can i mix clown fish?

[klee5887]

My husband and I got a clown fish and a few other things from a friend, but were not sure what type of clown it is. We have two anemones and only one clown and I would like to get another one. Can I mix them, or do I have to get the same kind?

Thanks,

 

[anemone123]

From my experience, I do not mix clownfish species. I don't even have more than two of the same species in a tank. Can you mix clowns or have more than two? Yes, but they will fight. Having multiply species in the same tank is like two rival gangs in the same area. Eventually, something happens. My lesson was, my maroon female chased my black ocellares out of the tank and onto the floor.

I have also had five of the same species in one tank. What happens is the largest two become a pair and beat up the smaller fish. The smallest eventually died because all the larger clowns picked on it.

If you just have a pair of the same species they act like two kids in love most of the time. It is cute.

 

[shiggs]

Show a Pic??

 

[wilawalo]

Can you keep 3 fish of the same species together?

 

[klee5887]

I'm new to the site so I wasn't sure where to post the picture. Here is the link of my little guy:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/521/181545P2234925_copy.jpg

 

[klee5887]

i did some research and I'm thinking it might be Clark's Clownfish - Amphiprion clarkii. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

thanks

 

[Kengaroo131]

yup its a clarkii what size tank is he in they get fairly large 4-5 inches i think. it will be fine to get another clarkii but there are a few posibilities that can happen.

1 the two fish pair and use the same nem
2 the fish go there seperate ways and use both use the 2 the nems
3 the fish go there seperate ways and the new one hosts something other then the nem
4 both fish can possibly pick on eachother

the way i see it no matter what you get the clarkii is going to defend his territory so when you introduce a new fish theres going to be some bumps and bangs for a little bit but once they get settled everything should be fine

im not to sure about the different kinds of clowns though maby some one else can help out with that part.

good luck to you as to whatever you go for. hope it turns out well.

 

[klee5887]

thanks for the help..

 

[beely]

yea thats a clarkii, i currently have one clarkii and 2 occellaris in a 29g. with a lta and a carpet. the clarkii is hosting both anemones and is semi aggressive towards my other two clowns, all 3 clowns are about the same size. and the there seems to be very little problems. ive had them together for about 5-6 months now and counting but yea i agree with what kenaroo says, the clarkii will be agressive about his territory. if you def had to get more clowns, i would get less aggressive ones and make sure that they are the same size and not smaller. goodluck with your hunt.

 

[MYDRAAL]

IME clowns don't mix. Even if you have peace in your tank for a year and a half the risk that they will go after one another is to high(happened to me). If your going to try to pair your Clarki I would get one smaller than the one you have(maybe smallest you can find). Chances are higher that the larger one will be/become female and smaller one will be male. They will probably fight over dominance,but if you get lucky they'll pair up. Good Luck!

 

[MYDRAAL]

Putting less aggressive clowns with more aggressive ones= less aggressive ones being picked on. May not happen now but your putting them together with high chances of them being bullied.

 

[davidandliz]

i have 2 mated sebaes.. 1 smaller sebae and one true percula.. the small sebae and percula hang out on the same side of the tank with no problem and the mated sebaes host our carpet.. so you can have them in the same tank as long as you have plenty of room...

oh and my sebaes also spawn every week
my true perc host our xenia

 

[klee5887]

wow i didn't know xenia's could be hosted. we have some, but not many.

about the clarkii, i did notice he is a little agressive toward the damsel's.