this> Both discolorations on his sides, are almost exactly in the same spot, on either side, like you could connect them and have a completely straight line. Could you give a guess as to what these things are? <Perhaps neuromast destruction... oft-called HLLE in the pet-fish interest... From interactions with the new Anemone, or possibly this and the anemones interactions with the extant cnidarians mal-affecting the water...> My water parameters are near to perfect, with no nitrites, nitrates, ammonia, or phosphates detectible or present, I do not supplement calcium (I have all soft corals), nor do I test for it, pH 8.1-8.3 (slowly fluctuates every now and then, I am trying to find a way to keep it more stable) and specific gravity around 1.22 - 1.23. <I'd raise this and keep... 1.026> I have just been in the saltwater hobby for just over a year now, and I have had no previous problems with this tank, this is the first thing where I do not know if I should intervene or if the "problem" will correct itself. My fish have all been healthy since I set this tank up about a year ago, and the clownfish is acting perfectly normal and is eating as much as usual. I have not noticed anything different in his behavior, just his appearance. Thank you for your time. Wonderful site by the way! Marc <Read re Anemones... http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/index.htm Bob Fenner>

Gold stripe maroon pair. Clownfish Courtship...or Combat? 4/4/07 Hello: <Hi there! Scott F. in tonight!> On Sunday, I bought a mated pair of Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish. The female is about 2 1/4 inches and the male is 1 1/2 inches. they were both in a large anemone at the store for the first 2 hours when they were in the tank. Then, the female started chasing the male away. Currently, the male is on the opposite side of the aquarium with nipped fins. Every couple of hours, the female will visit him and they will wave there tails at each other and nip at each others lips. The male also nips the female's underside. The tank is 60 gallons with a 10 gallon sump. Is this normal behavior? Is this a sign of breeding? <In my experience, this is entirely normal courtship behavior. These fish will often "spar" and interact aggressively; often with the female doing the majority of the damage! I would not be overly concerned unless one of the fishes is in great distress. Otherwise, I'd accept it as a routine part of their behavior.> In the tank, there is a Purple Tang, 5 Chromis, a Coral Beauty, and a Cleaner Wrasse. <A nice mix of fishes! You really want to consider a larger tank in the future for this crowd. The Tang, especially, will need that room!> Thanks! Todd <My pleasure! regards, Scott F.> <<Mmm, at this/these sizes... this may be two females... and a Purple Tang and a Cleaner Wrasse... in a sixty gallon? No... RMF>>

Sick Clownfish... Premnas beh. 3/20/07 Good Morning Folks! I've visited your web site many times but this is my first time writing in. <Welcome!> I have had a Maroon Clownfish for upwards of a year now and he has always thrived. He was in a 55 gallon FOWLR tank. <Mmm, this size, shape... will become a one-fish world here...> He was always active and has eaten like a pig (mixture of Formula One frozen food, Mysis shrimp, Omega One flake). Approximately 3 weeks ago I returned from a 2 week trip and during this time, I was using an automatic feeder to dispense the flake food (which is actually his favorite). It was then I noticed a huge difference in his behavior. He became very anti-social (he pretty much lived in a ship that was in the tank) <Mmm, let's offer comments, suggestions as we go, shall we? This is actually a she... a female at this size, behavior> and became very lethargic and I had alot <No such word> of trouble feeding him. Prior to this trip, as soon as I opened the hood, he sprinted up to the top of the water and would probably eat out of my hand if I wanted him to. Now, I have to use sinking pellets that "hopefully" fall right in front of the opening of the ship. If they do, he will stick his head out and grab a few, so in that sense he was still eating. I currently only have 1 other fish - a Coral Beauty Angelfish, and this fish has not changed in any way. Approximately 48 hours ago, I upgraded to a 90 gallon tank with brand new, pristine water. <Oh! How nice> I acclimated both fish for a few hours and the Angelfish is thriving as per usual. The Clownfish however, is not. He obviously is stressed but at the same time I'm almost wondering if he may be ok. <Mmm, likely so> After he was released in to the new tank, he swam for a bit and then went right down to the back corner of the tank (same location as the old ship). This is where he stays nearly 90% of the time, and now he either just sits there or he lies on one side flapping on fin. The strange thing is that he can still swim perfectly fine if he has to, and his appearance still looks great. He unfortunately isn't eating right now though. If I slide my Mag-float down towards him, he'll swim away and start swimming around for a while, only to go right down back to his corner. Now, I guess my question is, without a quarantine tank, can anything be done? <Yes> Is it possible he can make it through this? <Ditto> I will be adding a Rose Anemone within the next few days so I'm hoping if he's just stressed a bit, this may be enough to make him better. <Mmm, do make sure this Anemone is large "enough"... three times or more the length of the proposed host... and do place a cover (perhaps a colander, strawberry basket or such) over, about this animal for a day or two before allowing the Clown at it> Thanks so much, Patrick <And now, ta da! More input. Premnas are social animals... captive produced or wild caught... You would do well for this animal to provide another of its kind... purposely much smaller... And to read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maroonclnart.htm and the linked files above. Am sure you will enjoy this fish, the hobby more... Bob Fenner>
Re: Sick Clownfish... Premnas beh. 3/21/07 Hey Bob and Crew, <Patrick> Thanks so much for the informative response. <Welcome> One last question I have is in response to your last comment - "You would do well for this animal to provide another of its kind... purposely much smaller". So, if I read this literally it sounds like I could add a second (smaller) Maroon Clown? <Yes> I've always wanted to add a second but have read that you cannot house multiples unless they are juveniles and are added at the same time. Thanks again! <This can be the case with most all Clowns, but highly unlikely to be a problem here... as you will see... A decidedly small (one inch or so) addition will go... Please read where you were referred to, as there is a bit of ancillary info. Bob Fenner>
Good Afternoon, <Patrick> Please disregard my last question. I have since learned how to search/navigate your web site and have found a wealth of information on housing Clownfish. <Ahh! Good. BobF> Thanks again, Patrick

