What should I do now? Tank raised percs finally getting it??

Beal09 · 08-25-2004, 12:24 PM

Okay as I posted before, I had a super large tomato clown that was hosting my RTA. He finally killed it since I think he was too big for the anemone. Anyways, I have since found a new home for the monster Tomato clown, and now back to my original clowns (2 tank raised ocellaris, mated pair), they were initially too dumb to host the anemone (hence the purchase of the tomato)....but my question is could they possibly "learn" what to do by watching the tomato hosting the RTA? Ever since I got rid of the tomato clown, my 2 percs have been seeming to be trying to "host" my colt coral. I have heard of them "hosting" toadstool leathers and other corals but I don't think ever a colt?

I think I would like to try and encourage them to spawn...I have witnessed them doing the "jiggy dance" several times. So should I get a new anemone and see if they will host it? I hate to spend the money again to buy a new anemone and have them not host it and I am forced to get another clown to do the dirty work? I love that symbiotic relationship and it is the main reason I invested in my PC lighting. OPINIONS PLEASE!!! also if you have any knowledge/successful experience breeding clowns, please share!! thanks!

Geoff · 08-25-2004, 02:17 PM

clowns do not need an anemone to host in. anemone are very difficult to keep. if the clowns want to host in the colt, let them. my wife has a gold stripe and it seems to be hosting near a PH. they just like small territories.

if they want to mate they will, it has nothing to do with whether or not there is an anemone in the tank.

G~

iamdickie · 08-25-2004, 09:04 PM

Right, I understand about anemones being difficult to keep, I was mainly concerned if I put a new anemone in the tank if they would leave the colt and adopt the anemone? Or is it pretty set once they "host" something? I am mainly curious because I really enjoyed and still do enjoy the symbiotic relationship, and again it was the main reason I upgraded my lighting system. I have also heard (and correct me if I'm wrong) that clowns will lay their eggs at the base of the anemone they are hosting as to "protect" them from being eaten....I guess bottom line, I love anemones, I understand their care level, and was curious to see what you guys thought. Thanks for the information Geoff!! Does anyone else have any thing to add?

Beal09 · 08-25-2004, 09:10 PM

Sorry the above message was supposed to be mine, but I just noticed iamdickie was still signed in. Sorry about that!! The above message was from me....

tabwyo · 08-25-2004, 09:38 PM

If you like anems then keep them by all means. I you can keep them healthy and thriving then by all means have at it. Anems are gorgeous but tempermental little buggers. As for the clowns, especialy if they have started doin the "jiggy dance" over the colt then be happy.

Geoff · 08-25-2004, 09:45 PM

fish will do what they want to do. if they like the position of the colt and the way it feels they could very well just stay there. it is impossible to try and figure out what a fish is going to do. most have not read the books.

G~

tabwyo · 08-25-2004, 09:52 PM

Geoff is absoloutly right. If the colt has clicked something in the clownies little heads then there isn't anything to do but sit back and let nature take it's course. Your fish know what they like. They are the experts, let them do their thing. To hell with the books it's only "expert" speculation base on observation.