Clownfish pair and RBTA in acclimation box

[DaveRaz]

I caught the duo tonight and placed in an acclimation box (fish trap really) in hopes they will allow the anemone to host. I've seen stories of this being successful. Have you ever done this and if so how long did it take?

Obviously there is little water movement in the box but the RBTA isn't closed up. The clownfish are in a state of shock at the moment. Sleeping one minute and in a box with a massive RBTA the next.

I've had all three animals for months and decided to give this a shot.

 

[shifty51008]

While it may work it isnt reccomended to do it this way. Anemones can sting and hurt clowns if they are not adapted to them. But would be just to put them all in the tank and let them go into the anemone when they are ready

 

[DaveRaz]

You're right and I considered that. I bought a very large trap and they don't have to be touch it. I'm hoping the close proximity will help the process. One clown was nipping and in the Amenone a few weeks ago but lost interest as
they both like to stay in a bottom corner by a frogspawn. If no luck in a couple days I will discontinue the project.

 

[shifty51008]

I did have a friend do the same thing as your doing and the clowns did start going into the anemone however after they put everything into the tank the clowns ignored the anemone and went for a hammer coral. But good luck with yours.

 

[MelloW33]

Can you do the opposite and put the frogspawn in the acclimation box?

 

[DaveRaz]

Thanks and also excellent tip. When I return the trio I will pull their normal host out for a bit. They are designer blacker ice clownfish. While they are stunningly beautiful, it was a rookie move buying them as my first fish. Had the nemo bug I suppose.

 

[ratienza80]

I tried that with my clowns. They were in the acclimation box overnight and when i woke up, one of the clowns was in the anemone and wouldn't let the other clown near it. When I put them back, the clowns haven't went back to the anemone.

I think the clowns will go to the host when they are ready.

 

[DaveRaz]

For anyone new to the hobby reading this thread, this experiment failed. It only stressed the animals.

 

[shifty51008]

Sorry to hear it didnt work, hopefully they will go into the anemone later on. Useing an anemone that isnt their natural host is a hit or miss though but bta's usually have a good track record

 

[raythepilot]

Here is an interesting fact about percula/BTA hosting.
I have a percula pair that bonded with a BTA many years ago. They frequently lay eggs on a piece of coral right under the BTA and the eggs are stung numerous times by the anemone.
I tried removing the coral containing the eggs and anemone to hatch the eggs. The eggs hatched normally but when the larvae swam into the anemone they were stuck and consumed.
What do you think of that!