Maroon Clownfish/Behavior 8/3/06 I recently purchased a pair of Maroon Clowns that were sharing a bubble anemone, getting along well. When I got these clowns they continued to get alone until I put them into my tank. One is visibly larger than the other, but they started fighting in my tank. It got so bad that one almost died (they are now separated). My question is, are they reasserting dominance for my tank, and if so should I put them back together? <Quite possible that this is happening. Keep in mind that Maroons are extremely aggressive toward one another in the first place. You did not mention the size of tank they are in. These fish need at least a 50 gallon tank as they will attain a length of 6", and the more real estate, the less fighting. Be sure plenty of retreats are available in your tank. If so, I would put them together. This behavior should subside in a short time if mating occurs.> I would like to have a mated pair, but I don't want to risk losing one of my fish. What should I do to try and reach my goal of a mated pair? <Nothing, the fish will decide whether they want to be mated, nothing you can do to help this along.> One has also taken to an anemone and the other to pulsating xenia, please help I knew this is the more aggressive of the species, but I am at a loss of what to do now. <Give it some time (a week or two) Dustin. You may want to see if you can exchange the dominant one for another Maroon Clown. Also read here and related links on this fish. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maroonclnart.htm In future queries, please do a spelling/grammar check. Just do not have the time to correct errors before posting.> Thanks, <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog) Dustin

Maroon Clownfish ... beh. - 1/30/2006 Hi folks, <Hello Jen> I love reading all the information that is provided here and I am very grateful for the service you provide. <Thank you and keep reading.> I am trying to follow all the protocol and I've read as much as I can find on the subject but I'm still freaking out. Here's the deal. I inherited a very established (years) 55 gallon tank. The problem starts with my Maroon Clown (Krusty) who I've had about 2 months. He's doing great and just established his personal territory about 2 weeks ago in one corner behind a large piece of rock. I introduced a Condy anemone 3 days ago and she (Annie) looks great! After a day of searching for a suitable place in the tank she settled on the opposite side of Krusty's large rock. She's wide open with great color and has eaten. Krusty ignored her on day 1. Krusty inspected her on day 2--darting up to her occasionally and being what definitely looked like stung. Day 3--Krusty is freaking out.. He is going in (he's actually way bigger than she is) and nips at her and is burrowing way down on top of her and is exhibiting the same behavior as when he is cleaning up his little home area--fins going like mad while on top of her! <Normal behavior.> Annie is not happy. She's closing up and is only opening up full if he leaves her alone for any amount of time (rarely happens). He is just sooo rough that I'm worried he'll damage a tentacle or worse! I had hoped the two might establish a relationship but I wasn't counting on it. I at least want them to get along and for Annie to stay alive in the process! It's like she has an abusive boyfriend! Is Krusty overjoyed or just a big meanie! How long should I let this go on without intervention? Suggestions, please! Thanks so much in advance for your help! <Wouldn't worry about it yet. Krusty is just going through an acclimation process with the anemone. If Krusty's manners don't improve in the next few days then you will probably have to find a home for Annie, maybe a home for battered woman:):) James (Salty Dog)> Urn

