Hi Bob, Amongst the variety of fish I have in my reef tank are a pair of skunk clowns that have taken up residence in my prolific Xenia. Recently I could hear, when the house was quieter, and particularly after the first light comes on, a strange noise. It was coming from the tank and was a cross between a 'chirp' and the sort of noise you get when blowing air down as straw in to liquid. The source was the female skunk clown! She was also vibrating and displaying by going side to side. Is this some kind of mating display or warning to other fish in the tank? I do know that fish are 'vocal' but not usually within our hearing range. Appreciate your opinion. Thank You David Phillips, Havant, Hants  <Clownfishes will for sure host in other stinging-celled life, other than their usual symbiotic anemone species… even on/with inanimate objects like powerheads and décor items. And yes, they are indeed vocal… using their teeth and jaws to make such “snappy” sounds… an exaptation from their feeding mechanism only recently well-elucidated. Other fish groups also produce sound from this and other mechanisms… some snapping body parts like their pectoral girdle skeletons, moving gas between compartments in their gas bladders, utilizing the bladder as a resonator…             Functions of this sound-making include communication and as you state, warning of others to stay away… Worth heeding, as I and many other folks I’ve had occasion to speak with have been bitten severely enough to draw blood from these miniature tyrants.             As a related aside, many if not most all fishes are capable of “hearing” low frequency and amplitude sound… useful for detecting and avoiding predators and possibly staying in concert with ones school. Some fishes, notably the Ostariophysians, a super group that includes the catfishes, minnows and tetras/characins, have a series of bones (the Weberian Apparatus) that connect the gas bladder with the inner ear, allowing them to hear up to and beyond the limits of human hearing (to the upper teens of thousands of cycles per second). It is indeed a noisy world “down there”.

Missing Ocellaris Clown, 3/10/10
Dear Crew,
<Hi>
My tank is 46 gallons with live rock and live sand and a skimmer.
I did some water tests today at 9.00am I have 1 x Royal Gramma 1 x Yellowtail Blue Damsel
and 1 x Ocellaris Clown, and as I cleaned my glass with my algae magnet the clown was swimming by as if interested. I then went to bed as I am on night shift. On getting up I looked into my tank but can't seem to locate my clown anywhere. I have checked by looking the best I can in all the nooks and crannies of my live rock and can't seem to see it anywhere. My skimmer is a hang on type so the pump is in my tank and the in feed to the pump doesn't have any grill or mesh over the in feed. I was wondering if it had gone in there but my skimmer hasn't faltered as if blocked or anything, just to make sure I disconnected the skimmer and when the water level was leveling off it back flushed water through the in feed but nothing came out, no bits of fish or anything. Now I'm wondering where it's gone.
<Have you checked the floor, clown can and do jump.>
Is it hiding in some crevice or has it died in some crevice or has something eaten it I only have 5 Snails And 3 Hermit Crabs.
<You would be surprised how fast a dead fish can be processed by scavengers in a reef tank.>
Nothing seemed untoward I have had it 2 weeks with no problems and it swam all over the tank. Can you tell me the likely scenario or is it common for clowns to hide for a while. If it's died how can I remove it if I can't locate it, as I dont want my water to suffer as my specs are perfect.
Thanks in advance
Gary
<Generally clowns are not big on hiding in the rock work unlike your gramma or many other fish. I think in this case I would assume the worst.
Chances are a single clown decaying in this sized tank is not going to make a big difference in your water quality so I would not worry about it too much here. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but check the floor around the tank carefully, you may find him there.>
<Chris>

