school of clowns in large tank

[mcliffy2]

I always see photos in the wild of anemones hosting dozens of clowns, but the rule I always see in aquariums is a pair or kept singly. Are these photos I see basically young clowns, that will later move on to find their own space, once they pair off, or is there some other explanation for why you see this in the wild, but not in our aquariums?

And does anyone think its possible to keep, say 4-6 clowns of the same species in a large system? My idea was to buy a decent sized anemone and maybe 5 rod's onyx juvies for my 238g? Any chance this would work, or would 3 eventually be killed off?

 

[osprey3883]

Hello,
This thread should help-
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1259398

Matt

 

[clowns101]

i think they are a bunch of younger clowns. i would not put a bunch clowns in a tank.

 

[JamesJR]

clowns don't school!

 

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13411388#post13411388 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JamesJR
clowns don't school!

thanks, that was helpful. if you read the actual post, the question was simply to housing multiple clowns in the same tank...the term "school" was used to get that across in a single word. anywhoo...

clowns101 - what is the reason for this opinion? From the thread posted by osprey, it certainly seems like it can work...not doubting you, just searching for a reason.

So, I obviously know the generally accepted "rules" for clowns, how you pair them up, etc. But what I'm looking for is an explanation as to WHY it will or will not work, not just a reiteration of the conclusion that is commonly accepted. Why has the tank on the thread osprey posted had success? and have others tried but failed? if so whats the difference that leads to success or failure?

 

[rkelman]

In the wild they get along fine until they mature. Then they bicker and fight until the weaker ones go elsewhere. Its much the same case in our tanks. Unfortunately there often isn't anywhere else to go. It may work in a tank that size. It has been done. If you were to try it I would start with juvies and would most likely start with Ocellaris not Percs and just keep an eye on them. (Percs tend to be alot more aggressive) If you start to fear they are hurting each other just sell the extras.