Mixed Clownfish experiment

[crazyd321]

2 weeks ago I acquired 2 Maroon Clowns and added them to my tank, which all ready had 1 Percula Clown.

Day 1: The 2 Maroons stayed close
Day 2: The 2 Maroons started fighting. I'm assuming for dominance.
Day 3 and on: It is clear one Maroon is more dominant than other. What is interesting though, is neither Maroon has a problem with the Perc. Neither fight or show aggression towards it. The Perc goes back and forth between the Maroons. They swim next to each other, rub on each other, dont fight over food.

All 3 are young, around 1 1/2" in length. I've had the Perc for 6 months. Maroons for 2 weeks now.

Many of my friends who are reefers are confused as they say mixing breeds of clowns doesnt end up good...usually. Both Maroons clearly (so far) have no differences with the Perc.

Any ideas on why they are befriending Perc? Any advice on the matter?

 

[olemiss reb]

Wait until the dominant maroon changes to female, the perc is dead.

 

[davocean]

^^Pretty much agree w/ that.

 

[BlueFyre]

^Agree as well.

2 weeks is not a very long time at all. Give it time and those maroons will take out the perc.

 

[elegance coral]

Any ideas on why they are befriending Perc?

They are young and immature. Animals often group together, and get along well when young.

Any advice on the matter?

Separate them now, before the blood bath begins. We can not predict when this will happen. Only that it will.

 

[velvetelvis]

2 weeks ago I acquired 2 Maroon Clowns and added them to my tank, which all ready had 1 Percula Clown.

Day 1: The 2 Maroons stayed close
Day 2: The 2 Maroons started fighting. I'm assuming for dominance.
Day 3 and on: It is clear one Maroon is more dominant than other. What is interesting though, is neither Maroon has a problem with the Perc. Neither fight or show aggression towards it. The Perc goes back and forth between the Maroons. They swim next to each other, rub on each other, dont fight over food.

All 3 are young, around 1 1/2" in length. I've had the Perc for 6 months. Maroons for 2 weeks now.

Many of my friends who are reefers are confused as they say mixing breeds of clowns doesnt end up good...usually. Both Maroons clearly (so far) have no differences with the Perc.

Any ideas on why they are befriending Perc? Any advice on the matter?

All in a 20. *sigh*

Please don't do this to your fish. They have no choice in the matter and have to cope with the inevitable fallout...it isn't kind or responsible. Decide on one species or the other, remove either the perc or the maroons, and you'll avoid losing a pet. The desire to prove a point can't and won't trump territorial instincts.

 

[cet98]

All in a 20. *sigh*

Please don't do this to your fish. They have no choice in the matter and have to cope with the inevitable fallout...it isn't kind or responsible. Decide on one species or the other, remove either the perc or the maroons, and you'll avoid losing a pet. The desire to prove a point can't and won't trump territorial instincts.

+1 :headwallblue::headwally:

and with all due respect, I wouldn't classify this as an "experiment" considering it is already well documented what the final outcome of this will be....

 

[crazyd321]

Decided on getting rid of the Maroon's. I have them split up for now until I can get them to a new home. Wasn't meant as an experiment, I acquired the Maroons and have not had a chance to do much else with them. I was going to get rid of the Perc, but as much as the Maroon's are fighting, I doubt if I got rid of the Perc the fighting would stop. Thanks for the advice. Figured this would be the outcome. I was sorta hoping I'd get good news the Maroon's would stop fighting eventually, doesnt seem so.

 

[velvetelvis]

Decided on getting rid of the Maroon's. I have them split up for now until I can get them to a new home. Wasn't meant as an experiment, I acquired the Maroons and have not had a chance to do much else with them. I was going to get rid of the Perc, but as much as the Maroon's are fighting, I doubt if I got rid of the Perc the fighting would stop. Thanks for the advice. Figured this would be the outcome. I was sorta hoping I'd get good news the Maroon's would stop fighting eventually, doesnt seem so.

Good for you. Reefkeeping is a continuous learning experience and we all make mistakes, but what makes you a success is learning from your mistakes (and also seeking out information first the next time. )