clown fish behavior   2/8/10 Hi there, I guess I should start off with what I have. It's 10g Nano tank <Very hard to keep such small volumes stable, optimized chemically, physically, biologically> that I'm kind of still starting but here's what I have. Hardware: 18" Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO light 50W tetra heater for 10gal Hydor Koralia Nano with 240gph flow Bio-wheel for 10-15 gal Livestock: 10lbs live rock 5lbs live sand 1 Trochoidea super snail 1 Red and white skunk cleaner shrimp 1 Emerald crab 2 Tank raised False Percula, Ocellaris Clownfish (added after Damsel fish were removed) 2 Damsel fish (removed after cycling was complete) 2 Small Zoanthids 1 Frogspawn Ok, so when after I floated and acclimated the two clown fish, I netted them and released them into my tank with much success. The pair of juveniles stuck together and explored the open area of the tank, not feeling the need to explore the rock or the many caves within. That night, as I was getting ready for bed I turned the light off for the aquarium and watched the zoo's and frogspawn close up as I always do, and I noticed the two clowns went to the rear top of the tank and instantly started floating on their side at the top. Needless to say this was very concerning to me, but I thought, out of hopefulness, that maybe it was normal. <Mmm, maybe> When I got up this morning, they were still floating about the top rear of the tank (mostly behind the outlet of the bio-wheel) though no longer on their side. I looked on here and found a few good descriptions of what to look for concerning stress, and they are not exhibiting any signs of discomfort. No heavy breathing or mouth breathing, no rapid movement or scratching on rocks. So, I called the guy at the pet store who usually helps me and he said something to the effect of, "They're just getting accustomed to the new environment and trying to find a place to sleep" <Possibly> I do not have any sort of anemone or anything, but I read through various sources that tank raised clowns don't really need to have an anemone or the same goes for the situation that the clowns are the only fish inhabiting the environment, which is the case. <This is so> With such a small Nano reef, I really don't think an anemone would do the system a lot of good lol, are there any corals or anything similar that they would enjoy as a host? <I would not try such here. Much more chance of there being real trouble in such a small world, in the presence of your present Cnidarians. In fact, the other stinging-celled life may be working your Clowns woe here> I keep up on my testing and a 10% water change every weekend so I know I am providing a healthy system with good water quality for them, I just need to know if this would be considered 'normal' in the wide variety of different behaviors exhibited by these awesome little fish. <The described behavior is not anomalous> Also on a side note, when I picked out this pair at the local shop, I watched these two for awhile, coming in a day here and there and making sure they appeared healthy. <Good> All the livestock the store tank with them seemed perfectly healthy. And, I am also including a pic of the set up and the two clowns I am concerned about. Thank you!!! Jason <Not to worry you, but for a necessary bit of background, please read re Cnid. allelopathy here: http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidcompppt.htm and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

New to Saltwater Tanks: Clownfish Pairing/Clownfish Beh. 2/4/2010
Hi,
<Hi Scott>
I really enjoy the information on your site. I apologize if my question has been answered before but I didn't find quite what I was looking for in your archives.
<No worries.>
I've recently purchased a pair of false Perculas that had been tank buddies at a LFS since Dec 30. Since they were the only two in the tank and had been at my LFS for weeks, not to mention eating well, I figured they would
be a good choice for my first fish. The presumption was that they would be healthy and live in peace together.
<Reasonable assumption.>
Well I added them to my tank last night and all was well for the first 30 minutes to an hour. They were mellow and staying around the bottom of the tank. Then they started to get more curious and checking the tank out top
to bottom, which by the way is a 47 gallon column tank. They started to swim faster and more violently in spurts. The larger of the two, which is about an 1''1/2, started charging and picking on the smaller one. The smaller one would submit and make a "C" shape with his body.
This behavior has continued and although they both are swimming a little more casually now the bigger one seems to be attacking the smaller one more frequently. Almost every time she sees her smaller companion she'll dart
across the tank like a charging bull and stop just short of him when he makes that submitting "C" shape. This has me really concerned because I don't want the smaller one to get stressed and weak while he's adjusting to his new home.
<Make sure he has some rocks or some other structure to hide in.>
Is this typical behavior for fish in a new tank?
<Typical for clownfish that are pairing up.>
Am I worrying over nothing? If not, what should I do?
<Keep an eye on them and make sure the little one gets his share of food.
They are sorting out their pecking order and pairing up. It will take a few days to a week In time they may start breeding in your tank.>
I don't want to overreact but I really want my fish to be healthy and happy. Thanks in advance for your advice.
<Have a read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshbrdfaqs.htm >
Best,
Scott
<MikeV>
PS- I have a standard fluorescent bulb fixture and ordered at 10K bulb for it. Unfortunately it's not working and I'm having to use an older bulb that came with the fixture. It's just a standard fluorescent bulb and I'm not
sure how powerful it is, but it's definitely less than 10K. Will the fish be ok with this light until I can buy a new light fixture, which may be a while?
<As long as you don't have any light sensitive organisms in your tank, that will be fine.>

