NewbieQ-- What to keep?

[JVWardle]

Hi there all!

We've decided on keeping a couple of Percula Clowns and after reading a bit about them and thier host anemones, I was wondering what corals/inverts are safe around them? If there isn't much, what else will the clowns stay in?


Thanks for your expertise, we hope to someday be able to give some knowledge backourselves.


John & Vera Wardle

 

[Shamrock317]

I have had a pair of Percs for about 11 months. They have adopted a Bubbletip anemone as thier host, but on occaision, I have watched them lying around in a colony of mushrooms. I would say that most corals would be safe for them. Keep doing what you have been...read, read, read. Goodluck

 

[FishDaddy]

Hi John & Vera,
Clowns are great fish! I have had a pair of tank-raised Ocellaris for 3 years. The difference between A. Percula and A. Ocellaris is almost imperceptible but try to get a couple of juvenile captive-bred or raised and let them grow up together. There will most likely be a fascinating change in their relationship as one becomes the dominant female.
If you don't have it already, I highly recommend Joyce Wilkerson's Clownfishes and Their Host Anenomes for great detailed info.
You don't need an anenome for them. Mine have hosted with Ricordea frilly mushrooms; Frogspawn; and even the regular 'shrooms.
Keeping an anenome is difficult at best for a new setup. Please see:
http://www.wyx.com/iheo/tank/anemones.htm
HTH,
Dick

 

[JVWardle]

Wow! Now that's a fast response! I wasn't expecting anything for a couple of days at least!

Anyhow...Thanks for the responses, and links, VERY informative.

Would you have a suggestion for reference material about the various listed animals (bubble tip etc...) either in print or on-line (prefered)?

We're planning on setting up a 20 gal. nanoreef and I don't want the corals/anenomes to hurt each other.

 

[FishDaddy]

The links on Joaco's page are quite comprehensive for anenome info.
Sprung & Delbeek's The Reef Aquarium, Vols. I&IIis a great encyclopedic resource for reefkeepers. Vol. II has info on anenomes.
A common bubble tip sold in the trade is the Entacmaea quadricolor. You can get lots more info by doing a board search for E. quadricolor or bubble tip anenome.
I would still recommend against an anenome in favor of easier to keep hosts.

Dick

 

[EmilyB]

John & Vera,

Make sure to get Joyce Wilkerson's book - as I echo Dick, it is an incredible source of info on clowns and host anemones.

At some point when your tank is established and if you get adequate lighting (I say MH) for an anemone, please consider a bubbletip clone from a local reefer, before buying another from the ocean !