Belligerent Maroon 01-18-06 Hi chaps. <Hello> Very informative site, maybe you can help with some additional advice....10 months ago, bought a pair of 2nd hand maroons. 2 Months later big 4 inch female perished. The 1 1/2 inch male has turned very dark and grown to 2 1/2 inches. Now been 6 months alone. 1) Is he now a she? <Yes> 1 month ago introduced a small 1 inch maroon which was torn to shreds in half an hour and died within 2 days. 2 days ago put another 1 1/2 inch fish in a spawning box, the established maroon paid him no heed. Today, let him out and big trouble in my Trigon 350 tank. Had to put little fella back in spawning box in tank after a chunk from his anal fin was removed by the belligerent one. Don't want him to go the way of the first guy. 2)How long should the small one be confined to the sin bin, or should I try to catch the big-un and confine him <her> in a cylinder while smaller one establishes himself. <This idea may help.> 3) If I'm wasting my time where's the best place to get another pair from? I'm in Grimsby (somebody's got to live here) The newest fella is from TMC. <I would think you should be able to get a replacement or possibly a pair from TMC.> I really like the ones with the white bands and they seem hard enough to source at all. <As a final note, you may want to try matching her with a less than one inch juvenile. I have had great success pairing maroons in this manner. This scenario allows for the female to know she is in charge. If the new clown thinks there is even a chance it should be the female you will find them fighting to the death. This is actually very common with maroons. If she does not accept the very small clown I would suggest you remove her and start over. Travis> Very kindest regards and thank you in anticipation of your reply.

Maroon Clown Appearance and Behavior - 01/03/2006 After reading a lot on the subject on your site I have been unable to find an answer to a particular question or two. <I'll see if I can help you out.> They both relate to a new maroon clown we have just introduced to our tank (240 ltrs no anemone) <No worries, the anemone is not mandatory for clowns in captivity by any stretch of the imagination.> and is one of only 3 fish currently ( 6 line wrasse and a yellow tailed blue damsel) inhabiting. <Okay.> The first question I guess is over colouring, I have seen much about the white / yellow lines but our seems to have more of a blue tinge to the lines, is this normal / a problem? <On this description alone it does not sound like any type of disease or ailment though as with any specimen I would continue to observe diligently for any changes. Due to the diet, even geographical isolation of some fish from other gene pools and of course individual variation there are bound to be a few odd-balls here and there.> Secondly, she (too big to be male at 3 1/2 inches) <Agreed.> seems to be having a great deal of fun rearranging all the sand in the right hand side of the tank in front of and below a large rock, as well as moving any floating materials out of the way. She is doing this by constant movement of her tail fin and has now gone down to the glass in some points. The question really is why is she doing this, is it normal behaviour, is she broody or is she just making a cozy home for herself. <Very normal behavior for this species, nothing to worry about.> If she's broody, is it worth following the guidelines and adding a male to the tank? <I wouldn't risk it, she would likely 'tear him apart.' Most folks who keep Maroons in pairs, bought them as such.> Thanks in advance and keep up the good work on the site <Thank you; will do. Adam J.>

Yellow stripe maroon harassing BTA 12/28/05 Hello Crew, <Juan> Great informational site. I've searched your site for the following question and found an individual with the same issue; the problem is that I'm not too clear on the answer. I have a yellow stripe maroon clown and recently purchased a Rose BTA. The issue: the moment I placed the BTA in the tank, the clown went for it; I was under the impression that I would have to work to get them together, <Mmm, no. Not always> instead I had to separate them; the Clown was so excited that it almost killed the anemone. <Happens> The anemone is on its way to a great recovery with proper lighting and feeding; the clown has been separated for about 10 days. The anemone appears to have acclimated well and its in the middle of the tank (I wanted to submit a pic but its behind the live rock; it's actually facing the back of the tank. I wanted to rotate the rock but I'm afraid to disturb it during its recovery; <Good> maybe after a couple of more weeks). The tank is a 46G Bowfront with 75lbs of LR (the rocks are in the middle of the tank so the BTA gets enough lighting even back there). My question is, will the anemone ever tolerate the excitement of the clown? <Possibly> I figured the anemone suffered because it was too stressed in the beginning; transfer, new tank, acclimation, new lighting and now a clown that wouldn't leave it alone. I was thinking of releasing the clown after 10 more days, is this advisable? <Mmm, if at all possible, it would be a very good idea to place a screen over the anemone for a period of time past this... like with a plastic colander or strawberry container...> I wanted the clown to have an anemone and I can't part with the clown (I've had her for about 4yrs; she is now ~5" long); I have no one to care for the anemone. Is there a way I can make this work? <Only experience, trial can/will tell> One more question, the clown is messing up the fine grain sand bed, she keeps digging holes; I had to place an egg crate floor 1" below the sand surface; anyway, can I get her a mate; a smaller clown? <Highly unlikely in this small/size system... can be tried... again by initially separating the two... the established female in a floating colander...> It appears that she wants to reproduce based on her behavior. She is aggressive towards "some" fish; there is a yellow tang that she loves; that friendship seems kind of weird, but let me not digress... Is there a great chance that she will kill a smaller maroon clown? <Yes> I "think" she might like a mate only because of how she is behaving; please advise. Thank you for the great site and for any information you may have. <Thank you for writing, sharing. Bob Fenner>
Re: Yellow stripe maroon harassing BTA, WWM Donations 12/29/05 Thank you for the prompt response and thanks for the suggestion of placing a screen over the anemone; I think I'll have a difficult time finding a clear (don't want to limit the lighting) colander but I can build a housing made of egg crates and tie wrap it to the LR that its on; <Sounds good... should let in much more light, can be custom/sized> the anemone hasn't moved which tells me that she is happy where she is at (although I'm not because she's facing the wrong way). <Can be moved later... when in better health> Thanks for the advise on not mating the maroon clown; I failed to realize that such a small system could be deadly for a new maroon clown; I rather not take such a risk. Thank you again for taking the time to respond. <Welcome. Have had Premnas bite me (but good)...> On another note; is there any another way to financially support the site; maybe a personal check? I didn't get that cozy feeling when I read through Amazon's Honor System which then lead me to their Policies. They want too much personal info that's not necessary for the payment IMO. Plus they leave the personal info on their server. <Had not even considered this impediment... am sensitive re such processes as well. We will/do gladly accept donations... made out to WetWebMedia, can be sent to 8586 Menkar Rd., San Diego, CA 92126. Bob Fenner>

