Clown pairing question-A. melanopus and A. frenatus...

[gflat65]

I have had Mimi's tomato clown since October with the hopes of pairing it up with Jenn's Cinnamon. I sold the QT tank today (and freakin broke it just before we loaded it up...), so the clown had to come out. I was afraid to try to put it with the Cinnamon right now, so I've got it in the 7.5 frag tank tied to the 125. The tomato is pretty small (maybe 1.5-2" max) and the Cinnamon is 3-3.5" (much larger when you look at the two together). First off, will a melanopus and frenatus 'hook up'? Second, since the tomato has been alone for so long (was in Mimi's tank with two other clowns-percula or ocellaris, I think), what's the likelihood if it being female already? I don't want to risk it getting ripped to shreds by the Cinnamon, but I'd love to try to mate them up, if possible...

 

[Fishboy42]

They can definitely mate and produce fertile eggs (David and I (RC handle "seased") have raised some from his mixed pair--although his pair is "opposite" from your proposed pair).

Since the tomato is so small, it might still be possible that the female will accept it and that it is still "male." I've heard of and experienced pairing fish that have both lived alone for long periods of time and having them lay eggs, so these solitary small fish at least seem to retain the capabilities of the male.

 

[rcmike]

What about a tomato male and a fire clown (Amphiprion ephippium) female? I bought a fire clown pair but the male died soon afterwards. I put a small tomato in with the female and they have sort of bonded. They spend some of the time together but most of the time the female is on the move while the male hosts in the bubble coral. I am just wondering if they can have viable eggs. They are so similar I would think so.

 

[Fishboy42]

That pair has been done as well (I believe at the old Instant Ocean Hatcheries in FL), but I have no first-hand experience. I suspect that most clowns can be crossed though.

 

[rcmike]

I figured so but just thought I would ask while the topic was up. I really wanted another fire male but couldn't find one locally.