Can you mix false percula and true percula?

[Row-Z]

I have a 72 gallon tank. I had 2 percula until one jumped ship. I intend to get a replacement for that in the next week or so. While in a LFS I saw some black false percs. My question is can I have a pair of each in the same tank? I have asked several people and gotten several answers. Thanks for your help.

[loubee]

I have known of people who, I think, have been lucky to get away with keeping two pairs of clowns in the same tank, but I don't think it's a good idea!

I don't know if you already know (sorry if you do)... clowns are all born male, then the dominant one changes to female and grows a bit larger, so if you can find a very small & healthy Percula your fish should easily except it to be it's mate!

Clowns are ok in a group before they mature after that I recon it's kinder to let a pair have their own space.

[salt-rookie]

To me, its more of a question of providing both pairs with enough room to establish their own territorial space. A 72 is probably too smal...I'd put two pairs in my 180 without a second thought.

[ScruffyRubicon]

I have two pair of True percs and they have their times. Mixing true and false percs is probably not gonna go well, even if you find a very small one. Chances are someone will die.

[JennM]

If it was 2 clowns - one ocellaris and one perc, I'd say no biggie, although it's usually not a good idea to mix clown species - those two are close enough that they'll even hybridize given the right conditions.

That said, I wouldn't put two pairs even if they were the same specie. There will likely be war.

Jenn

[JY13131]

Well here is my latest clownfish experience. I have had a pair of oscellaris for a long time, but they do not host in my BTA (brats!). So I took a chance and put a clarkii in knowing full well that the oscellaris might bully him. Well as it turns out (tank is 75), the clarkii is going to have to go because he is pushing the oscellaris around big time! I think you just never can predict

Anybody in the chicago area want a sassy clarkii?

[JennM]

Actually my money would be on the Clarkii any day. Those are MEAN. They are right up there with Maroons and Tomatoes on the mean scale.

Jenn

[JY13131]

YUP! He is pretty mean

[reefermike1]

not to hijack the thread, but i have a real similar question. what about a black ocellaris, with a perc?

[ScruffyRubicon]

Ocellaris and Perculas will most likely fight to the death.

[Loverotties]

It all depends on the size area they live.The bigger the better the chance.

[frankandmaura]

I have 2 False Percs and 2 Clarkii's. They are in my 125 gal and are ok with each other. The Clarkii female seems to be the dominant one, she is HUGE!!! No nipping, though they do have their moments.

[ScruffyRubicon]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

It all depends on the size area they live.The bigger the better the chance.

Agreed. The biggest problem you may have here is territories can change. This is especially true if your clowns are hosting in an anemone. Anemones will just pack up and move with no notice. If they move far enough, territories will have to be re-established.

[markrxdi]

i have two pairs in my 55 for about 4 months and have not had a problem yet, they get along great. each pair sleeps on seperate sides but during the day they all hang together