Maroon Question (Long Time no Jim!) 11/30/05 Hi, I have a quick question. I just recently added a maroon clown ( 1 inch) in my 46 bow and it was doing great swimming around with the other fish. ( Firefish and cleaner wrasse) I just bought a Bubbletip and the clown attached right to it. Now it is becoming very aggressive. Not to the other fish, but to my hand as I rearrange the corals. Is this normal? It was peaceful and friendly before I put in the Bubbletip. Also, I know the answer is probably no, but I'll ask anyways. Can I add a black and white clown? Or would I be better off getting rid of the maroon and getting a black and white clown and an orange and white clown? Will the maroon bother my other two fish that I mentioned? Thanks . Kris >>>Greetings Kris! Maroons are one the larger, and definitely one of the most aggressive clowns. The behavior you describe is common for even sedate clowns such a Perculas or Ocellaris, let alone Maroons! Also, your intuition is correct about adding any other clowns, even in a 200 gallon I would have to discourage thinking of this. Good luck. Jim<<<

Clownfish Swimming in circles 11/6/05 I have had a Maroon Clown fish for over 6 months now, it's only companion is a coral beauty and both seemed to be doing well. I woke up yesterday and noticed that the clown was swimming differently. He seems to be leaning to one side all the time and spins in circles, he still comes up for food when fed and there are no markings on his body. Its almost as if he cant swim down could this be some kind of bladder problem , some help on how to fix this problem would be much appreciated thanking you in advance. :) <Mmm, could be a few things here... ranging from "nothing" but natural behavior to a developmental problem with water quality, nutrition... not likely pathogenic. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clndisfaqs.htm and the linked files above... and accrue, send on pertinent information as you find others have done... on history, make-up, water quality of the system. Bob Fenner>

Uneven DSB 10/18/05 Hi Adam <James here today> It's Ai Kun again. I have a question on DSB. My tank, which is appx. 5 weeks old was started on a 4 inches deep DSB. After I added my maroon couple two weeks ago, they started 'digging' around and eventually built two small caves under the live rocks. They have dug so deep that I could see the glass at one of their spots. Now I have a very uneven sandbed, a few spots of barely there sandbed and mostly very deep sand (appx 6-7") at all sides of the tank. Would this unevenness pose any problem? I tried to smoothen the sandbed, at least in areas not around their sleeping spots, but they still haven't got tired of 'digging'. I appreciate any advice/suggestions which you may have. <Pretty typical of maroons digging and such. I don't see where this will cause any problems. Read info in this link for more help. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/deepsandbeds.htm James (Salty Dog)> Thank you again. Ai Kun <You're welcome>

