Ocellaris Clownfish

[joey182]

I read on liveaquaria.com that the ocellaris clowfish if tank raised only get up to 2 inches in length. Ifthis is true I just set up a 10 gallon nano and am wanting t get a small pair so one will become a male. I like them alot and have read that they will host a magnificent, and carpet anemone is their any others that they will host???

[steve1s]

The info you have gleened has a few inaccuracies. :shock:

All clownes are born male and then when in groups (wild only), one becomes female. It will always be the largest and the color will also become quite dull. There is also a dominant male (usually the second largest) that mates with the dominant female.

In the home aquarium it is quite similar. If two clownes of the same species become a mated pair, the larger of the two will change sex and become female. Both wild and tank raised percs can and will get 3-4" in size, especially the female.

Providing they where the only fish in the 10g tank, I think that would still work fine providing you are dilligent with maintenace and do not overfeed.

I think the anemone however is completely ouyt of the question in such a small tank. The ritteri (H. Magnifica) and the carpet (S. Haddoni) are two of the largest anemone's and would outgrow such a small tank in no time.

I think you will find that once the tank is ready and the clowns have settled in they will be just fine with a toadstool leather or even a cave prepared from some LR. They do not require an anemone to mate or raise young and being the only fish in the tank will probably reproduce fairly often... :wink:

Cheers
Steve

[joey182]

Thanks for the info I didnt want to keep those two anemones because I knew they would get to large is there any others they like? Also do they realy like mushrooms I read that they will host a mushroom coral or anything with long polyps is ths true? Because I didnt want the anemone my step dad did. I dont think I am quite skilled enough for one yet. Someday I mite get a bigger tank for them and get a anemone. Thanks

[steve1s]

Most if not all clowns have absolutely no need for an anemone. In fact many in the wild are found in simple LPS or soft coral and more still are found to mate in crevaces in the rock.

Pretty much anywhere they feel safe and can defend... :wink:

Cheers
Steve