Nat Geo article on clownfish

[aussie_chicago]

At my doctors office the other day and picked up a National Geographic while waiting 2 hrs past my appt time......
Interesting article about clownfish and anemones,one thing I learned which i didnt know,it takes 2 weeks or so for the fish to host the anemone ,slowly touching it to build up an immunity to the stingers.Thats exactly what happened with my guys,took about 2 weeks before hosting.Anyway,interesting read and nice pics.(january 2010 issue)
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/01/clownfish/prosek-text
-Aussie....:fish2:

 

[Toddrtrex]

They need to tell that to my clowns. When I picked up a pair of saddlebacks (( A polymnus )), it took them about 2 hours to be hosted by my Haddoni -- a natural host.

Then there is my SI Perc pair, they were hosted by an LTA (( M doreensis )), I removed it from the tank, then I placed a Haddoni in there. The Haddoni was still in my hand (( I hadn't reached the bottom of the tank yet )) and they were already being hosted by it. Granted, they had already been hosted, but if you have ever touched a Haddoni, you know that they have a strong sting, and a lot stickier then an LTA.

 

[Reefvette]

I have been saying this for awhile

I have been saying this for awhile

I have been saying this for awhile.

Once a clown has hosted an anemone they already have the slime coat to protect it. in Todds case they get stung but they have a defense against it that they can work up.

I have many times seen a clown eat the tentacles of a new anemone.

Why - because as i said i think it helps or gives them the slime coat they need.

 

[AD87]

I have had 20 baby clowns that have never seen an anemone dive into my old Magnifica as soon as I put them in with no issues...