Maroon Clowns 8/25/05 Hey Everybody, <Hi> I have two maroon clowns that get along very well and two and a half days ago I moved them from a 29 gallon tank to a 180 gallon. I have not been able to witness the larger of my Maroons, about 3.5 inches, eat anything since he was moved, the smaller Maroon, about 2.5 inches, started eating a little bit last night. I have tried Mysis and Brine so far, I have not been able to find my flake yet. The other inhabitants of the 180 are a Vlamingi that is about 4.5 inches, a Kole that is about 3.5 inches, a Nine Bar Goby that is about 4 inches, and a Pearly Jawfish. I suspect you might tell me to be patient and he will start eating again, but I would rather ask and be right than not ask and be wrong. I have had the Maroons for 5 months and they have been very healthy the entire time. Thanks in advance, let me know if there is any more information I can provide. <Tate, was the new tank already in existence or is it a brand new setup? If new, I suspect mild shock from differences in water quality, ph, etc. Maroons are relatively hardy and things should get back to normal soon. James (Salty Dog)> Tate

Maroon Clown Hosting in Feather Duster?? 7/22/05 Hi Crew!! <Hi! :D> First, I want to tell you your site is wonderful and very informative. I think it should be a required reading for all new home aquarists!! :o) <Thanks, I quite agree> On to my question... <Knew there was a catch to all this praise! :P> I know that Clownfish can host in various items, anemones, corals, rubber bands and the like, but we have a Maroon Clown (wild caught) that has been with us since she was a baby, about 2-3 years. My question is she has just recently started to get friendly with one of our Hawaiian Feather Dusters, which we've had for about a year or so. I have noticed a couple times now that the clown has been snuggling into the feather duster, like I've seen them at the LFS with an anemone. I am guessing the feather duster doesn't mind, since it does not retract when the clown does this. The feather duster does however, retract at other times when it's startled etc., in the same fashion that our other feather dusters do. My question is, should I discourage this behavior? Is this detrimental to the feather duster? Since both parties seem happy, I'm hoping I can just sit back and enjoy this unusual partnership. <You can do exactly that - I wouldn't worry about it at all> Your thoughts on this subject would be much appreciated! <Now they're yours> Thank you! <You're welcome!> Wendy <M. Maddox>

Maroon Clown Popeye and odd behavior 7/14/05 Hello, I have two maroon clowns, one is yellow striped the other is just a regular white striped. I have them both in a ten gallon tank with live sand and about 8 lbs of live rock, along with a few various inverts. The salinity of my tank is about 1.022 and the water is changed regularly. The two clowns have been getting alone quite well, they follow each other everywhere. They also are hosting a clay pot which I placed in the aquarium. <All sounds good, but inverts generally do better at natural salinity levels (~1.025). Also, 10 gallons is quite small for a single maroon clown, let alone a pair.> The problem is that while the other clown appears to be fine, the yellow striped maroon seems to be disoriented. When and if it tries to swim, it speeds around in circles all over the tank. Most of the time however it lies on the bottom either upside-down or on its side not doing anything. It doesn't seem to be gasping for air and I can't see any visible injuries on it. I have noticed that both its eyes are severely bulged. Is there anything I can do? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Alex <Popeye is commonly caused by physical injury. A bump or a scrape can inflame the orbit causing it to bulge. However, when injury is the cause, it is usually isolated to one eye. When Popeye occurs in both eyes, it is usually an infection. I would remove the sick fish to a hospital tank. Unfortunately, the fish is probably doomed. I generally don't recommend the use of antibiotics, but in this case a broad spectrum antibiotic may be indicated. Be sure to put a small amount of household bleach into any antibiotic treated water before pouring it down the drain. This will prevent any antibiotic resistant bacteria from being released into the environment. Best Regards. AdamC.>

Maroon clown getting attacked? <Hello> I wrote to you yesterday about my larger maroon clown getting attacked. Today I found that it was the much smaller maroon doing this. Is there a reason this would happen after a month of living in the anemone together with no problem? They still swim everywhere together but sometimes he just goes after the larger one.. Seems to be mostly at night <this is normal. they are not attacking each other but determining who will be what sex. The smaller one will be the male and the larger the female. This usually happens when a mated pair is not purchased and a small and large one are added together. This will pass do not worry. you may also notice some weird movement and shaking this is also normal. MikeH> Thanks again

Maroon Clown I had a 2-3 inch maroon that was supposedly paired but they beat each other up so I took a chance and got a 4-5 inch one and after several days are doing great and are now both in the anemone. Is that a safe size to pair them so that they haven't become sexed yet? <IMO it is better to get these guys together when they are small since they are one of the most aggressive clowns.>Also I noticed today my larger maroons tail is shredded could it be from my bird wrasse? They seemed OK for the last 3 weeks together but I threw some algae in the tank and the wrasse loved it then when I got home the clown was missing part of it's tail but sill looking good, Could it also have been from the smaller maroon even though they get along great?<I doubt the bird wrasse would of done it although it is a possibility. The other maroon is a more likely candidate. Just keep a eye on him and if you see any more constantly ripped fins you will need to separate them. Cody> Thanks

