Clown compatibility question

[patent]

Hi,

I have a 2.5-3” Clarkii clown that I’m considering selling. I’m talking to a gentleman with a blue hippo tang he is considering trading for it, but neither of us are sure if this Clarkii will be compatible with the fish in his tank, and I would like to ask for any expert advise on it.

I believe he has a 40 gallon tank, the blue hippo mentioned above, a royal gramma, and a sebae clown. The sebae clown is 1 inch long. My understanding is that clarkii clowns are often sold as sebae clowns, so I’m not personally sure which fish it is. He’s indicated that it did host in a sebae anemone in the LFS, and from what I’ve read online that actually indicates it’s a clarkii (wwm seems to indicate that in the table at the bottom here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/in...a/anemones.htm and here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume...wn_anemone.htm )

However, he’s indicated that the clown has two stripes on it, which I understand makes it more likely to be a Sebae, though patterns vary.

So, a couple questions: (1) Any thoughts on whether they are likely to be the same species or not?

(2) Even if they are the same species, would it be a good idea to put a 2.5 inch clown in a tank that already has a 1 inch clown?

(3) If they are different, can Clarkii and Sebae get along?

Thanks for any advice. I don't think either of us want to do a trade if it will just be a fight.

[ckusnierek]

I'm not an expert but I do have a Sebae and a yellow tang When I got the clown the tang had been in the tank for a few weeks and the "king" he didn't really mess with the clown just checked him out for a few days. I do also have a Gold Stripe Maroon in there They all get along fine.
As far as the clone hosting there id no garentee that any clown will host in any anemone. In my experience clarkii and sebea clown are quite friendly it's the Maroon and tomato clown that are more aggressive.
Not sure how aggresive Blue hippos are but if this is a reef tank there should be plenty of hiding places for all the fish. In only a 40g (depending on how big the hippo is) he may be getting close to capacity.

[frankandmaura]

I am no expert, but I have a pair of Clarkii's (not sure if mine is a Sebae - not sure of the difference myself). My pair is ok, but the big one (the female) sure is a bully. She is the largest fish in my tank right now, other than my LMB (they stay away from each other) and she kind of just darts at others, just to let them know who is boss.

My opinion (for what it is worth), is that it would not be a good idea to mix these 2 fish. Your's is much larger and it may give the other a hastle.

Just my 2 cents.

[patent]

Thanks for the help!

patent

[toniell]

I think it would be ok as long as the one you are putting in is bigger than the one bthat is already inthe tank, I think it's more of a senoirity thing than a size thing domino damsels are small but they can keep a good chunk of a tank on lock down.

[Laggs2003]

Depending on how old they are it could be a problem. Even if one is bigger then the other if both of them are female they are gonna go at it most likely till one dies. Then again they may not really fight much at all and end up pairing up.