DragonRage
New member
I think my clown might be sad or stessed. I haven't seen him sleeping, but hes been in my tank for two days. Maybe he's sad because he came from a tank with like 20 now he's alone I wanted to get another clown anyways.
Sad clown
- Thread starter DragonRage
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tkeracer619
New member
They swim when they sleep. If its just hanging out in the open, that is normal. Might try to get it a big mushroom to host. Your tank is too young for an anemone.
lakwriter
New member
Clowns don't HAVE to be kept with a mate. What kind do you have? If the fish has only been in there a few days, he might just be getting used to his new surroundings. Is he eating? You might try soaking the food in fresh garlic to stimulate eating so the clown gets stronger.
Is this the only fish in the tank?
Is this the only fish in the tank?
DragonRage
New member
He's the only fish, hes eating everything I put in there. I'm sure hes an ocellaris. I kinda want him to host my torch coral.
DragonRage
New member
well he isn't hideing or anything, I just didn't know they swam when they slept
SCIFI_3D_zoo
New member
Fish don't know what sad is... except for maybe some mammals, dolphins, etc. So don't get too worried. But you can make it a healthier environment. Clowns in pairs will fight unless they are mated. So don't do that. Also... frog spawn or other similar lps' and softies won't do well with a clown rubbing on it all the time. I've actually had good success with a branching finger leather.
IndyReefMan
New member
My Clown Fish did the same thing when I first put him in my tank. For several months he was the only fish that didn't appear to sleep. He was always swimming. He sleeps now. He likes to lay on top of one of my large Feather Dusters. He's been in my tank for almost four years now.
SCIFI_3D_zoo
New member
Here's a pic to my clown host.
DragonRage
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So, If I added a smaller clown now then they won't be compatable?
DragonRage
New member
I wasn't being serious when I said I though he was sad just concerned that something was wrong.
timthetoolman
Member
In my experience I haven't seen that. You have to make sure that you don't put two females together. If it's an Ocellaris just get a juvenile and put in with the other one. Do you know if the probability exists that the one you have is male, female or a juvenile?
The will bicker at first to establish dominance but get a small juvenile and the fighting will be over quick.
I've had Ocellaris for 7 years and just introduced another one to the existing female and they are doing fine.
DragonRage
New member
I'm guessing that its a female because it was the one of the two large clowns in the tank, is there any sure method to determine?
timthetoolman
Member
No there is not any way I know of telling. If they were with other clowns it is probably a juvenile but if you get a juvi you won't have a problem especially if it's smaller.
Was this a local fish store? Were there other clowns in the tank with the two you saw, and if not how long were they alone?
Was this a local fish store? Were there other clowns in the tank with the two you saw, and if not how long were they alone?
DragonRage
New member
Yes, it was at a lfs. Those two were with several small clowns but they seemed to be the largest. Next week is probably when I'd go down and get one. Maybe something they can host too. =)
kzooreefer
New member
what i have always been told for clowns is that it is best to either buy a single one or an already mated pair. don't buy two seperate ones expecting them to form a bond as they are more likely to attack each other than not. my one oscellaris has bonded with my yellow tail damsel so go figure.
sk8rreefgeek
New member
I had my blk/white for over 6 months before adding the other perc. they get along great, I'm hoping they'll mate
DragonRage
New member
Yeah, I only wanted 2 anways. I'm not sure what else I want in the tank though. I've though about a Fridmani Dottyback and just filling the rest with corals of all sorts. I've heard that sps dont mix well with fast growing corals, like zoos. I have a povona and a torch now. I'll try to get some pics.
timthetoolman
Member
Exactly, get a smaller one, they will bully each other around but should figure out who is stronger and gets to be the female.
I would hold of on hosting anemones. Joyce Wilkerson's book on clowns is very informative and I suggest it to anyone wanting to keep clowns.
They will 'hang out' with other fish just as mine did with the Scopas Tang but she dropped him like a bad habbit when I put in the other clown.
A word of warning if you're not use to mating clown behavior, their mating rituals often spark fear of a dying or sick fish but it's just their way. The twitching and turning on their sides and bobbing up and down are normal.
The prefered method of some clown keepers is to let one juvi pick their spot in the tank and get use to it and then add another juvi that is smaller because he will usually submit without any fighting unless the gender transformation to female has begun.
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