how many is too many

[Maraschiello]

Hello,

I have a 65 tank with just 2 tank raised clowns in it. They seem peaceful. I'm newer to the hobby and once saved I want to advance my lighting to do anemones and possibly breed them. one thing at a time however. I want to establish a peaceful community, currently I have a bi-color that is way too aggressive to even add another fish. the only other fish I have is 1 blue damsel, and a red scooter blenny (dragonet). Now looking at it, I want to trade in the angel, maybe scoop up a pair of black perc clowns bringing my total to 4 the damsel and blenny. I do like royal grammas and wouldnt mind a tiny one of those in the tank too when the time was right. So how many is too many? am I at my limit with the 4 clowns damsel and blenny and one day gramma? or as long as they are babies and not paired could I add another few in. Thanks

 

[Ben_Im]

There are a lot of mixed opinions on the matter of having more than one pair of clowns in the same tank. Many people insist that 2 is the absolute limit.

I would only add more than 2 clowns IF and ONLY IF
1. They are all introduced at once (and only if they are Oscellaris)
2. They have not reached sexual maturity
3. The tank is large with plenty of hiding places

Even then, you can't guarantee that the other two will eventually be killed off when two pair off and begin laying eggs.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I personally would stick with just the current pair of clowns. IMO adding more clowns would end poorly, and would end up with just a pair.

It might work short term, but once a pair starts spawning all bets are off. My fairly peaceful pink skunk pair has become a lot more aggressive since they started spawning. Any new fish (( non-clown )) is attacked when added to the tank.

 

[lloydkeller]

Ihave a 120 tank and 2 are fine no problems as of yet dont think I would go with more but am temped