To get or NOT get another clownfish??

[monkeysee1]

Hi again everyone!
For the longest time, I have a pair of 2 Ocelleris clowns, one black and white striped and one orange and white striped. Both were little sheets, but they got along great. They were NEVER more than an inch or two away from each other, EVER...
But a couple of weeks ago, my orange Ocelleris died. I can't say for sure what from, but during the last couple of days of her life she seemed to be very lethargic, would not eat, and was always at the bottom of the tank. I'm thinking it may have been a bladder infection. :sad2:
I have been feeding all my other fish Mr. G's Kankamycin caviar twice a day as a preventative for since then, and no signs of any illness in any of them. They're all doing great - eating very well and swimming up a storm.
Thing is, my black ocelleris seems lost without his mate and I was thinking about getting another one, in a couple of months after quarantine and I'm sure the coast is clear. The same species (ocelleris) of course, or perhaps a closely related snowflake clown, because I've heard horror stories of people mixing species of clowns (i.e. -a maroon or tomato clown) that ended disastrously.
The question is, can I?? Would he appreciate a new mate or should I just let him be?? Would he fight with the new clown??
I will heed your advice if you think I should let him be, and call it a day for having clownfish when he goes - I would be getting other fish instead.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks!!

 

[NikonN8]

As long as it's a really small one. I wouldn't risk mistaking your remaining clown's gender and accidentally introduce a female to another female in the same tank.

 

[billdogg]

I would get one that is noticeably smaller to help avoid aggression issues. I would also suggest introducing it into the DT after lights are out for the night (and after a proper QT).

If you get one that is the same size or larger, one or both may have already begun the change to female and fighting will surely be an issue..

 

[davocean]

Well, to do it the safest way the new clown should not just be smaller than your existing, but small enough to assure still male, inch and a quarter max, or smaller.

Best way to intro is in a container of some kind, preferably floating, clear, some like a breeder box or acclimation box, and this way you can observe the existings reaction and new guy will be safe.

Sometimes we float a day or more so existing can get used to it, and it's usually fairly easy to see if it looks curious or trying to attack it in box.

They don't always accept some males, or if it's too soon, but usually occs are not tough to pair.

 

[Uncle99]

+1 to the above three posters, all great advice!
Yup, I had one die as well, so I replaced with same species, same colour, about an inch...perhaps lucky but paired immediately and been together 2 years now.

I have paired dozens over the years, I had the best luck with the same species, same colour, 1" thinking, not as successful when different colour ( yet we know that does work) and different species never worked for me.

Good luck!