Painted Sweetlips, maroon clown aggression follow up 3/13/04 Hi Adam, I really appreciate your advise! <Glad to!> I did not realize the maroon clown was so aggressive-- I am finding him almost too aggressive! He is really bullying the Rock Angel. Will look for appropriate food! Nonetheless, I have found a guy who works at a salt water fish store and will be visiting to keep my tank and give advice about the fish--hopefully, this will help. I lost my Sweetlips to aggressive behavior--I think-his fins became frayed and he wouldn't eat! I just hate this!! <Sorry to hear of your losses. Maroon and tomato clowns can be down right vicious, especially females!> I hate to get rid of the clown---this has been his home for years--I was told at least 6yrs!!! Any thinking on your part about this? Thanks, Kass <It's all about choices. You could pair the maroon with a much smaller one, and likely form a mated pair. Other than that, your choices are somewhat limited to fish that would be ignored or are fast/aggressive enough to hold their own. If you choose to give up the clown, do check with your local aquarium society. That way you can meet the person who is getting your fish and sleep well at night knowing it is being well cared for. Best Regards, Adam>

A Nice Compromise <Hello! Ryan with you today> my husband recently got a 30 gallon salt water aquarium. there are no fish in there yet. he is still setting up and deciding exactly what fish to put in. he says that I can pick one fish that goes in there. I fell in love with the yellow striped maroon clown fish. but my husband can't find which fish are compatible. if you could help me out I would be absolutely thrilled. <Yellow Striped Maroon Clownfish are notoriously territorial. He'll likely torment anything he shares such a small space with. I would recommend a better beginner's clown: Tomato or Percula. Tank bred, of course. In a 30, you could comfortably house a pair of either, but not both. Good luck! Ryan>

Rule-breaking Maroon Hosting a Condylactis >Hello folks- >>Hello. >I've searched the posts, and can't quite find an answer to this one: Are there any long-term problems associated with a maroon choosing to host/hang out with a Condy? >>Well, my goodness, if the fish likes it, and the anemone doesn't seem to suffer for it, then the answer would be no! >I have a mated, tank-raised pair; the female has taken over my newer RBTA, while the male has apparently chosen the older, much larger Condy, rooted in the rock just above the female's roost on tank bottom. the RBTA and maroon pair have been in my 2.5 year old tank about a week. >>Alright. Rules *are* made to be broken, aren't they? It would seem if any fish is going to break the rules regarding what anemone they will and will not host, it's fitting that it would a maroon. >Minor nibbling from the female on the Condy so far; it appears to suck in the tentacles as if cleaning them and then spits them out mostly undamaged when it emerges from its roost to check out the male. >>Sounds like typical caretaking to me. >The male just hangs out there waiting for a chance to demonstrate the submission dance to the female. It doesn't really appear to host in the Condy so much as swim around in the tentacles; the Condy appears indifferent relative to the female's relationship with the RBTA. I've read scale disease is possible for the maroon, as well as ill effects for the anemone, now nearly at three years in my tank and getting a bit large. So far, so good, though- any thoughts? >>Yes. Get pictures. This is unusual. If they do appear to be stressing the anemone, then someone's going to have to find a new flat. >Thanks very much. >>You're welcome. Marina

Maroon clown hosting in an Anthelia <Hi! Ananda here today, helping out...> In response to Robert Heuser's question regarding whether a Maroon clown will host in a soft coral, I offer my own experience. <Oh, cool. Thanks for chiming in!> I have a maroon that believes that a clump of Anthelia is an anemone. He not only takes refuge within the coral but at feeding time brings food to it. Its funny to see him lose his patience when the food just floats off the Anthelia and he has to go back and get it again. Jerry <That does sound amusing. I've heard of clowns hosting in xenia before, and in various soft corals, yellow polyps, star polyps, mushrooms, Caulerpa, the corner of the tank, a chunk of PVC pipe, the skimmer overflow box.... --Ananda>

Maroon clowns Hello Bob, <Hi Adam, MacL here with you tonight> I recently purchased a large bubble-tip anemone for my pair of gold stripe maroon clowns. Before I introduced it they were very outgoing and active but now they spend all their time lazing around in the anemone. The real concern is that they are not eating near as much as they used to because they only take the bits of food that float right past the Anemone. They greedily take what floats past but they seem too scared to venture out more than a few centimeters. Is this behaviour normal? <Definitely normal behavior, they are content and happy with their new home.> I have kept other clowns with anemones before but they never did this, will they eventually come out? <They could be nesting and possibly preparing to have babies.> Any advice would be greatly appreciated. <That behavior is typical of bonded pairs.> Yours Sincerely Adam Harbeck

