Clownfish hanging out in corner...

[autigers34]

My first two fish in my 28 gallon cube reef aqaurium are a pair of Clownfish.

They seem to be very active, but only want to hang out in one of the upper corners by the nozzle.

Is this normal? Should they start to roam around the tank as they become more comfortable? Is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable?

Thanks.

 

[E Rosewater]

Clowns like to have a territory. Mine hang out in the back left corner most of the time. Even upgraded tanks and they hang out in the same corner.

 

[MrTuskfish]

My first two fish in my 28 gallon cube reef aqaurium are a pair of Clownfish.

They seem to be very active, but only want to hang out in one of the upper corners by the nozzle.

Is this normal? Should they start to roam around the tank as they become more comfortable? Is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable?

Thanks.

This is common. If they weren't comfortable, they'd move.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

SOMETIMES this behavior is an indication of low oxygenation

do you run a properly sized skimmer?

do you have great water circulation?

what's the temp of the water?

is the aquarium covered with a glass top?

 

[autigers34]

SOMETIMES this behavior is an indication of low oxygenation

do you run a properly sized skimmer?

do you have great water circulation?

what's the temp of the water?

is the aquarium covered with a glass top?

It is a JBJ Nanocube, so it has a black plastic top with the light built into it. The water is about 78 degrees. The circulation is just what is built in to the aquarium, the filtration system and 2 nozzles. No additional skimmer.

 

[crsswift70]

As little as mine move around the tank, they could live in a gallon bucket. They pretty much stay in their corner. Matter of fact, ALL of my fish stay in that same corner most of the time.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

The only time I've had a fish hang out in a corner is when something was wrong

 

[devimik]

My two have chosen the front right corner since I put them in the tank. They usually hang near the sand most of the time and sleep there too. They do venture into the middle of the tank during feeding, but really tend to stay in that one corner. I think it's normal. My two Chromis stay near them for the most part, when they're not swimming back and forth. My Royal Gamma goes back and forth through the rocks and my Wrasse is the only fish that swims throughout the tank in all places.

 

[Bman562]

My clowns tend to stay near the top right corner.

Fairly common with clowns.

 

[MrTuskfish]

This is common behavior for clownfish (assuming they are breathing normally and will leave their spot to eat); with most fish, it indicates a problem. Clownfish are probably the most territorial fish we keep; especially a pair of an adult female.

 

[lhm nole]

Tank raised clowns are notorious for doing that until they get settled in

 

[SandyB]

My clown stays on the left side of my tank, mostly in the corner, but he goes all over at feeding time.
It's fun when he swims to see me when I go near the tank. (Yes I know it's cause they want food, I just like to think it's me lol )

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

My two have chosen the front right corner since I put them in the tank. They usually hang near the sand most of the time and sleep there too. They do venture into the middle of the tank during feeding, but really tend to stay in that one corner. I think it's normal. My two Chromis stay near them for the most part, when they're not swimming back and forth. My Royal Gamma goes back and forth through the rocks and my Wrasse is the only fish that swims throughout the tank in all places.

the problem here is the RG

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

My clowns tend to stay near the top right corner.

Fairly common with clowns.

again-

I've bred 'em. I've raised 'em. Wild or captive. Juvi or adult...
it's not a good sign when Clownfish are hanging out in a top corner.

 

[MrTuskfish]

again-

I've bred 'em. I've raised 'em. Wild or captive. Juvi or adult...
it's not a good sign when Clownfish are hanging out in a top corner.

I wish I still had time to breed fish; what a sense of accomplishment!

You're probably right; if this continues. But its very common for newly introduced clowns to "host" a corner with a heater, PH, etc.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

But its very common for newly introduced clowns to "host" a corner with a heater, PH, etc.

agreed. But if this persists... something is wrong.

Fish breeding. Yes.. what a sense of accomplishment.
Why did I cull those rejects? I could have been a millionaire by now :fun4:

 

[MondoBongo]

I have two tank raised percula clowns that host a corner.

The original pair liked the back corner, I unfortunately lost one to carpet surfing. When we put the new clown in with the remaining one they moved to the front corner and have stayed there to this day, several months later.

They typically don't range too far from their spot. I often wish they would pick somewhere that was easier for me to see them, but ultimately as long as they're happy and comfortable.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I have two tank raised percula clowns that host a corner.

The original pair liked the back corner, I unfortunately lost one to carpet surfing. When we put the new clown in with the remaining one they moved to the front corner and have stayed there to this day, several months later.

They typically don't range too far from their spot. I often wish they would pick somewhere that was easier for me to see them, but ultimately as long as they're happy and comfortable.

are you sure they're comfortable and happy? Have you covered the top of your aquarium with netting to prevent any more carpet surfing?

a carpet surfing clownfish is not a comfortable and happy clownfish

 

[tallball158]

I only have one clown, but will only stay in the corner when he sleeps. When the lights are on he is swimming all over my tank, mine is very active.

 

[MrTuskfish]

agreed. But if this persists... something is wrong.

Fish breeding. Yes.. what a sense of accomplishment.
Why did I cull those rejects? I could have been a millionaire by now :fun4:

I got (and agree) the joke about the culls. I think Mother nature did just fine with the originals.

Sorry, not on topic, but I'm stuck at home this weekend.