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, ie: 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 NitrateLok packs because I haven't regenerated them yet.
<Set up the water changes and find the source of the nitrates, NitrateLok 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 Anenome 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> 
 

The Maroon Clown Shout Out! 10/30/05 Hey Anthony & the rest of the Wet Web Gang!  <Hello Stormbringer!>  Wavin' a hand from Denver!  <Wavin' back from SoCal!>  It's been a while since checkin' in with y'all with a topic worth while to check out! I have a pair of GS Maroon clowns that have been "clownin' around" on the bottom side of the overflow box in the 75g display! It seems the female has convinced the Anemone to help protect the eggs  <More like she has employed it.> and, the poor lil male is kept a busy boy by Mama!  <Oh yes those women clowns are slave drivers.>  Snapped a couple of pix to share with y'all!  <Very cool!> Take care, and, "Keep on Reefin'! Stormbringer! <You too. Thanks for sharing with us, Adam J.>

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 anenomes (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.>