Clown replacement

[john1979]

I've had a pair of clown fish (I don't know what species) for over a year, and today the bigger one decided to go carpet surfing. My 4-year old daughter was very upset when we got home and saw her favorite fish on the floor! I had to promise that we'd go replace her first thing tomorrow.

There's still one clown in the tank. Is it OK to leave him alone, or is it better if there is a pair? If I decide to get another clown, what do I need to be aware of? Do I have to get the same type?

Thanks!

 

[Eastamherstbias]

Pic of the other clownfish or what kind was it?

 

[sedorusc]

I would definitely get the same kind. Just be sure to get one smaller than the one you still have. The large one was most likely your female. It should be ok without another one (I only have one right now and don't want to buy a second one until my tank and stand build is complete.) Happy hunting.

 

[john1979]

Here's a pic of my remaining clown:

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

beautiful percula!

get another percula for sure IMO

cover your aquarium with netting

 

[Eastamherstbias]

Go same type and get the smallest one you can find.

 

[BuffaloReef]

It looks like a percula to me too. If you want to be certain you can count dorsal spines. Occelaris usually have 11 while perculas usually have 9 or 10. I can't say I've ever successfully counted fin spines though.

Clownfish go in three stages. They start as asexual juveniles, then become males and finally females. There can only be one female and one male. Your survivor was a male but should now be turning into a female. They cannot go back once they've moved up a sex. To be safe you should add a small juvenile percula. Your survivor will assert it's dominance and become female if it isn't already. The juvenile will develop into the male.

You'll see some aggression as they work things out. The smaller clownfish will usually do a shake-dance showing submission. As long as you match species, add a smaller specimen and treat them well they'll work things out.

An interesting thing about clownfish is that age and size are not always related. In the wild you'll see several ocelallaris or perculas in the same anenome. There will be a female, a male and several "juveniles." Because they have to assert themselves to move up it's possible for a "juvenile" to me much older than the large female.

 

[magdelan]

It looks like a percula to me too. If you want to be certain you can count dorsal spines. Occelaris usually have 11 while perculas usually have 9 or 10.

I would rather get my nipples pierced while horseback riding.