False Percula Clown Behavior Question   1/26/10
Hey Crew! I hope everyone is doing well,
<Can only speak for myself... middling>
Anyway, this is just a curiosity question as I've always wondered this about a particular fish of mine
One of my tanks is a 30 gallon fish only with base rock that contains about 50 pounds of rock (It's pretty dense), an inch of sand, two False Percula Clowns, a Royal Gramma, and a Flame Dartfish.
They all get along fine
<Mmm, maybe because of the crowding, lack of space here>
and eat great, all of them were quarantined and acclimated and have never shown any sign of disease. I've had the two clowns for just about two years, and the female has always done something rather peculiar. She tends to scratch both sides of her head right above the eyes, on the exact same spot, everyday. I noticed it when I first got the fish and it was in quarantine but neither fish ever developed obvious disease, just the bigger female tends to scratch that part bilaterally against the rock. It often rubs the white of her line off and two years later, after daily abuse, she has a scar on either side of her head. Once again, this fish has never appeared ill, and has spent its entire life in this same tank. I should mention that the smaller of the pair never scratches.
I was just wondering if this was more "clowning around" or if this is something I should be worried about in the long term.
<My guess is that this is some sort of physical, chemical territorial marking, much like domestic felines/cats>
I guess after two years I'm not too worried but after adding the Gramma last month I just started thinking about it again. What do you guys think? Thanks for your input and have a great day!
-Cory
<I suspect the female clown is designating this rock area to be the pair's symbiont, in lieu/place of an Actinarian/Anemone. Bob Fenner>

