Another Clownfish Question!!!

[Evyllchyld]

I have one one more question (I hope) for when it comes to clownfish. I'm going to hopefully be getting a bonded or mated pair for my 12g nano, but i'm picky with the kind i want. a PERFECT example of the type i'm looking for is percule . Is this type a percula that is caught off a reef, or tank bred? The reason I believe its caught is because of the location listed at the bottom of the page, and because they also sell tank-bred true perculas. What i'm looking for in a true percula is the orangish/yellow with REALLY dark black bold stripes like the ones in the picture. So I just want to know if i should be looking for true perculas caught off a reef to get the color/design i'm looking for? I notice the tank bred are not as bold IMO. Well thanks for any help ahead of times incase i forget to thank you myself.

-Brian

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

I understand you wanting the more brightly colored True Percs but I would go with the Tank raised Ocellaris.. As you read in the info, the true Percs are not as hardy and not for beginners [you don't list your experience]
If you do go with True Percs, get tank raised. Wild caught Clowns often carry internal parasites, brooklnella and other parasites and many do not fare well in captivity after going through the stress of being removed from the protection of their Anemone. Tank Raised Clowns do not need anemones. I have 4 Tank raised Ocellaris and I think their awesome

ps. Also notice LA recommends a minimum of 30 gallons for the True Percs..

 

[Evyllchyld]

I don't like ocellaris, the only clowns i have come to like are these ones. I have no experience what so ever with saltwater fish, but plan on taking things very slow to make sure I don't screw up. I don't want to buy fish that I don't like and these are the only kind of fish that I do like. I realize the LA recommends a 30gal for these, and once they grow to that point i'll either upgrade my tank (which is probably what's going to happen anyways) or give them to my fathers tank (a 75 gal). I'm very picky when it comes to animals, and will search forever for the perfect type that I want. (I.E. my show rabbit that took me 3 months of non-stop looking, or my conure that took me 2 months of first choice from a breeder) I find that if you are going to buy a pet, you mine as well be completely satisfied. I have seen all BUT what i believe is the true percs caught from the wild and none of them see worth buying. I also know that these aren't as hardy as the ocellaris, but I believe (I could be wrong) that with taking my whole tank slow and learning as much as I can that there is no reason that they will die on my part, but I may be wrong who knows. (if they have parasites or something that I can't help then it wouldn't be my fault) I know the way i explained that sounds terrible, but it was the best way i could explain it. I do realize you are probably looking out whats best for me, and I thank you for that. I don't want you to think I'm jumping down your throat or anything (I re-read this thread and realized some people may think I was bothered by your comment, but was just really explaining myself) I do realize that you are making a great suggest but I just can't get myself to spend money on fish/coral that i'm not totally in love with.

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

If they have Brooklynella, or other parasites, they can be cured..you should be willing to treat and care for these Clowns if you are so set on having them. Hopefully if you buy them from a reputable store you won't have to deal with these diseases. Many wild caught Clowns will die in captivity regardless of the wonderful care they receive, but if you want to take that chance, that's your decision
Good luck to you

 

[Evyllchyld]

I'd be more then willing to treat anything/everything that is wrong with them. I'm not going to let them die of something I cannot help. I do understand that if I don't know everything about clowns and they die of somethign that could of been helped, then that is my fault but I was given suggestions on a couple amazing clown books and have plans on picking them up before I buy the fish themselves. Since I know i'll be going with harder fish to take care of, I'd like to be prepared for them.
Thanks for the quick response bttrflygrl

Thanks

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

Well your doing your research so I can see the fish will be in good hands. Buy from a good source and be sure to ask for help if you run into trouble..lots of people to help.
Also, did you post in the Clownfish forum? You can probably get a lot of useful info there
Good luck

 

[Evyllchyld]

Thanks, I looked for a clownfish forum on here, didn't see it.. must of past over it so i guess i'll have to look again. Thanks again!!

 

[LisaD]

If you're just starting out with saltwater, get the book New Marine Aquarium by Mike Paletta. It's a great guide for a FOWLR set-up, it's concise, has great advice (that it took me over 20 years to learn by trial and error) and beautiful pictures. If you want a great book on Clownfish, get the book with that title, by Joyce Wilkerson. Great sections on breeding clownfish too. The Paletta book is less than $20 online, not sure how much Clownfish is, but you will be glad you bought both books as you do your research.

 

[Evyllchyld]

Thanks LisaD, I've been told to get that clownfish book by a number of people, and will do just that.