Maroon and Tomato

[microlady]

Both are juveniles at the moment and I don't expect long term success, but I'm happy to report that they are sharing a BTA. Has anyone seen different species of clowns pair long term? If I must sell one down the road, which clown do you prefer?

Thanks

 

[oahureefer]

Once the maroon starts to matures it will make short work of your tomato. I love maroons but a lot of people don't because they are much more aggressive than other clowns. I would decide what you want as your end goal and pick one to keep

 

[microlady]

Yes, that is what I think might happen. Which one do you like better?

 

[NYCBOB]

maroon is nicer.

 

[microlady]

I realize each fish has its own personality, but do you think the maroon could share a tank with other fish? Right now it's in a 40 cube with a shrimp goby/pistol pair, pink streaked wrasse, neon goby, and Midas blenny. The tomato will get a new home if I notice any aggression.

 

[worm5406]

I like the tomato better than the maroon.

 

[microlady]

I like them both and can't decide which one to keep! The maroon has evicted the tomato, but there is no real aggression yet. I feel bad for the little guy. My 100 gallon has a breeding pair of ocellaris so I am afraid to put the tiny tomato in there. These are all tank bred fish, but I've heard clowns can be brutal to each other. What is the minimum size for just the tomato? I have an empty 20 gallon high in my office. Thanks for the input.

 

[microlady]

Are tomatoes better community fish?

 

[NYCBOB]

ocellaris wont bother ur tomato much. 100 gallon is more than enough to house both ocellaris and tomato. the maroon will kill the tomato eventually if left in the 40.

 

[oahureefer]

I prefer the maroon, I have a pair in my daughters 40G tank, they share the tank with a pair of dottybacks, a six line, and 2 cleaner shrimp. They have 2 6-8inch BTAs that they go between, they always sleep in the larger one at the bottom of the tank, and leave the other fish alone, but they were added last. Both the dottys and the maroons spawn regularly. I have never owned a tomato so don't know how they would do, but if your pair are on one side with a nem then they might leave it alone.

 

[microlady]

This morning the tomato is in the BTAs and the maroon is in the back of the tank. I'll pull one of them if I notice aggression or if it's constantly being kicked out. It would be nice to keep the one that will be a better community fish in the 40 gallon. These guys came with a used tank purchase and I did not put them together on purpose. I already had the two BTAs. It would be nice to keep both clowns, but I am hesitant to add one to the 100 gallon because that population of fish is pretty stable. Thanks for the advice.

 

[microlady]

The maroon found a new home this weekend so the tomato is claiming both nems now and it couldn't look happier! Thanks again for the input. I'm hoping the tomato won't get too aggressive to the other fish as it matures. It ignores everyone now.

 

[nickg]

Yes there is a local breeder who has some wired pairs. Trying to cross breed..