I read the sticky thread about pairing clownfish...but it won't let me comment on the archived thread it brings me to. My question is at my local lfs there are 2 snowflake clowns. They are in different tanks so they aren't "paired" at the moment. If I were to buy them both and acclimate them and put them in my 55 gallon column tank will I have any problems? I don't remember off the top of my head if one is significantly bigger than the other...but if that really matters I can call and ask. These would be the first fish j the tank. And my first fish ever. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated...
Pairing clownfish
- Thread starter Jrule11
- Start date
EPRuss
New member
I'm not an expert, but from my experience (which is limited), I'd say you have a 50/50 chance of success, assuming both are still juvenile.
I don't have any experience with snowflakes, but my first two fish were ocellaris clowns (orange/white & black/white) and purchased in the same manner. They were roughly the same size (1" or so), and seemed to be doing well. After about 6 months the black/white ocellaris died. I don't know if it was killed by the other or died of natural caused, water quality issues, etc...
I tried pairing with another (noticeably smaller) ocellaris and it died. I assume it was killed as it only lasted a short time.
I gave it one more try, with another black/white much smaller ocellaris and they seemed to have paired up nicely for the past 10 months or so.
In my opinion every fish is different. There is really no way to predict what is going to happen until you get them home and observe. I'd say your best chances are with two very young juveniles or two of noticeably different size.
Again, just my .02, I'm no expert.
You can always ask your LFS to try and pair them for you, but they will probably want to charge you more if it's successful, rightfully so as they are assuming the risk at that point.
I don't have any experience with snowflakes, but my first two fish were ocellaris clowns (orange/white & black/white) and purchased in the same manner. They were roughly the same size (1" or so), and seemed to be doing well. After about 6 months the black/white ocellaris died. I don't know if it was killed by the other or died of natural caused, water quality issues, etc...
I tried pairing with another (noticeably smaller) ocellaris and it died. I assume it was killed as it only lasted a short time.
I gave it one more try, with another black/white much smaller ocellaris and they seemed to have paired up nicely for the past 10 months or so.
In my opinion every fish is different. There is really no way to predict what is going to happen until you get them home and observe. I'd say your best chances are with two very young juveniles or two of noticeably different size.
Again, just my .02, I'm no expert.
You can always ask your LFS to try and pair them for you, but they will probably want to charge you more if it's successful, rightfully so as they are assuming the risk at that point.
EPRuss
New member
I think you'll know pretty quickly if they are getting along or not, but I don't know that its a true indicator that they will pair long term. I've heard of clown fish killing their mates after being together for years.
My LFS pairs clowns all the time, and when they are not getting along they separate them or one ends up dead pretty quickly.
I also think you increase your chance of success when both fish are introduced into the tank at the same time.
My LFS pairs clowns all the time, and when they are not getting along they separate them or one ends up dead pretty quickly.
I also think you increase your chance of success when both fish are introduced into the tank at the same time.
EPRuss
New member
Read this thread, you should find it helpful.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1682360
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1682360
Ok so I bought 2 "seperate" clowns. One is about half the size of the other...no all out brawls...no blood. And the little guy follows the bigger around literally everywhere. Think I may have found success! They ate right away. Hung some seaweed on a clip for them to graze on if they get the munchies. The bigger one is a snowflake and the little one is just a black edged clown.
