Clownfish Hosting in Duncan Colony?

H

HookedonReef17

Member
Hello everyone. I recently recieved a pair of clowns just three days ago. They are starting to host in one of my two large duncan colonies. (In the range of 35-40 heads each) But it seems the one they've takin a liking too hasn't been opening up as wide as usual. Is this a serious problem that i should address? Or just let it ride and see what happens after a couple weeks? Or should i just buy them an anemone cause they want to host in something so bad? Any imput is appreciated. They're still pairing up at the moment as well. Thanks in advance.
 
I'm not sure how the size compares, but when my clown was a baby (I mean TINY), he was hosted by a single duncan head and it never caused any problems. Now, if he was 2-4x the size, that might be a problem. Also, having a Duncan colony might help the equation some...

There isn't much you can do for the Duncan as they will just keep diving right in it, unless you give them something else that will host them. How old is your tank? How long have you been in the hobby? If the conditions are right, maybe adding a BTA would make them happy!
 
Here are a few pics. I've been doing this for about 4 years now and have had several clown pairs but none have shown interest in my duncans before. I also had a RBTA but it kept on moving and killed a few of my soft corals. so i was tring to avoid another one but if its what is going to make them happy then i'm all for it.
 

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HookedonReef17 said:
After watching them everyday it seems that the duncans are starting to get used to the new clowns. Maybe i won't need to get an anemone?
Click to expand...

They do not need anemones in tanks. Even if you do get a proper host anemone they will likely stay with the duncan coral. Some people have host anemones, frog spawn, duncans ect... and their clowns host the power head, or the corner of the tank. :lolspin:
 
The only thing I think you have to worry about is the potential size/aggresion of those clowns. If I'm not mistaken those are clarkii clowns. They've been showing up in the LFS's for awhile now. Something like sanjay's photons or something...anyhow, if they are clarkii, then they are going to get big. They may also get aggressive. If they do, then you might want to monitor their interaction with your duncans carefully. These guys can and often will nip.

As far as a nem, clowns will host what and where they want. They are also fairly stubborn. Once they have established a territory, it's un-common for them to give it up. If you do decide you want to try and get them to host a nem, the best way I've found to force them to change is to remove whatever they are currently hosting after adding the new nem. You don't have to take your duncans out forever, just long enough to get the clowns to settle down where you want them...hopefully.
 
I think for now i'll just let them be, i didn't realize clowns would host in such a variety of corals... and i'll just keep a close eye on them. They're looking awesome as they swim in and out of the duncans! Maybe if a good deal comes up i'll get an anemone to see if they would prefer it but i'm not going to press the issue unless they start to nip. Thanks for help and info!
 
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