Clown Fish hangs out in one spot

[Light On Fuel]

Hi All,

I'm a noob to this forum and have a question. I bought a clown fish about two months ago who seems healthy and happy. Right now, he is housed in a 25gl tank (I am in the process of cycling a 55gl where he will be moved once that is done). All parameters in the 25 are correct (remarkably).

Anyway, I've checked a million forums all posting the same question about their clown fish swimming in one spot, but it was usually because they had just placed it in their tank: Which doesn't really apply to me. He only swims near his feeding ring. I moved the feeding ring four inches back, and he didn't follow it. He continued to swim in the old location for over two weeks. I tried to lead him to the new location but just as he would get close to the ring, he would swim right back to his old spot (which is at the front of the tank). I have since moved the ring back to it's old location. I can honestly say that I have never seen him swimming anywhere else in the tank, aside from swimming near the tank floor directly under the ring. Is there anything I can do to change this? Does he need a host? I bought a lawnmower Blenny last week and they get along great: They often swim near the ring together and eat together. The Blenny swims all over and is very entertaining to watch, but the clown doesn't follow. Any suggestions or should I just leave well enough alone? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sha_ggy13]

Welcome to TRT!

Yeah clowns can be goofy. I had the same issues with all my percula clowns. They would sleep and stay at the surface never moving more that 5 inches away from that one spot. I since returned the percs and got a pair of ocellaris clowns and they are at the bottom of the tank sleeping on an encrusting chalice. A whole lot better than the old ones. Might depend on the individual clown. Will you have the lighting requirements to get a appropriate anemone for the clown species when you move into the 55?

[crvz]

nothing unusual, clownfish are prone to pick one spot and stick in it. If you had a pair of them, it would be even more likely to never move. I'd say it's simply exhibiting normal behavior.

[Light On Fuel]

Thanks,

That was a quick reply! I have a 24" AquaticLife light: The one with the dual Act & dual full spectrum, with the LED moonlights. So, the middle of the tank has ample light and I figure on getting clamp on lights for either end of the tank (I haven't fully worked it out but may end up buying the longer version that I have now). I was considering an anemone but have only had my tank for about 6 months (I recently moved and had to re-cycle my tank). Is it too soon for an anemone? Thanks again.

[Light On Fuel]

Cool. As long as it's normal. I thought that maybe he might be unhappy with my rock-scaping or something. He seems happy, especially since adding the lawnmower. Thanks for the help.

[patbmx]

Originally Posted by Light On Fuel

Cool. As long as it's normal. I thought that maybe he might be unhappy with my rock-scaping or something. He seems happy, especially since adding the lawnmower. Thanks for the help.

your in nutley? im right in lyndhurst pretty cool. i know a great fish store in clifton called absolutly fish. there amazing.

any way not to steal you thread but my clowns having some problems right now.

ok so ive had it in there for about a month now. the tank has been running for about a month and a half. so i started with 2 damsles and then got 2 clowns after. one clown dies i think the damsles killed it but anyway i have just replaced my old clown with a new one. they are both perculas. oh ya and btw the damsles are gone i found then a new home at the absolutly fish place. but when ever the lights are of and when i turn it on the clown is a very very light pink color its almost scary to see. he wont eat and just today he started swiming in a circle in the sand on his side. im very worried about him. anyone have any ideas?

[Light On Fuel]

Small world. Any chance you also drive a VDub? I've been going to Absolutely for a few years now: I was just at Midnight Madness last month. They're expensive but convenient.

Anyway, to the matter at hand. I don't know why your clown's swimming so erratically, but I can say that I am pretty confident that the damsels didn't kill the clown. Usually, the clowns bully the damsels: that's what I've seen more than not at least.

[flippers4pups]

I have two false Percula's, male and a female. They are never more than six inches apart during the day and at night they sleep right next to each other, up in one corner of the tank. They sleep on their sides and sometimes upside down. (First time witnessed this i thought that they where dead!) As soon as the lights come back on, they're up and ready to eat. Great fish!!!!

[patbmx]

Originally Posted by Light On Fuel

Small world. Any chance you also drive a VDub? I've been going to Absolutely for a few years now: I was just at Midnight Madness last month. They're expensive but convenient.

Anyway, to the matter at hand. I don't know why your clown's swimming so erratically, but I can say that I am pretty confident that the damsels didn't kill the clown. Usually, the clowns bully the damsels: that's what I've seen more than not at least.

ya thats probaly not me seeing has how i dont even drive yet. im only 15. i assume you have scene the tank all the way to the left where it overflows in to the bottom tank i saw 2 clowns over there they are so nice but a huge 300 dollar price tag for a pair. i actualy wanna go there soon to get new fish for my fw tank and have them test my water.

and my clown fish is always sticking around or near the filter. though i do wish he would move around more but whatever he wants is fine.

as for the damsles ya i dont think that they killed it at all. when ever i looked they would swim fine. i think it was beacuse it was to early for the tank.( or maybe it was from pet co) but anyway your clown seems fine

[ryantherhino]

hmm.. I am a sw noob ,and my clown just lays sidways under a rock bridge. Is really weird. i mean he is forever side ways under the rock bridge just floating ther when the lights are on. when i turn the lights off he comes out tho.


*NOTE* also i have not seen him eat since i have got him, about a week ago. i think he nips at my live rock but never eats the shrimp or flake food. It does crap(expell wastes) tho so i guessing its eating something: i hope

[Loverotties]

Is your tank grounded?

[patbmx]

Originally Posted by ryantherhino

hmm.. I am a sw noob ,and my clown just lays sidways under a rock bridge. Is really weird. i mean he is forever side ways under the rock bridge just floating ther when the lights are on. when i turn the lights off he comes out tho.


*NOTE* also i have not seen him eat since i have got him, about a week ago. i think he nips at my live rock but never eats the shrimp or flake food. It does crap(expell wastes) tho so i guessing its eating something: i hope

it could be your clown doing what he does. mine does the exact same thing with my filter but he eats. as for not eatin try difrent foods. go back to where you bought it and ask them what you fed it prior to your purchase of him.

[patbmx]

double post sorry

[ryantherhino]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Is your tank grounded?

it should be eletricaly

and its in on a hip high desk.

[flippers4pups]

Originally Posted by ryantherhino

hmm.. I am a sw noob ,and my clown just lays sidways under a rock bridge. Is really weird. i mean he is forever side ways under the rock bridge just floating ther when the lights are on. when i turn the lights off he comes out tho.


*NOTE* also i have not seen him eat since i have got him, about a week ago. i think he nips at my live rock but never eats the shrimp or flake food. It does crap(expell wastes) tho so i guessing its eating something: i hope

I feed Rod's frozen food on occasion, both clowns love it. You should see any fish eat if it's healthy.