Assorted SW Questions; reef stkg., clown beh.... Zoa sys./ltg.   1/24/10
Hello WWM Crew!
<Hi Drew>
I'd like to start by thanking you all from the bottom of my heart for this resource you provide to the community.
<You're welcome.>
I'm new to the hobby, and you have all been an invaluable help. I've been reading/searching your site vigorously for the last 9 months, and I've accumulated some varied questions that I haven't been able to find satisfying answers to. I'd appreciate any advice you could all give, and I apologize if some of them could have been answered by Googling harder :) I also apologize if this is too lengthy or too many questions, but these are questions I've accumulated over quite some time.
My tank information:
9 months old
55 gallon cube (apprx. 23"x23"x23") with an open top
10 gallon sump with Aqua Euro USA Skimmer (not sure of more specifics than that unfortunately, I was told it's a bit overpowered and seems to be pretty beefy)
<No such thing as overskimming.>
100 lbs. live rock
1 250W 14K HQI
Koralia 3 powerhead
Fine CC Substrate
Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite: 0
Alkalinity: 3.0 mEq
Calcium: 330 (I need to raise this a bit)
pH: 8.2
Temp: 78F
Spg: 1.026
I do three 10g water changes per month
Livestock: 2 tank-bred Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Firefish, 1 Yellow Watchman Goby, 1 Psychedelic Mandarin, 2 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, assorted snails/crabs in the CUC.
Corals: Several Euphyllia, 1 Goniopora (I know, beginner mistake, but I may have lucked out and it's looking gorgeous after 8 months), 1 Tridacna Crocea, 1 Bubble Coral, some Leather and Mushroom coral, 1 Green Birdsnest Coral.
Question 1: I'm trying to decide the last fish(es) to add to my tank. It's important that they are harmonious with the current inhabitants, attractive, and appropriate for my system. Active is also a plus. I'd possibly like a wrasse (Mystery or Flasher perhaps), but I'm concerned with them out-competing the Mandarin or jumping out of my open top. Are there any wrasses that would fit that bill?
<No, not with an open top, and most would definitely compete with your Mandarin. Mandarins actually do better in larger systems, not so much because of their size, but to ensure enough rock is present with pods, etc.
for them to graze on.>
I don't really care for Grammas or Anthias.
<You're tank would be too small to properly house Anthias.>
I've entertained the thought of a Clown Goby, but I'd like something more active. If needs be I could try to find a new home for the Mandarin, as I don't see him much and sometimes fret over his food supply (although he's currently happy and fat as a little sausage). Any thoughts?
<With a 2'x2' tank, I would not add any more fish. As it stands now, each fish has about 10 gallons, adding more may cause environmental stress.>
Question 2: I'm curious about one facet of my Ocellaris Clowns' behavior.
When I first got them (apprx. 6 months ago) they were very young and completely fearless. They would practically eat right out of my hand.
Over the last few months, however, they seem much more timid and easily frightened. They freak out and hide in one of their favorite spots every time I come near or do any tank maintenance. I can't think of anything that is particularly stressful for them. I don't do any messing around in the tank other thank routine maintenance, and there are certainly no fish bothering them. Is this a routine behavioral adjustment that happens as they grow older, or is this reason for concern? They seem pretty healthy and happy otherwise.
<No cause for concern, all of my fish exhibit the same behavior when I enter the room. This behavior can result from the tank being in a low traffic room such as I have and you may have.>
Question 3: I have extremely little algal growth anywhere in my tank, but I have regular diatomic growth on my CC substrate and it's quite unsightly.
I routinely vacuum it out about once a month, and I don't think I overfeed. I've ordered a Tongan Fighting Conch to hopefully address the problem. Do you think this is appropriate, and is there anything else I should try? I've considered the idea about replacing the CC with sand, and I wish I had went with sand in the beginning, but the thought of that undertaking is pretty horrifying. I'd like to avoid it if possible.
<Using a good chemical media such as Chemipure or a Poly Filter will help here.>
Question 4: I'd really like a Pistol Shrimp to accompany my Watchman Goby, as I think he'd REALLY enjoy a burrow and a friend. However, I'm quite attached to my Cleaner Shrimps (who'd have thought shrimp could be so personable?) and I've read that there's a very good chance a Pistol Shrimp would eventually kill them. In my system, do you think this is a likely occurrence?
<The risk is there especially in smaller systems, enjoy the cleaner shrimp.>
Question 5: After some experimentation and experience, I think I've come to the conclusion that I'd like to focus heavily on exotic Zoanthids in this tank. I've heard that Zoa tanks tend to do better, and have better coloration, with higher K lights. Should I switch to a 20K 250W HQI, or add some fluorescent actinics, or just stick with what I have? Retaining the intense coloration of expensive Zoas is the goal.
<If you are looking for that "pop", consider adding one of the newer LED actinics such as Ice Cap recently released. I wouldn't go with a 20K, there is plenty of blue present in the 14K lamp but it is masked by more intensity in the other colors that are more favorable to shallow water photosynthetic invertebrates.>
These are all the questions I can think of now. I'd greatly appreciate any help you all could offer, and hopefully it wasn't too lengthy and the questions were appropriate.
Thank you!
<And thank you for your fine grammar and well written email. James (Salty
Dog)>
Drew

Male Clown Attacking The Female Clown/Clownfish Behavior, And Very Little Info 12/23/09
I have had a pair of matted
<Have you tried combing them?:)>
clown fish for over 2 years. Last night The male started attacking the female She hide behind the heater last night. He will not let up on attacking her driving her into the rock for hiding.
<Actually, the larger, more aggressive of the sexes in these fishes is the female.
If no physical harm is being done, observe, you may need to separate if things get out of hand. It's possibly pre-spawning behavior but I know little about this subject and hopefully Bob will give his input here.>
<<Better... I'll refer the writer. Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/FishInd2.htm
The last tray (at the bottom) re Clownfish Reproduction, Behavior... RMF>>
I just had a really bad algae bloom, the water was almost pea soup in color but has been clear for a week. Outside of that nothing has changed in my tank. The tank is a 75 gal and they have been the only
tank inhabitant for over 6 months now.
<James (Salty Dog)>

