Will different tank-bred clowns fight over anemone?

[Sushi Roll]

I have read from multiple sources that various tank-bred clownfishes (not talking about maroons or tomato) will get along with each other if introduced to the tank at the same time.

My question is if I put two different species pairs of clownfish in a tank with an anemone will they still get along or will they fight over the anemone (territory)?

If I have two anemones in the tank, will they get along or will the dominant pair try to control both anemones?

I know that different species of anemones will fight so I plan to do two bubbletip anemones if people think that will work. If it helps, my tank will be a 4 foot long 120 gal tank.

As long as I'm asking, would it be safe two have two different species of anemones in a tank that size? That way, I could have 1 pair ocellaris (who seem to prefer sabae over bubbletip from what I've read) and 1 pair cinnamon (who seem to prefer bubbletip over sebae from what I've read). I would try to keep the bubbletip and sebae on opposite sides of the tank (although I know they can move...)

Thanks for any info you can give!

 

[55semireef]

Re: Will different tank-bred clowns fight over anemone?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8532748#post8532748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sushi Roll
I have read from multiple sources that various tank-bred clownfishes (not talking about maroons or tomato) will get along with each other if introduced to the tank at the same time.

My question is if I put two different species pairs of clownfish in a tank with an anemone will they still get along or will they fight over the anemone (territory)?

If I have two anemones in the tank, will they get along or will the dominant pair try to control both anemones?

I know that different species of anemones will fight so I plan to do two bubbletip anemones if people think that will work. If it helps, my tank will be a 4 foot long 120 gal tank.

As long as I'm asking, would it be safe two have two different species of anemones in a tank that size? That way, I could have 1 pair ocellaris (who seem to prefer sabae over bubbletip from what I've read) and 1 pair cinnamon (who seem to prefer bubbletip over sebae from what I've read). I would try to keep the bubbletip and sebae on opposite sides of the tank (although I know they can move...)

Thanks for any info you can give!

my tank will be a 4 foot long 120 gal tank.

Going by this statement, it seems like your tank is not even up and running yet. I am just letting you know (many don't) that you cannot go run out and by an anemone and place it in a new tank. I would at least wait 8 months before adding any anemone. Its a good thing your starting with a BTA since they are much more forgiving than most anemones. BTAs also do not demand as much lighting as others do.

I would say your safe to put two different species of anemones in that size of a tank. I have two in my 55 gallon...a Blue Haddoni and a Heteractis Malu and both are thriving. But I would rather you start with BTAs. Then if you feel confident with those, then try adding another species. On another note though, I would advise you to keep one species of clown per tank. Yes it "can" work and people on this forum have tanks with multiple clowns but I have yet to see any reports of having multiple species of clowns long term especially with anemones present in the tank. I am sure there are those that have had long term success but that doesn't mean it might work for them so it works for you. I once had a female Tomato clown with two Clarkiis and all it was was chaos between the clowns. I wouldn't advise it.

But don't let my opinion on the clown mixing repel you away from what you want. If you really want to try it, go for it. Just keep in mind though that there is a possibility of fighting and territoriality problems between the different species of clowns.

Hope that helps.

 

[Sushi Roll]

Thanks for the info

I certainly won't be adding a Tomato or Maroon, I've read that they have the worst personalities.

The reason I didn't want to start first with just one pair an anemone is because my understanding is you need to put different species of tank-bred clownfish inside the tank at the same time for them to get along. I read that you add a second pair later then they will fight.

So I guess that's why I'm wondering if I should only start with one bubbletip... but I'm concerned that the two pairs may fight over the one anemone. So I'm considering two anemones... but not sure if both should be bubbletip or not. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have yet to see any reports of having multiple species of clowns long term

I know this is true of wild caught clownfish but are you referring to tank-bred clownfish as well?

Thanks for letting me know I should wait eight months before getting an anemone. I was certainly planning to wait 2-3 months but what is the reason for having to wait so long? I only ask because I was hoping to put the anemone(s) in before any coral then place the coral around (away from) where the anemone(s) settle.

 

[hansonfam]

You need stable params to have an anemone. They do not like anything out of wack. And yes it would be nice to put the anemone in and then the corals but that never seems to go the way you want it to. I put a 8inch lta in my tank full of corals 4 months ago and he has never moved from his spot. So if you have stable params and think hard about flow patterns and light and then place him they will usually stay And make sure those power heads are covered incase of a walk around.
It is worth it to wait rather than watching a anemone waste away and take the chance of losing everything because he it dies when you were gone for a night and pulluted your tank.

Lisa

 

[hansonfam]

If i could spell today that would be great To early in the morning.

 

[55semireef]

So I guess that's why I'm wondering if I should only start with one bubbletip... but I'm concerned that the two pairs may fight over the one anemone. So I'm considering two anemones... but not sure if both should be bubbletip or not. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I would start with one bubble tip first. Make sure its of good size too. Clownfish can sometimes stress anemones out.

If you really are interested in having two species of clowns, get both at the same time. I doubt they will fight over the anemone. Whoever gets it first will keep usually. Your cinnamon clowns will probably take the BTA while your Ocellaris will just hang out.