Clownfish

[snorvich]

It seems as if clownfish are almost "requirements" for people starting up new tanks. I personally find them appealing ONLY in a species tank with a gorgeous anemone. So those who have them for 3 years or more, would you buy them again?

 

[Vanpire]

I have a pair of false percs with the standard RBTA in my reef tank, and I couldn't imagine my tank without them. They are also the favorite for my guests. I have these for over three years.

On virtually all of my reef dives, there are always clownfish with anemones, albeit not RBTA.

 

[Henryreef]

Here are my 2 cents: I have kept clowns for many years with and without anemones and I really enjoy their curious almost comical swimming style and interesting personalities... Overall I enjoy keeping them even without an anemone and would buy again in the future

 

[sslak]

I have a 5 year old pair of ocellaris. They don't host in the RBTA...of course! But I still enjoy them. They are almost like puppies in my tank. They swim up to greet me when I approach the tank, they are fun to watch, and they are always the favorite of my non-hobbyist friends.

I would not have a tank without them...unless I went very large with some big angels and triggers and puffers.

EDIT: They are also the most environmentally responsible fish to own I wish all fish in the hobby could be tank bred.

 

[SDguy]

My percs live and breed in my euphyllia in the reef. Yes, I would buy them again. I have a large pair of clarkiis in a separate tank.

 

[reeferstace]

I loved clowns before they became movie stars. I will always have clowns in my saltwater tanks.

Just bought a pair of onyx clowns yesterday that will go in my new 300g.

 

[Mike31154]

Maroon pair for close to 4 years. Spawning regularly next to their GBTAs. Started with one juvi, added the anemone later. Waited patiently for the critter to find and make the anemone its home. Went through the nailbiting pairing process after adding the second. BTA has split a number of times over the past couple years. Would definitely do it all over if I had to. I prefer Maroons because they're the killer bees of clownfish. My female is actually relatively mellow compared to some I've read about on various forums. Doesn't get too aggressive with tankmates or my hand. Does not like toothbrushes though.

Pics from a few years ago, not too long after the pairing process, female darkening & growing very fast. More than doubled in size in less than a month:

 

[aquaph8]

Steve, Ive had mine about 4 years now. I would buy them again cause its really great watching them in the anemone. I also love watching them go through the process of watching over their eggs. With that said, I did make the mistake of placing them right in the middle of my 125 and they niped at my tangs a lot. I recently upgraded to a larger tank and made sure to move them to their own corner of the tank so other fish dont have to deal with their territorial craziness. I am now much happier with them. The kids love them and I dont think I could have a tank with out them. You can see here how I have them placed by themselves on the right side.

[/IMG]

 

[lilalove]

I love my black ocellaris clowns. I've had them 3 years and they host a pretty large Squamosa clam. They're quite mean, though. With newcomers and my hand alike. If I had to do it over, yes I would still get them, but they'd be placed close to last in the stocking order, not first.

 

[vwwanksta69]

Just started a 20G Long build for a pair. Only bought a 2x24 T5 fixture for it though. Dont think a nem will be in the tank with them with that kind of lighting . I would really like a pair of black ice's or picasso's for this tank. I simply enjoy watching how clownfish swim plus how they act.

 

[xpcgamer]

I have had a pair of True Percs for 3 years. The female I have had for 5. I love them. They have great personalities. They have spawned lots of times by a clump of pulsing xenia.

 

[Sheol]

I love them, but newbies should be warned of some things about them:
1) Once they select a host, they may try to protect it at the expense of your corals.
2) If they host in some kinds of LPS, they can kill it.
3) Lastly, even ocellaris can..BITE like the dickens! LOL

Matthew

 

[dzfish17]

I have one gold maroon clown and she is about 4" long... always been a favorite of mine.

 

[treylane]

... I won't buy another pair of occ/percs. They're alright, but as time has passed, I realize that clowns aren't truly amazing till they're the size of a dinner plate, and will look you in the eye and DARE you to stick your hand in the tank. The big mommas demand RESPECT! ... so someday there'll probably have to be a species tank for monster clowns.

However, my current pair of skunks (Adam & Steve) are sweeties and I don't plan to ever part with them. They interact with the other fish, their anemone, and the whole section of the tank that they call home. Way cooler than some fish that just aimlessly wanders the tank ignoring its environment.

EDIT: And they make cool clicking noises! Definitely a bonus feature.

 

[AquaticFins]

They've got plenty of personality, but I suspect I'm not the only one to be done with them after having lost fish, coral, skin and blood to them.

They look so innocent when they're little!

 

[k.tran]

clownfish are some of my favorite fish. Have had almost every type. Right now i have a onyx with a b&w (trying new things out) they are living in a gigantea anemone and the tank will soon have SPS. I dont think i can have a tank without clowns ♥