Do Non Reef Safe Fish Bother Rose Anemones?

[Macimage]

Hi,

I have had to break down my 225 gallon rose anemone tank due to a crack on the bottom. This tank started out as a coral reef tank, however, over the years the rose anemones had taken over the entire tank. I have been selling off the rose anemones and am down to my last few.

Anyway, when I restart the tank (assuming we can repair it) I am thinking of getting non reef safe fish for a change.

I was wondering if non reef safe fish would bother the rose anemones? The roses are pretty hardy and good sized (tank is 30" tall):

View attachment 278604

Anyway, I was just wondering if I could add non reef safe fish and if they would kill or nibble on my RBTA's?

Thanks!
Joyce

 

[breederforlife]

No i think its pretty safe. I've seen a FOWLR before with a few different kinds of anemones with large angels and a few butterflys.

 

[rssjsb]

It depends. Lots of puffers, large angels and butterflies will eat anemones. What fish did you have in mind?

 

[Dmorty217]

It depends. Lots of puffers, large angels and butterflies will eat anemones. What fish did you have in mind?

+1 especially if not well fed

 

[Macimage]

I would like the following angels:

Regal Angel (probably won't bother the roses)
Scribbled Angel

And am considering a few butterfly fish from the following list:

Saddleback Butterfly
Sunset Butterfly
Declivis Butterfly
Black Butterfly
Golden Butterfly

I have a Powder Blue Tang and Purple Tang that will be going back into the tank and would like to add 4-5 anthias.

Thanks!
Joyce

 

[Barracuda]

Anenome's are a natural food for the majority of common butterfly's available....

 

[Macimage]

Anenome's are a natural food for the majority of common butterfly's available....

I did not know that. How about for the scribbled angel?

Thanks!
Joyce

 

[Barracuda]

The Scribbled and/ or the Regal Angels that you want will completely ignore ALL your BTA's.

In the wild, Clownfish/ Anenomefish keep the Butty's at bay.

 

[Macimage]

The Scribbled and/ or the Regal Angels that you want will completely ignore ALL your BTA's.

In the wild, Clownfish/ Anenomefish keep the Butty's at bay.

I have a 6" female maroon clownfish that is very mean and seriously guards the roses. She draws blood when I go near them or try to clean the tank. That might work!

Thanks again,
Joyce

 

[the808state]

most butterflies will try. Do you have a big clown pair to host it?? Like bluestripe or tricinctus or latz or maroon size clowns (the big boys!) These will protect the clown from any nippers.

 

[Macimage]

most butterflies will try. Do you have a big clown pair to host it?? Like bluestripe or tricinctus or latz or maroon size clowns (the big boys!) These will protect the clown from any nippers.

Yes, I have a 6" maroon clown I've had for 13 years and she is MEAN. She fiercely guards the anemones. She attacks whenever I put my hand near them or try to clean the tank. She draws blood when she bites. If I have a glove on she will hang on to it and I can actually raise her up before she lets go.

It sounds like a few butterflies might work out.

Before I restock I would love to put a tiny maroon in for a mate but I'm not sure how that would work out.

 

[HumbleFish]

Yes, I have a 6" maroon clown...

Say no more! Problem solved! :beer:

Before I restock I would love to put a tiny maroon in for a mate but I'm not sure how that would work out.

My female gold stripe is probably 4 or 5 inches. When I got her a mate, I picked out the smallest male I could find. Put him in an acclimation box right next to her, and after 2-3 days let him out. At first, all she would do is gently nudge him out of the anemone. But displayed no real aggression towards him. After a day or so she just started ignoring him (but let him in the nem); and after almost 2 years I think they've finally paired up (pic below).

I think the key is to get a small, immature male that in no way could be viewed as a threat to the dominant female. The downside is it takes awhile for them to pair up this way...

 

[Macimage]

Say no more! Problem solved! :beer:



My female gold stripe is probably 4 or 5 inches. When I got her a mate, I picked out the smallest male I could find. Put him in an acclimation box right next to her, and after 2-3 days let him out. At first, all she would do is gently nudge him out of the anemone. But displayed no real aggression towards him. After a day or so she just started ignoring him (but let him in the nem); and after almost 2 years I think they've finally paired up (pic below).

I think the key is to get a small, immature male that in no way could be viewed as a threat to the dominant female. The downside is it takes awhile for them to pair up this way...

Thanks so much for your personal experience. I will probably try it with a tiny male.

Love the photo!

Joyce