Clown fish behavior   12/19/09
Hi All,
<Susie>
We have a 65 gallon Red Sea Max, up and running for about four months now. We initially had two clown fish, and over the weeks have added a diamond goby, a yellow tang, a cardinal fish, a coral beauty, and three green Chromis.
About two months ago, one of the clowns disappeared, and we found it dead the next morning. All the other fish are doing great, we have added a couple of corals and they all look beautiful. Now, the other clown is acting strangely. She is staying near the bottom of the tank and seems to be trying to dig her nose under the rocks. Most of the time, she stays very still and you can only see her gills move. She seems to try to eat sometimes, but not much, and we're not sure how much food, if any, she actually gets. This has been going on for two days. We don't see any of the other fish bothering her, and they've all been fine, the last ones were added about three weeks ago. Is there anything we can, or should do differently?
<Mmm, no, not really. A few possibilities here. The Clown could be mal-affected by trying to develop a communal relationship with one of your "corals"... It might be toxified by having ingested a bit of them... It could even be just acting "normally"... Amphiprionines are called "clowns" for their color/markings as well as behavior. As your other livestock appear to be fine, I would not try something overt (changing the environment, adding "medicine"...) here>
Thanks,
Susie
<Welcome, and please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/FishInd2.htm
the last tray down... re Health, Compatibility. Bob Fenner>

Re: clown fish behavior  12/20/09
Thanks, Bob. Bad news, though, we found the clownfish dead this morning.
<Ahhh>
In retrospect, we're thinking maybe she just wasn't able to get enough to eat. The three green Chromis, cardinal fish, goby, and coral beauty would just dominate the tank when we put any food in,
<Yes... symptomatic of the size/confines of this world>
flakes, plankton, or brine shrimp, and the clown was pretty timid. We had 8 fish in a 65 gallon tank, is that too many?
<The particular mix, species, yes... psychologically/socially>
If not, should we get a more aggressive type of fish, like a maroon clownfish?
<No my dear. Premnas is far too aggressive itself to add here>
thanks again,
Susie
<Best to keep reading, visiting shops, the Net for now... Perhaps Santa is bringing you a larger system. Bob Fenner>

Jumping Clownfish/Clownfish Behavior/Murphy's Law 12/17/09
Howdy again.
<Hello William>
Love the web site, lots of good information.
<Thank you, and glad you enjoy.>
I would like to know why our clown fish wiggled out of our tank. I say wiggled because the tank has a glass lid with about .25" clearance between the lid and tank edge. ( I know it will be hard to tell me why, I mostly want to make sure I haven't done anything stupid.)
<Likely startled and as far as the .25 clearance, we'll have to ask Murphy about that.>
We have a 24g Cardiff Tank, the one that looks like a bullet. It has about 20 lbs of live rock, KH 7.0, PH 8.2, No3 2-4, Sg 1.027,
<Not necessary to keep the SG this high, 1.024-25 will be fine.>
Ca 370. One largish Frog Spawn and a plethora of mushrooms. I think she wiggled out after she was fed this evening. When I found her she was still wet, but very dead.
There was no sign of any trauma. The little male was very submissive to her and there isn't anything else in the tank that would chase her out. Maybe our snails move quicker than we think :)
The male seems to be ok. I don't think they are notorious jumpers and our current plan is to get another female of about the same size unless you recommend otherwise.
<No problem in getting another clown, I've lost a Carpenters Flasher Wrasse recently and the escape dimensions were .25 x 1.5 inches in a five foot long tank. Murphy has yet to respond to me.>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
William

