Clown Wars

Hermit · 05-22-2001, 08:43 PM

Hi all,

I've got a 55S FOWLR. I have had two clowns (a percula (maybe true) and a Clarks). Clark his been in the tank for years, and the percula for 8-10 mths. Recently clark (the bigger of the two) has started attacking the perc.

Is there anything I can do to end the war? Would adding a condylactic anemone help, or would it be best to remove one of the clowns?

FishDaddy · 05-22-2001, 09:12 PM

Hi Hermit,
The Clarkii probably tolerated the Percula until the Perc grew enough for the Clarkii to consider it a territorial threat. I would expect the warfare to continue, with the Perc eventually being a victim, especially in only a 55 where there is not enough room for separate territories. Clarkii's get fairly big so a pair in your 55 would be a load.
IMHO, an anenome would only aggravate the problem for territory. Anenomes are difficult to keep healthy and tank clowns don't need them. Please do a search for anenomes on the board for anenome pros and cons.
HTH
Dick

Hermit · 05-22-2001, 10:29 PM

Thanks fishdaddy,

I guess I'll contact the LFS about exchanging clark. Would I be foolish to get another perc?

Also, is there anything I could add as a host?

FishDaddy · 05-22-2001, 10:49 PM

Hermit,
If your Percula is a juvenile, another juvenile Perc should be fine. Eventually, the dominant one usually becomes a female and you would have a pair. If the Perc is larger, get a smaller one to avoid the same territoriality you are having now.
I would recommend getting a copy of Joyce Wilkerson's book, Clownfishes. It tells you just about everything you need to know about clowns.
My Ocellaris pair have used about everything in the tank for shelter, including mushrooms and my Frogspawn. Mushrooms would be a safe bet, especially if your tank is young.
HTH
Dick

Hermit · 05-23-2001, 08:13 PM

Just wanted to say thanks. I traded the Clark in this afternoon, and already the perc is out and about. He seems to be happy as a . . . well, a clown.