Maroon Clown behavior Hi, I added in another Sebae clownfish in addition to my current one, since they aren't going to be in stock for awhile. When I added them in, both of them began to twitch against each other like anything. Does this symbolize anything? Thanks <Testing, adjustment, aggression... you will see within the first few hours to days whether these two will get along. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnbehfaqs.htm and the Related FAQs (linked, in blue, at top) Bob Fenner>

Maroon Clownfish Honeymoon Mr. Fenner, <Anthony Calfo in your service> I bought a mated pair of maroon clownfish and quarantined them for 4 weeks before introducing them in a 135 gallon tank. <excellent> They seemed to get along fine at the fish shop and in quarantine. Although the female did occasionally nip at the male, they also never fought. <common for some scrapping to occur as the dominant female re-establishes a nest/territory (driving all fish including the male sometime away) before settling in (and driving the male back into the nest> There were already two anemones (LT & BT) in the 135 gallon tank. When the clowns were first introduced, they lived together in the BT. A month later, the male moved out and now lives in the LT. The clowns still do not fight, but they also do not seem to have much contact with each other. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to help bring them together again? <actually not at all uncommon and they may very well get back together. Breeding is not the primary instinct/drive. When they do feel amorous again, it will happen> Please let me know what you think. Thanks, Lucy <you can accelerate the event by conditioning with rich fatty foods (soaked with Selcon or naturally). In weeks, months I suspect they will be right back together. Have faith, my dear. Kindly, Anthony>

Maroon clowns Dear Bob, Anthony, Steve, <cheers, friend. Anthony Calfo in your service while Bob travels Australia... running like the wind, soaring like a bird and drinking like a fish (a saltwater fish, that is, <wink>)> I have had a H. magnifica in my tank for the last 6 months. (120G tank) It seem to be doing quite well and has grown to about 10 inches. About 6 weeks ago I added 2 maroon clowns. One was about 2.5' and the other about 1.5'. They were doing well. No fighting and they seem to hang out together most of the time but they both ignored the anemone. <yes... not all need or want an anemone> I assumed they would eventually form a breeding pair. <agreed> Yesterday I added a BTA. <for future reference... mixing anemone species in aquaria is unsafe for long-term success. The sense each other and slowly exude noxious compounds in allelopathy (chemical warfare) which kills one of the two within two years... the survivor suffers just the same> Within seconds of it being put in the tank the larger clown moved in. <the females always stakes out the nest first and drives out all other intruders including the male temporarily> The anemone had not even opened and the clown was inside pushing it open. The male also tried to get into the anemone and the female chewed him up. <yes... above reason, but she will eventually drive him back into the anemone after she is settled> All his fins are torn and he looks really sad. He has now moved into the H. magnifica. <fine> Today the two clowns are avoiding each other. The two anemones are at either end of the tank <yes... above reason... they will "fight"> and the clowns also stay at either end. Occasionally the male will come within 8 inches of the female and wait. The female just chases him away. What's going on? Why would they start fighting after so much time? Can I do anything? Thanks Karun <its normal courtship... leave well enough alone for now. Use lots of chemical filtration (poly filters and carbon) until you can remove one of the anemones. We wont be surprised to see eggs and babies within the year. Kind regards, Anthony>

Home sweet home, clownfish style (03/31/03) Hi Bob, <Hi! Ananda here tonight...> I have a Maroon Clown in my fish only tank. He's a great specimen but he's picked out a portion of the tank (kind of hidden from view) which is his; cleans out the substrate to create his "home," and guards it. I've changed the locations of the tanks' decor in hopes it would change his behavior and have him swim throughout the tank but it didn't work. Is this normal behavior? <I've seen baby maroon clowns doing this in tanks at various retailers.> I'd like to have him become more visible without putting any undo stress on his him. Is it possible? What do you think? Rich <I suspect that once the clownfish has picked out a spot, you aren't likely to get the fish to leave it without somewhat drastic measures. You may need to completely rearrange the tank, or put something large and immovable in the way. It would cause him some stress, but probably not more stress than being moved to a new tank (that is, from the fish store to your tank). --Ananda>

