Small anemones and clowns

[hummusx]

I know that clowns can sometimes irritate anemones to the point of hurting/killing them, but I'm wondering what the parameters on that are? Will a clown that's the same size as an anemone it takes a liking too always be too big/rough/active for it? Does it depend on the anemone?

I got a RBTA from someone that was a recent split and my Ocellaris took to it almost right away. Honestly, I was hoping that it would take it a while to find it, let alone host in it. They aren't noted anywhere as pairing naturally. I realize that doesn't dictate much, but with all the stories of how long it can take for clowns to start hosting new anemones I thought I'd have some time.

Soooo I guess my question is: will my clown kill my anemone? He's about the size of the anemone at normal inflation, somewhat smaller when all the lights are on and it swells up. Should I just get him out right away, or should I just keep an eye on the situation? What would be the signs of trouble?

 

[nickterp]

I think its usually better to have the anemone larger than the clownfish. I would just keep an eye on the situation. The BTA should show obvious signs if its annoyed by the clownfish. If the clown if rubbing all over it too roughtly and the BTA is looking beat up, you'll prob be able to tell.

If the BTA seems oblivious and is acting normally I would just leave it in there for now.

Good luck!

 

[phender]

Usually ocellaris are more gentle with their anemones than some other clowns.

If the clown is being too rough the anemones mouth will usually start to gape and close tightly less and less often. If that should happen you will have to remove the clown or the anemone. Once left alone, a healthy anemone will usually recover from the abuse.

 

[latinbeachboy10]

I have a sebae anemone that is a foot across when fully open and is hosting four ocellaris clowns and the sebae still looks irritated at times. Then I have a rose anemone that my maroon pair host in that is only half the size of the female maroon and looks cheerful and fully bubble tipped. So with that said, I think that the relationship is variable and is more dependent on the anemone itself and how much abuse it can take.

Cheers!