Clown Fish Question

[kieranmhewitt]

I have just set up a 40g tank and was wondering is it posssible to have 2 different pairs of clowns or would they fight??
Thanks

[MonoSebaelover]

I would say in a 40 they would fight. I would only do one pair of the smaller clowns (ie Percula or Ocellaris). I once had a pair of Clarkii's and a pair of Ocellaris in a 46 gallon and the Clarks always picked on the Ocellaris so moved the Ocellaris to a different tank. Hope this helps.

[OrionGirl]

For most species, it work in the long run. Clowns are very territorial--2 pairs in such a small tank will be a battle. If you want a pair, you will have to get them together, or you'll face the same problem. You could try having 4 ocellaris clowns--with them, the dominant fish will become female, and the remaining fish will stay male, in her harem. I wouldn't try it, though--that tank is likely going to be a battle ground.

[kieranmhewitt]

Thanks for your replies I will stick to a pair of percula's or ocellaris then. Do you have any suggestions for tankmates I am looking bright, interesting and wont out grow the tank.

Thanks
Kieran

[copyeditor]

Hi,

I have 2 small false perculas and a tomato clown living in harmony with a bicolor angel. The tomato clown was given to me by someone who broke down a marine tank and it was only supposed to be in my tank temporarily. It has fit in so well now that I've grown attached to it. :)

[OrionGirl]

No one said that the mix couldn't work, just that it wasn't advisable and would cause problems in the long run in this size tank.

I had a pair of perculas, and added a maroon clown that was twice thier size. All seemed well for the first day, and then the perculas attacked and killed the maroon in a single day.