- Maroon Clown Behavior - Hello Crew, Visit your site daily. Quick question. I have a pair of yellow striped maroon clown fish. Female about 2X size of male. Both share a BTA. They have been in my reef for less than 2 weeks. (tank is a 65 gal AGA with 2 corner overflows, 5+inch DSB, 100 lbs LR, 384 watts PC 10,000k and 03 actinic, 30gal sump/refugium with "MUDD" 24/7 light on refuge, Aqua-C remora hang on skimmer, 20+X water turnover). Multi LPS, some SPS frags, Xenia, Ricordea and softies. 2 other fish - Purple Tang and a red headed goby. My question is about the behavior of the female clown. Over the last several days it has been "sweeping" the DSB from around its territory. It has swept at least an inch of the aragonite away with its tail fin. Does not appear to be cleaning any rock around the BTA for possible spawning. I have been keeping SW/REEF aquariums for over 30 years. (Built my own all glass tanks when the only available tanks were MetaFrame). I have had clowns spawn before but never so soon after introduction to the system and never noticed this behavior. Is this common or is its behavior something other than pre-spawning setting up house. <I'd go with something tied to spawning... setting up house as you mention. Hard to imagine what else it would be, but then again fish sometimes do things without explanation.> Thank you in advance for your opinion. Tom <Cheers, J -- >
- Maroon Clown Behavior, Follow-up - Thanks for the quick reply. <My pleasure.> Quick follow-up question. So far the clown has "swept" away the aragonite down 3" in depth. Is there any major harm being done to the DSB? <Major? No... is there some affect, yes.> Total depth of DSB is 5-6 inches. Also I noticed the deeper layers to be solidified in spots. Is this normal? <Hmm... depends on what is hardening the sand - in my own sump, I have a mysterious sponge-like growth that is aggregating the sand in places... appears solid but can be broken apart. In some systems where calcium and alkalinity are out of balance or too high the sand bed can solidify... essentially turning into calcium-based rock. A careful examination of your calcium/alkalinity and the nature of clumps should reveal the source.> Thanks. Tom <Cheers, J -- >

Two New Maroons I am quite concerned about the behavior of our two maroon gold stripes recently introduced to our tank about a week ago. We have a 45 gallon tank with all the filtration and lights required to grow a nice reef tank. No other fish in the tank, a few (3) turbo snails, some hermit crabs and one cleaner shrimp. <I would likely not add any other fish to this system... the Maroons are territorial, and can be real terrors in small systems they occupy initially> The two fish are a tank raised pair. Up until last night they were eating quite regularly (although the larger fish didn't seem to have the same appetite as the smaller fish), and were highly active during "daylight" hours. They camped out in a live rock "cave" after the lights shut off. Last night, the larger maroon clown was backed up in the upper corner of the tank - very still and essentially vertical. The smaller clown was right with him. The two fish remained there for through the night, and were still like that this morning. They were not at all interested in food this morning. <Mmm, not atypical behavior for the species when new...> The two appear healthy (no changes in color or appearance) and up until last night were quite active. I don't want to be too sensitive to changes in behavior, but thought this was odd. Any thoughts you have would be very helpful. Christine <I would just wait/see what happens at this juncture. Bob Fenner>
Re: Two New Maroons Thanks for your thoughts. Unfortunately one of the clowns died last night. We are heartbroken. All of the water tested fine this morning. There were no obvious signs of illness. From some of the posts on your website, it sounds as if this is not entirely unusual. <Sorry to read of your loss... Anomalous losses of wild-collected Clownfishes is very common as you state. If you can locate a much smaller individual (than the survivor) they may "mate"... I would not wait more than a few weeks to introduce the new one. Bob Fenner>

Hanging by a Xenia! And...the Homeless Clownfish Hello Crew, <Scott F. here with you> I had purchased a Xenia from Liveaquaria.com, and it came in today, but I noticed that one was hanging by a limb. What should I do? It's just a small Xenia, about half an inch tall. Should I cut it and rubber band it together with 2 small rocks, leave it, or do you know of a better way? I'm scared to cut it because of its size, and due to the stress of shipping, I don't think it will be able to recover from a propagation attempt. <Well, if it were me, I would leave it be for a couple of days. If it does not appear to recover, you may want to excise the damaged portion and leave the remainder in an area of the aquarium where it can recover. Xenias are extremely hardy (kind of the weed of the coral world!), and usually can recover from such traumas given time and good conditions.> Also, I have another question, too. I had purchased a bubble-tip anemone for my Perculas because they were not happy without their own anemone like my Maroon clown. Well, the Maroon wanted more property and took to both bubble-tips. Is this normal? <Well, Maroons can be quite territorial, and can certainly take over a given area, including the anemones.> Is there any way that I can make him leave so my perculas might have a chance in having an anemone? Thanks, Chris. <Short of removing him from the aquarium, probably not. This is one of the reasons why we generally advise against mixing various clownfish species in one aquarium, particularly the Maroons as they can be quite nasty. Well, keep a close eye on things and maybe the social order will settle down and everyone will be happy. Good luck! Scott F.>