Strange clownfish behavior, fdg. pref.  12/10/09
Dear Crew!
<Peter>
Thank you for maintaining such an informative and helpful website. I have learned a ton about reefkeeping from you, guys. However, I recently stumbled upon a situation to which I could not find the answer in FAQs or anywhere else on the web. I have a clownfish - Amphiprion percula - which is about 2 - 2.5 inches long. I have had this fish for a month and he was fine all this time.
<Purchased at an adult size... this fish is a female almost w/o a doubt>
He was eating good (and still is) however, couple of days ago he started to through <homonym; throw> up food a minute or two after he eats.
I alternate the meals using brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, pe mysis shrimp, formula 2 pellets and Aqueon marine flakes. He only throughs up shrimps, flakes do not provoke such a reaction. There is no loss of appetite but he seems unable to keep it down. Everybody else in the tank (including 1 inch Amphiprion percula) is fine. Is that a disease?
<Mmm, doubtful>
If so, what kind is it and how do I treat it?
<Just not liking the shrimps... I'd switch these out for something different. My choice? Spectrum brand pelleted food>
Thank you very much!
Peter
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Re: Strange clownfish behavior  12/11/09
Dear, Mr. Fenner!
Thank you for your prompt reply. I will try different type/brand of food.
Peter
<Real good. B>

My A. sebae's secret life as an interior designer: Clownfish beh. 8/27/2009
Hi crew!
<Hi Esther.>
I have been reading the clownfish behavior pages all morning, and though I have found hints of what I am looking for, I am still left with my concern/ opinion about. For starters I have a 75 gallon, garden reef system live rock with an excellent Remora Pro skimmer that has been established for over 3 years now. Fishes include: pair of sebae clowns, a juvenile scopas tang, and a fat lawnmower blenny.
It's success is due to lots of reading on this site and good husbandry.
<You have stocked your tank well.>
Recently, I have been starting to replace the live rock as it needs a fresh influx of new biota. So over the course of a couple months, and each new rock comes in, a little rearranging has to be done.
<Understandable and necessary.>
I do not rearrange the clowns corner of the tank at any time, and have worked hard to keep that area the same.
<Another wise choice.>
But I am sure this has still disrupted my clowns a bit since I know they don't like change, but my female clown (we call her Mrs. Boss) has taken to rearranging my corals daily.
<Heheheheh.>
She picks them up (most are 3 times the size of her and rather dense) and drops them into the sand bed.
<The behavior of clownfish never ceases to amaze me. How close are these corals to her territory?>
This usually results into pieces breaking off of my corals. While I am tempted to pay her minimum wage for fragging my corals for me, I am getting frustrated with this behavior.
<Naturally.>
I am just hoping that someone might have some feedback, trick, or helpful advise to remedy this situation. I am willing to try some crazy ideas at this point.
<How are the corals mounted? You can stick them permanently to the rock with marine epoxy - you should be able to get it in any fish store. If you don't want to make the corals permanent, you can make a large 'base rock ' for the corals out of the epoxy, making it too big and heavy for the clown to move.>
Thank you all for all the time and effort you put towards this site, and have a happy day!
<My pleasure. Do send an update.>
-Esther
<MikeV>

Re: My A. sebae's secret life as an interior designer: Clownfish beh. 9/5//2009
Thanks Mike!
<Hi Esther.>
Sorry it took me so long for an update, but I wanted to observe a little bit.
<No problem.>
So Mrs. Boss (my clownfish) stopped moving the corals around when I took the one that she was the most aggressive with and moved it to another tank. This has resulted in her leaving all the other corals alone.
<Good news.>
I didn't try the epoxy since I don't want the corals permanently fixed, but I will keep the idea making a heavy epoxy base in mind if the behavior returns. She has now moved on to digging in the sand bed, and her male is doing little dances for her now, so maybe her behavior pertains to a progression in their relationship!
<Indeed it does.>
Only time will tell I guess, but I have ordered Joyce Wilkerson's book just in case.
<Best of luck if you are going to try your hand at breeding.>
Thanks for all your help!
<My pleasure as always.>
Esther
<MikeV>

