Rare clownfish experiences

triggerfish1976

triggerfish1976

New member
In the last year I have garnered a bigger appreciation for clownfish, especially ones that are considered rare in the hobby. Compared to other "rare" fish in the hobby rare clownfish are generally much more reasonably priced but I honestly have a harder time finding them compared to other rare fish like Angels. Based on what I have learned, clownfish rarity has more to due to the high percentage of mortality during collection and transport than a limited amount of specimens in the wild.
Based on this I have came up with a list of the clowns that are lumped into that "rare" category that are actually obtainable. I am looking for your experiences with finding these fish and assimilating them to your tank (QT'ing, etc.)

1. A. Latezonatus
2. A. Nigripes
3. A. Tricinctus
4. A. Bicinctus
5. A. Allardi
6. A. akindynos
7. A. chrysopterus
8. A. thiellei
9. A. latifasciatus

If I missed any feel free to add them.
 
for A. Latezonatus, you can buy them at marinecenter. They sell a pair for $699 I believe. OH and no guarantee on the fish.
 
I spoke to them a few weeks ago and they told me that they have not had them in over two years and don't know when they will be getting more.
 
they are one of those sites that lists every fish and coral in the world and then never has any of in stock
 
I don't think "rarity" was ever meant to imply how few/many there may be in the wild, or with how difficult they may be to keep alive, but, to do with obtainability. I'm sure they're all abundant in their respective locales, it boils down to how much money there is to be made in collecting them, and if they are in protective waters, (i A. omanesis, A. mccolluchi), which would make them rare to us, the enthusiasts.

I believe you forgot A. chrysogaster.

Gotta run, so I have to cut this shorter then I would like.
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9662756#post9662756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by criccio
I don't think "rarity" was ever meant to imply how few/many there may be in the wild, or with how difficult they may be to keep alive, but, to do with obtainability. I'm sure they're all abundant in their respective locales, it boils down to how much money there is to be made in collecting them, and if they are in protective waters, (i A. omanesis, A. mccolluchi), which would make them rare to us, the enthusiasts.

I believe you forgot A. chrysogaster.

Gotta run, so I have to cut this shorter then I would like.
Click to expand...

McCullouch's are not endangered or rare in the ocean, but they are only found in Lord Howe Island...the sulton does not allow collection or distribution of marine life throught the world...

Same problem with Latz, as they are only found on two islands, one of which happens to be LHI. I think territory and species location is the biggest factor as to rarity. We regularly collect from areas with fish like ocellaris and perculas and such.

Now, clarkiis on the other hand, are just about EVERYWHERE!!! There is an abundance of locations where clarkiis live, and probably a good reason why so many clowns look so darn similar to them(chrysp, chrysg, seychelles, allardi, etc)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9662756#post9662756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by criccio
I don't think "rarity" was ever meant to imply how few/many there may be in the wild, or with how difficult they may be to keep alive, but, to do with obtainability. I'm sure they're all abundant in their respective locales, it boils down to how much money there is to be made in collecting them, and if they are in protective waters, (i A. omanesis, A. mccolluchi), which would make them rare to us, the enthusiasts.

I believe you forgot A. chrysogaster.
Click to expand...

I think mortality rates related to collection have to do with obtainability. If lets say 10 Latz are collected and shipped to the US and only 4 make it to the retail market then it greatly reduces the qty available. This is an all to common scenario with Latz and many of the clownfish noted on the list above. I also agree that Clownfish are generally overlooked by collectors in favor of other more durable fish.
As far as Chrysogaster, are they not on the list of clowns that are practically unobtainable like McC's and Omans? I know a couple spring up here and there but you generally have to really be in the know to get them.
 
1. A. Latezonatus
rare, difficult to acclimate and keep alive, blindness is common
2. A. Nigripes
poor shippers, prone to disease
3. A. Tricinctus
same as above
4. A. Bicinctus
femalers are killers, prone to ugly color change
5. A. Allardi
love them, hardy fish, spawn easily
6. A. akindynos
difficult to raise fry
7. A. chrysopterus
one of the worst, hard to acclimate, hard to raise fry, requires a 55G long min
8. A. thiellei
almost unattainable
9. A. latifasciatus
not available
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9663029#post9663029 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarinaP
1. A. Latezonatus
rare, difficult to acclimate and keep alive, blindness are common
2. A. Nigripes
poor shippers, prone to decease
3. A. Tricinctus
same as above
4. A. Bicinctus
femalers are killers, prone to ugly color change
5. A. Allardi
love them, hardy fish, spawn easily
6. A. akindynos
difficult to raise fry
7. A. chrysopterus
one of the worst, hard to acclimate, hard to raise fry, requires a 55G long min
8. A. thiellei
almost unattainable
9. A. latifasciatus
not available
Click to expand...

Exactly what I was looking for.
I have heard they very few people if any have been able to keep Latz alive for more than a year or so. Is this true and has anyone determined what is causing them to go blind?
 
To add, my understanding is that 'gripes fry are very difficult to raise as well, due to their timid nature. I think Ron Popeil was trying but bagged it due to fry high mortality rate.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9663102#post9663102 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by triggerfish1976
I have heard they very few people if any have been able to keep Latz alive for more than a year or so. Is this true and has anyone determined what is causing them to go blind?
Click to expand...

No :(
 
I've had numbers 2 and 4 before when I was working for a LFS in Tampa 5 or so years ago. Nigripes are poor shippers as Marina stated.

My Bicinctus never killed any, but they were ugly, compared to other clowns. My wife didn't like them much :P

Cheers
 
I have been able to buy 3, 4, and 7 through LiveAquaria. The only way I have ever been able to get the bicinctus to survive the shipping stress is to immediately get them in a tank with a sebae or bubble-tip anemone or a toadstool mushroom. I haven't had any trouble getting the other types to survive (well, except that popeyed Latz last week, and I believe the little guy was shipped in that condition!)
 
Marina,
If you recall we met back in 2004 when Eric lectured at one of your WAMAS meetings; I was with Scott Wilson and visiting from Texas.

I was impressed with your clownfish knowledge and have a question about A. fuscocaudatus. Any info you have is appreciated. I have a 58RR which I intend to dedicate and build around a pair of clowns. They are my first choice (but I haven't researched or checked availability) my second and probable choice would be a pair of Allard's Clowns.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9665937#post9665937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grinch77
Can anyone post some pics of these fish for refrence?
Click to expand...

My new Latz - will get better pics after he moves out of quarantine tank


133898DCAM7146a.JPG


Tricinctus pair I got about 6 months ago
133898DCAM6898.JPG


Some of my bicinctus juvi's
133898DCAM5996.JPG


My bicinctus female
133898DCAM7083a.JPG
 
I know you didn't ask for an ID. I also realize that the top picture is not ideal for ID purposes, but is there any orange on the tail of that juvi latz? The body shape isn't showing the depth I would expect in a latz. It looks more like polymus.
I am looking forward to you proving me wrong with a better pic that includes the tail. :D
 
Bristlewormking, If you don't mind can you pm me with where you got your latz and how much you paid for him. Does that source get latz often? Thanks.
 
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