Adding new clown pair

[frantzml1982]

I have an established 55 gallon reef tank with one True Percula and a hole bunch of coral. It's been set up and running with the current stock for about 1 year. I was thinking about adding a pair of true percula to the tank. Just wanted some advice on the new additions. Thanks as always for the help.

 

[maww]

I would recomend adding a juvenile(small) true perc ( A. percula), or several small percs, rather than a "pair". I assume the exiating clown has reaches a decent size, and will be a female by now. Adding an established pair to the tank will be asking for trouble. Adding juveniles will allow the current A perc to assert its dominance, and hopefuly lead to a much more peacable introduction of the new clowns to the tank.

good luck!

 

[ChunksInClemson]

I wouldn't be so sure that the clown is female. If it doesnt have a reason to change, it wont. They are born hermaphrodites meaning they have the organs for both but if the clown hasnt been paired up, then it doesnt have a reason to change to female. Once it is female, it cant go back to male. The percs are not known to be as aggressive and territorial but you could pick one up who shows this behavior.

One question, How big is the existing fish? I would go ahead and just get one more that is bigger of course (so it doesn't get picked on) and then see where it goes from there. They will eventually pair up although it could take a while. A mated pair doesn't mean that they will spawn as soon as you get them in there. Just the new tank and surroundings could put this off for a while also. Another thing, just b/c they are mated doesnt mean they've even spawned before. A lot of stores sell them as mated pairs b/c they have been together for awhile and they show courting behavior. Don't let them take advantage of ya!!!

If you have anymore questions, let me know. HTH

 

[frantzml1982]

The existing fish is about 1.5 - 2 inches. I was thinking of just adding 2 more true percs around the the same size.