Maroon Clown ?

[NewSchool04]

I just got two maroon clowns with a H. crispa anemone yesterday. They both still look very young, I can't figure out if they are mated or if one has decided to take over the female role b/c they are about the same size.
They are very different in color and I was wondering if that is normal. Take a look at the pic.

 

[timrandlerv10]

The darker is probably the female. All three look pretty good!

Congrats!!!

tim

 

[NewSchool04]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11170425#post11170425 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by timrandlerv10
The darker is probably the female. All three look pretty good!

Congrats!!!

tim

Thanks Tim. Everyone is doing great, I couldn't be more pleased!

 

[davocean]

They look nice, as does the nem.
As long as there's no heavy fighting you're cool.
You'll probably see one start to put the other in it's place a bit.

 

[cartman5579]

ahhhh, maroons! gotta love the "i'm going to be the female" fighting!

As you probably already know......being so close in size......this could end up badly!

 

[davocean]

While typically you get a female about 3x the size of the male, if started out young one may start to dominate and the other may just go w/ it.
If they aren't obviously thrashing, torn fins and such, you may get lucky.
I've seen lots of pairs that were fairly close in size.
Just keep an eye out, it will be obvious.

 

[NewSchool04]

I haven't noticed any aggressive behavior yet, they both share the anemone and basically do their own thing. The lighter one seems to be more curious, explores the tank a little more but they really don't get more than a foot away from the anemone before heading back. They have a whole 4' of tank they haven't yet seen!

 

[davocean]

I bet the lighter will actually turn out to be the female, the males usually aren't as bold.
Color means nothing IMO, juvy's can totally vary from light to dark, and all juvy's are male.
The danger in same size is usually when you already have one, and THEN you add one later same size, and yeah, that usually doesn't work out.

 

[cartman5579]

than all i'll say is good luck!

 

[NewSchool04]

Had another question. I'm not worried but more curious on this. The anemone is on the sand bed and about 32" from the 400W 10K MH bulb. You think it's getting enough light?

 

[davocean]

400w is good for penetration, and I'm sure it's fine.
If it wanted more light it would move up higher, that's how you can tell it needs more light as they do prefer sand.
Not sure how the light spans for the rest of the tank, but you could add T5's if you think you need it.

 

[NewSchool04]

It's (3) 400's across the tank and a VHO super actinic bulb in the front. No movement from him so far so hopefully he's happy!

 

[davocean]

Oh yeah, plenty of light.
Looking at sig I thought you had just one which of course would be a bit low for overall tank.
And if he's not moving that's a good sign, just DON"T TOUCH OR MESS W/ IT!
Not until it's well established at least.