True perc needs buddy & home

[BigBadBrain]

55 Gal. reef tank - a little over 1 year old.

True Perc was purchased with another (appeared to be together at the LFS) about 8 months ago. The smaller one died from ich about 1 month after purchace. The remaining perc is a lively fellow who has grown to about 2.5 inches and is active, a good feeder and moves around the tank.

Two issues - 1) I'd like to get it a companion and 2) I'd like to try hosting it in a Sarcophyton coral. Right now it lives near the top of the tank behind the filter return pipe. I've tried a few times to entice it down into the tank but it seems very happy (and quite resolved) to stay in its corner.

Regarding a mate - I've been holding out for a small tank bred true perc as a mate but they are hard to find. Any advice on how to find one and how to introduce them would be welcome.

Also, advice on whether the mushroom coral will be accepted as a host and strategies for getting the fellow to accept it over its current pipe fetish would be welcome.

One other point - we obtained a Pipe Organ coral some months ago thinking it might be an interest for the clown but as far as I know, it has never gone close to it even though it seems like it would be a good home (not even any sting to it).

Thanks in advance.
BBB

 

[BigBadBrain]

Well, a little more investigating and I think I have my answer to the first question regarding getting a companion - I hadn't realized that a perc would sex if it was the only one in the tank for a couple months.

OK. Now all I need to do is figure out whether the mushroom coral will work for a host and how to entice the Perc to use it.

 

[BigBadBrain]

Hopefully someone can advise me on using the Sarcophyton coral as a host for my perc because it has now become available to me and I need to make a decision. Anyone care to comment?

 

[wraithy]

Clowns are funny in that some will host anything (I have one hosting a mushroom). There is no guarantee that they willl host the coral just like there is no guarantee that they will host an anemone. If you like the coral, get it for itself and not for the fish.

 

[BigBadBrain]

Thanks. That goes directly to my reason for asking - the coral wouldn't be at the top of my list to get without having a better than even chance at the clown taking it for a host. Well, that makes that decision easier.

Any idea if they are more or less likely to look for a host after they pair with another clown?

 

[wraithy]

Not necessarily. Some clowns will host in a sideway flower pot in the sand with or without a pair. The one of mine hosting on the mushroom is one of the pinks but theyre not paired up as far as I can tell. I think I have 2 different pinks, actually,. One has the white stripe by the gills and the other does not.

Clowns dont need to host anywhere to be happy. Are you looking to have them host because it looks cool or because you think the clowns need it?

 

[BigBadBrain]

Two reasons for wanting the perc to host: 1) it would be more likely to be where it could be seen (I like to watch it but it is in a pretty unattractive part of the tank) and 2) I thought it would be more likely to pair and breed.

 

[wraithy]

breeding is like hosting.....your mileage may vary. If you are going to try, I'd say get a bubbletip anemone. Make sure your water parameters are good. Most clowns will host in a bubbletip, but again, it's not a guarantee. If you want to pair them, make sure you get a smaller fish than the one you have.