False Percula Clown Fish sudden aggression towards Onyx Clown... Env.     8/25/09
Env.
Hello WWM Crew,
<Chris>
I have found your site to be very informative and I have learned quite a bit of fascinating nuggets of knowledge by reading your responses. That said, in an effort to make sure I didn't ask the same question that you may have previously answered I did a number of searches and digging around and I
think I understand what's going on but I would like your input. I apologize in advance for the lengthy e-mail.
<There is time>
My question involves two of my false percula clown fish. I've had them for approximately a month and a half and introduced them around the same time, within 2-3 days of each other, and they rapidly became fast friends.
They were both juveniles when purchased, with the larger of the two being a typical orange false Perc around 1.25-1.5" (tank bred) and the smaller a onyx false Perc 1-1.15" (not sure if tank bred or not).
<Mmm, all such "sports" are>
During their introduction they both performed the typical shake / shimmy dancing and afterward were usually together at any point of the day and every night slept together at the same spot near the skimmer. As expected, the larger one would show the onyx who's boss with the occasional light nip/lunge and
he'd respond with a submission dance. All as well and I expected they'd eventually go through their sexual gender assignment after a little while and maybe have some breeding going on soon.
A few days ago the assumed-female apparently was going through a particular aggressive female gender assignment phase and would relentlessly attack the onyx. He was getting pretty beat up. She'd do this every 10-15 seconds and there was no spot in the tank he could be without her finding him to attack. I had to make him a make shift shelter, but that only did so much good because he wouldn't be able to leave that area to go eat.
<...how big a system?>
Given the cost of the onyx clown, I did/do not want to lose the little guy.
After reading up on this a bit more on your site, I rearranged the live rocks to see if that would help curb her aggression. It didn't. I even purchased two more small tank-bred false Percs (1-1.15") to help share the
receipt of aggression to mitigate the total sum of abuse the onyx had to take. She immediately accepted the other two new false Percs with the two new ones performing the submission dance for her. All the while she'd still was attacking the onyx. I finally put her in a breeding separator within the tank for a few days to see if it'd pass. She wouldn't eat while in the separator so I finally let her back in the general tank populace. She isn't attacking the onyx as viciously as she was before but he's still cowering/hiding. I asked the LFS and they said it might be because he's an onyx and she's not. I have was pretty sure that wasn't an issue after reading up on this, but at this point I'm not as confident with my knowledge about what to expect with these clowns any more.
How long should I give it before I give up w/ her and return her to the LFS?
<How much damage, trauma are you willing to accept?>
Are Onyx and non-onyx clown fish compatible?
<Mmm, no; more an individualistic choice>
Would it be better for
me to purchase a larger onyx and just return the others?
<I would not... two females will definitely fight>
Thanks in advance!
-Chris
Here are the specifics with my setup:
24G
<Ahh, here's the root of the problem. This system is too small>
JBJ NanoCube reef tank established for approximately 8 months. The tank was cycled prior to the introduction of any livestock. All water parameters are below threshold tolerances.
Livestock:
Fish/Inverts: Fish- 4 False Perc Clowns (1-1.5") -- two of which are possibly temporary and just here until she accepts the onyx being around again. 1 yasha Hase goby w/ paired candy cane pistol shrimp, royal
gamma, 1 peppermint shrimp, 1 skunk shrimp, 2 BTAs, 5 headed Duncan, Toadstool leather, yellow polyp, green star polyps (none of the coral / RTBs are touching or of close proximity) 10 - 15 Nassarius + Cerith snails, and 3-4 scarlet hermits.
<A larger world is needed. Bob Fenner>

Clownfish/Behavior 8/3/09
We have 2 clown fish, for over 2 years, recently they started "acting" odd.
There is a rock in the tank, with a slight overhang. These two nuts both cram into that little space, wiggling, then taking turns nipping at the rocks underside, looks like they are head butting the rock. At first we
were amused, now thinking something is wrong.
Can you advise please.
<Jan, what you are observing is likely breeding behavior. This is one of the signs that egg laying may be close at hand.>
Thank you, Jan and Jim- The parents
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Janet L. Jajola

Re Clownfish/Behavior 8/3/09
Those little stinkers, and here we thought they were sick, yeah sick with love.
Many thanks, you are the best!!!!!!!!!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Janet L. Jajola

