What matters is that the anemone is a natural host. What doesn't matter is whether the clownfish is tank raised or not. Most of us of have been keeping anemones and clowns have successfully had a non-natural host/clownfish bond develop. But, likewise, those of us who have a lot of experience with different species of anemones and clowns also have observed how quickly and strong the bond is with a natural host/clown combo.
clowns wont go in amemone?
- Thread starter djcoralife
- Start date
Arc Drafter
New member
how to sex clowns
how to sex clowns
Clowns will change sex. The bigger/dominate clown is the female. If one of them dies and you add another they will battle for the female role.
how to sex clowns
Clowns will change sex. The bigger/dominate clown is the female. If one of them dies and you add another they will battle for the female role.
Sleeri, the best book I know of that identifies the 10 host species of anemone and the corresponding 28 species of clownfish, is Fautin and Allen's Clownfish and Host Anemone Field Guide.
As an example, BTAs host several species of clownfish, but a few clowns, such as tomato and maroons, are only hosted by BTAs in nature. Magnificas host percs and ocellaris and several other species in the wild. Some such as pizza anemones only host clarkii, etc. Clarkii is the only clown that associates with all of the host species.
Anyway, lots of information available on natural pairings--not all accurate. Fautin and Allen is the best resource though, that I'm aware.
Although this information has been around for many years, on an almost weekly (seems daily) basis someone is complaining that their clownfish will not be hosted by their anemone. They go on to say they have an occelaris or percula with a bta..... Those of us who have kept anemones and clowns for years then explain the importance of natural pairings, BUT how often times clowns will go to non-natural hosts such as mushrooms, leather corals, non-natural host anemones, or anemones that never host clowns in the wild(e.g., condylactis).
As an example, BTAs host several species of clownfish, but a few clowns, such as tomato and maroons, are only hosted by BTAs in nature. Magnificas host percs and ocellaris and several other species in the wild. Some such as pizza anemones only host clarkii, etc. Clarkii is the only clown that associates with all of the host species.
Anyway, lots of information available on natural pairings--not all accurate. Fautin and Allen is the best resource though, that I'm aware.
Although this information has been around for many years, on an almost weekly (seems daily) basis someone is complaining that their clownfish will not be hosted by their anemone. They go on to say they have an occelaris or percula with a bta..... Those of us who have kept anemones and clowns for years then explain the importance of natural pairings, BUT how often times clowns will go to non-natural hosts such as mushrooms, leather corals, non-natural host anemones, or anemones that never host clowns in the wild(e.g., condylactis).
Don't let it discourage you, that your clowns are not currently hosting their anemone. I had my current clowns for over a year, before they Finally started to host their anemones- I had to try Bubble tips, Carpet Anemones, etc; and What it turned out to be, was they were simply not ready to host yet; but now that they are, they prefer their Haddon to any anemone currently in the tank. A word of warning is, they will be VERY protective of their anemone's once they start to host, I literally get attacked by both the male and female while trying to feed the carpet.
A few method's I've heard reported success with clowns and Anemone's, is to actually tape up pictures of clownfish hosting anemones; or to play video's to them (Always sounded funny to me too, but I have tried it nonetheless before mine began to host)
A few method's I've heard reported success with clowns and Anemone's, is to actually tape up pictures of clownfish hosting anemones; or to play video's to them (Always sounded funny to me too, but I have tried it nonetheless before mine began to host)
SoLiD
-=Snake=-
This was my Colorado Sunburst BTA when I first got it.
This Is The Picture I Printed And Taped Next To It!
This is what happened about 2-3 weeks later!
Try to print the picture to scale or you might spook them. Keep the glass crystal clear. Once one clown notices it and imitates the hosting activity, the other will eventually follow. They will copy each other. It has worked for me and others alike. Give it a try... :thumbsup:
This Is The Picture I Printed And Taped Next To It!
This is what happened about 2-3 weeks later!
Try to print the picture to scale or you might spook them. Keep the glass crystal clear. Once one clown notices it and imitates the hosting activity, the other will eventually follow. They will copy each other. It has worked for me and others alike. Give it a try... :thumbsup:
ShelbyJK500
New member
Firm believer with tank raised (which most are now days thank goodness) that it's luck of the draw. Take heart though, time will be the only telling factor. I got a pair of designer clowns and it took them over a month of having a RBTA in their 16g tank for them to get curious and finally host. Lovin' it now!
