clown swallowing sinularia branch

[teasterjl]

My clown has been exhibiting some strange behavior recently...

I have a sinularia (green finger leather) coral in my 55 gallon reef tank. The clown started spending a lot of time hovering beside the coral. Then I noticed that he wasn't simply swimming beside the coral, he was holding one of the branches in his mouth. He will "swallow" about 1/4" of the branch and just remain hovering in the water with the branch down his throat.

Any thoughts on why??

 

[ExtremeClownfish]

my clowns suck on my anemones tentacles often. ive also noticed it in a friends aquarium. he said it was common

 

[traveller7]

teasterjl,
[welcome]

It is not unusual for a clown to "mouth" the "hosting anemone." Why is not definitely answered, but it is a common trait. Some clowns actually get quite aggressive and chew of tentacles, etc.

Not really an issue in your described situation, but don't be surprised if your clown darkens up a bit from calling a non-hosting coral home.

Cheers.