Aggressive Clowns

[Patrick Cox]

Hello,
I have a 36x24x20 Reef tank (75 Gallons) with a clownfish pair that has laid eggs a number of times in the past so I guess that means they are "mated." Anyway, they are hosted by a Frogspawn colony in the front of my tank. I enjoy them but I have had issues with adding other fish to the tank. They can be very aggressive / territorial with new fish. Is this something I will just have to deal with or are there maybe certain active fish that they will "leave alone?" I do have other fish in my tank but it seems that all of the other fish are just hiding in the rocks. I am not sure is it is the clowns or just the species I have chosen but I rarely see fish, other than the clowns, unless I feed. Here is my stocking list...

2 Percula Clowns
1 Kaudern's Cardinal (This one is out more and the clowns don't bother it much.)
1 Yellow Assessor - only see upon feeding
1 Possum Wrasse - This one is new and never comes out of rocks
1 Neon Goby - Out some but mainly just out for feeding

I would really like to have more fish activity in my tank and I am afraid that can't really happen with the clowns. However I do also realize I am limited on fish selection by a 36" long tank but any suggestions would be appreciated.

Again, looking for active fish that will co-exist with the clownfish pair in a 36", 75G tank.

Thanks!

 

[Marshall O]

Well you have one fish that's nocturnal (Cardinal), one that is a cave dweller (Assessor), and one that is cryptic by nature (Possum Wrasse), so I am not at all surprised you do not have much activity in the tank. I am also not surprised that your established, spawning pair of Clowns is aggressive towards new fish. Your best bet at getting some more action in the tank is adding a couple fish that swim out in the water column and can stand up to some bullying. There are some other Wrasses that should work as long as your tank is covered, and a sandbed (I think one from the Halichoeres genus should likely do well). Otherwise, maybe a "peaceful" Dottyback such as Orchid. Hopefully some others will chime in with some more suggestions.

 

[Patrick Cox]

Well you have one fish that's nocturnal (Cardinal), one that is a cave dweller (Assessor), and one that is cryptic by nature (Possum Wrasse), so I am not at all surprised you do not have much activity in the tank. I am also not surprised that your established, spawning pair of Clowns is aggressive towards new fish. Your best bet at getting some more action in the tank is adding a couple fish that swim out in the water column and can stand up to some bullying. There are some other Wrasses that should work as long as your tank is covered, and a sandbed (I think one from the Halichoeres genus should likely do well). Otherwise, maybe a "peaceful" Dottyback such as Orchid. Hopefully some others will chime in with some more suggestions.

Thanks for your reply. Makes sense to me! And funny you should mention a covered tank. I have lost a blenny and mystery wrasse to jumping! I really liked both of those fish. I guess I need to buy a cover first and then a couple more fish. Thanks!

 

[mark54321]

You can add one of those dwarf angels like flame or coral beauty, they are bold enough to stand up to your clowns. But they are hit or miss with corals.

 

[Patrick Cox]

You can add one of those dwarf angels like flame or coral beauty, they are bold enough to stand up to your clowns. But they are hit or miss with corals.

Hi,
Yes, I like these fish, especially the Potter's Angel. But, I am worried about my corals getting nipped.