A few pics of our lightning clowns

[lmm1967]

To be clear, my issue is not with the pattern. It is correct that the original Lightning was wild caught. My issue is with the head and body shape, which is clearly deformed in these fish (and many other high end designers). I don't think anyone can honestly disagree with that. Frustrates me that people go gaga over these deformed fish just for color markings.

Please describe the deformities - I'm asking for my knowledge - not to challenge or be rude.

 

[thelawnwrangler]

Please describe the deformities - I'm asking for my knowledge - not to challenge or be rude.

I would be curious too as a newbie I see them and think oh nice color

 

[addictedreefer]

Thanks everyone. The agression by the female is slowing down some but she still won't let the male roam free. Keeps him where she wants him for now.

They are both pigs and have learned that when a person gets close to the tank there's a chance something to eat may appear.

Serious underbite, bulbous deformed forehead and the body shape is far too elongated for a maroon.

 

[shifty51008]

I would be curious too as a newbie I see them and think oh nice color

Thats the issue with some breeders, they are more about colors rather than if the clown looks the right shape. If those were my clowns from breeding they would have been culled but others are all about how much money they can make.

 

[addictedreefer]

Thats the issue with some breeders, they are more about colors rather than if the clown looks the right shape. If those were my clowns from breeding they would have been culled but others are all about how much money they can make.

+1 and that's the problem with the designer clown industry. Newbies will still pay the big bucks so there is no economic incentive to cull deformed clowns. I fear that if these practices continue, in 10 years or so, none but the more veteran reefers will know what a clown really should look like.

 

[addictedreefer]

For reference, I believe this is a photo of the original lightning maroon collected from PNG. Note the deep, rich maroon color and flawless body shape -- a whole different animal. I'd drop thousands for this specimen, but you'd have to pay me to buy some of the tank bred copycats out there.

 

[lmm1967]

For reference, I believe this is a photo of the original lightning maroon collected from PNG. Note the deep, rich maroon color and flawless body shape -- a whole different animal. I'd drop thousands for this specimen, but you'd have to pay me to buy some of the tank bred copycats out there.

Thanks guys - appreciate the discussion. For the record - we have zero intention of even thinking about attempting any breeding.

 

[m0nkie]

For reference, I believe this is a photo of the original lightning maroon collected from PNG. Note the deep, rich maroon color and flawless body shape -- a whole different animal. I'd drop thousands for this specimen, but you'd have to pay me to buy some of the tank bred copycats out there.

and they still cost over $6000 per fish.. you are welcome to purchase the F1 PNG.. if you can't afford it, then you buy the $150 culls that looks deformed.. or you buy the S&R WYSIWYG ones that look somewhat deformed but better.. all maroons change to darker color after a year.. they aren't born dark

 

[dragonsong]

+1 and that's the problem with the designer clown industry. Newbies will still pay the big bucks so there is no economic incentive to cull deformed clowns. I fear that if these practices continue, in 10 years or so, none but the more veteran reefers will know what a clown really should look like.

I have had such a hard time finding proper looking clowns! I was out of the saltwater scene for like 7 years and when I cane back I'm like where the heck have all the clowns gone LOL
I managed to find a decent looking onyx so far but I am still on the hunt!

These little maroons are cute though and I like how the darker one looks. Agree that they do need better culling practices though , some of the things I see kept would never fly in the koi or fancy goldfish world.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I really like lightning maroons. I might keep my Onyx clowns in the 20 gallon and get a lightning pair for my 100 gallon with a bunch of Rose anemones.