How many clowns can i have?

[BIGG D]

I had a semi-picasso pair...but one of them died. So I have this lone clownfish swiming in my tank. I would like to have at least another pair, but I have read that that might lead to trouble.

I have a 175 gallon tank.

Any thoughts or guidance appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Conrad25]

I wouldn't go with more than a pair in any tank typically. Usually it works out most of the time when you get another clownfish that would be smaller than the one you currently have. Most clowns when living alone or the only of their species become females which means you should get a clown that will be a juvenile and still be male or become male as it is small and will be submissive to your clown.

 

[EllieSuz]

I agree, just add a juvenile to the Display and at first she will object. If your tank is covered so he can't jump, eventually she will warm up to the little guy and you will have a pair again.

 

[SwampyBill]

+1^^^^^^...It's suggested to not have more than one pair of clownsfish per tank; esp. when they start spawning...They get quite territorial & will usually pick off any other clowns they percieve as threats.

 

[ejcatmul]

Funny how the male is the submissive one.

 

[demonnite57]

I made the mistake of having two pairs of clowns in one tank (Cinnamon & maroon). Came back from a business trip and all that was left were the maroons. My fiance later told me she watched them go after each other and thought they were playing...So, now I have two tanks with one holding a pair of maroons and the other with a pair of Cinnamons.

 

[1swtlx]

I have had great success adding a smaller, same species clownfish. Usually took a week for the larger female to accept the new addition to the anemone home. Recently I tried adding one smaller tomato clown to a 225g tank where my larger Clarkii hosted an anemone and I was not so fortunate. Smaller Tomato clown became top dog and clarkii was starved out of the food chain.
1 pair per tank is the safe bet.

 

[chefb_5]

well I tried having a pair to become friends with my lownly clown and that didn't work then I was told you eather have a pair put in at the same time, or you have to put 6-12 pair at one time if you want more than one pair or one clown. Like others are saying get a smaller clown posibly same kind as your other one. Best of luck to you!

 

[SwampyBill]

...I was told you eather have a pair put in at the same time, or you have to put 6-12 pair at one time if you want more than one pair or one clown...

IMO, both of these statements are incorrect. Your best bet to having a pair is adding a much smaller juvenile to existing clown (probably on it's way to turning female now, if it wasn't already) & letting the pair bond form over time. While it's ideal to find a proven pair, that's not always possible. Adding any more to a tank is just asking for trouble, not to mention cruel; & it won't be pretty when the dominant pair starts to spawn & they pick off any others they percieve as a threat...Chances are you'll end up with only one pair anyway. Good luck in finding a mate for your semi-picasso. :thumbsup: