Clown hosting GBTA and a Carpet

[ryan115]

I was at my lfs the other day and watched a pair of tank raised Bicinctus clown go back and forth from a GBTA to a carpet (not sure which species, thinking maybe a Merten's). Any way, I think that sure could put a new twist on the ecological factors of clownfish/anemone symbiosis, as far as the clown needing to become adapted to a certain type of anemone before it can truly host. Has anyone else seen anything like this occuring?

 

[catastrofe]

My orange skunks routinely travelled between 2 different haddoni and a magnifica. When I introduced the mag, they didn't even acclimate. . .they just dove right in.

 

[55semireef]

Re: Clown hosting GBTA and a Carpet

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8603487#post8603487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ryan115
I was at my lfs the other day and watched a pair of tank raised Bicinctus clown go back and forth from a GBTA to a carpet (not sure which species, thinking maybe a Merten's). Any way, I think that sure could put a new twist on the ecological factors of clownfish/anemone symbiosis, as far as the clown needing to become adapted to a certain type of anemone before it can truly host. Has anyone else seen anything like this occuring?

My female Clarkii has gone from a Sebae, to a blue haddoni which she regulary hosts and an LTA. Nothing unheard of. The question is how they host these anemones.

 

[ryan115]

well if i remember correctly some of the theories said that the clownfish would build up tolerances to thier host by brushing and gaining something in thier slime coats that the anemone would not recognize as food. Now I guess it is possible that they are doing this to all 3 anemones, but wouldnt they sense the other anemones on the clown?

 

[55semireef]

Check this thread I made. All about clown and anemone mutualism and some of the theories.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=943550