Peculiar Percula Behavior 7/28/09
I have two tank raised Percula Clowns in my 50 gal. tank. I'm not sure of their gender.
< The largest of the 2 is the female. >
They are the only residents as of right now. Recently I noticed when they feed, they will put the food in their mouths for a moment and spit it back out. I've tried giving them tropical slow sinking morsels/flakes as well as omnivore frozen food. They seem very interested in the food but won't ingest it as far as I can tell. Is something wrong or are they just being picky?
< Sounds like they are being picky. Try some frozen mysis or brine shrimp.
Brine shrimp will usually get even the pickiest fish to eat but it has a very low nutritional value. Clownfish will benefit from a diversified diet so try and mix things up a bit as well. >
Also, they have been "digging" holes in the sand by fanning their tails very quickly towards the substrate. I noticed one tends to settle in to one in particular. Are they just trying to build themselves more cover, or
perhaps preparing a site for eggs?? They don't seem to be defending them.
They actually get along very well. Thanks!
< Sounds like you have a mated pair that are "nesting". Another good sign of nesting is biting of the rock or glass close to the area they are sweeping. GA Jenkins >
Dustin

Clownfish Pairing 7/21/2009
Hi,
<Hello>
I can't seem to find an answer to my question on your website (I hope I didn't over look it).
<At least you searched.>
I have an orange clownfish (false percula) and a naked clownfish;
<Based on your description, I think you have two Ocellaris here.>
Both are about 1.5 inches long.
<Fairly small, likely they were both males when you introduced them to each other.>
The orange clownfish would swim up to the naked clownfish then they would stare at each other and the naked one would "shake" then they both would swim away. Then later the naked clownfish would do the same thing to the orange one. And now my orange clownfish has been hiding next to my power filter and today he is laying on the sand in the corner.
<This is sounding a little bit like mating behavior. Think of it sort of like a happy dance. Is the clownfish that you say is "hiding" actually seem beat up, or does it seem like he is guarding a particular area?>
I'm not sure what they are doing. Are they trying to establish which one would be the male or female? Should I be worried?
<Likely that has already been established. Don't worry.>
Oh, I forgot to mention that I got the orange clownfish first and just a few days ago put in the naked clownfish.
Please help I don't want one of them to get hurt.
<Unless you see damage done to the clownfish that is "hiding" then I wouldn't be worried. Just give them some time to get their relationship in order.>
Thanks for your help in advance!!
<Your welcome
Josh Solomon.>

Re: Clownfish Pairing 7/21/09
Thanks Josh for the quick reply!
<Your welcome.>
The information was very helpful; I do see the "hiding" clownfish's fins are a little torn. Should I be worried now?
<Mmm unless it looks severe I would give them a little bit more time together. My only worry is that by chance you may have placed two females together. If you remove this fish and try to pair again in the future, be sure to find a considerably smaller specimen to introduce so you can be more confident that you have not placed two females together.>
Would it be best to remove the other fish for awhile?
<Its really up to you on this one, if the damage seems severe I would remove. But if it seems like they are establishing themselves dominance wise then I would give it some more time.
Good luck.
Josh Solomon.>

Odd Clownfish Behavior 7/13/09
Greetings Dearest Crew!
Thanks so much for your tireless passion. I appreciate the effort of posting the dailies along with each new beautiful marine photo!
<Ahh, welcome>
I have witnessed a strange event in my anemonarium that I though you may be able to help with. System info: 30 gallon tank (yes I know, too small for a BTA- will be transferred to 75 gallon soon), Remora skimmer, 3 96 watt PCs, plenty of strong random circulation, 25 lbs live rock. Only inhabitants: one 3 inch Clark’s Clown (possibly Sebae?),
<Quite uncommon actually... Most likely A. clarkii>
BTA 12 inches in diameter. Water info: SG 1.026, Temp, 79-82 degrees F, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0, pH 8.3. I do not normally test for calcium/magnesium in this system. The system has been up for 5 years and the anemone has been thriving and growing for 4. The clownfish has been in the system for 3 years.
Incident: Clownfish wedging self in rock (almost like a Hepatus Tang) for 2 hours. I perform a 10% water change weekly on the system. During this time, I feed the BTA a combination of raw fresh or frozen seafood and NLS pellet soaked in vitamins. During the feeding today, the Clownfish eagerly came up, snatching leftover bits of food as it normally does. After the cleaning, it seemed to disappear which is VERY odd. I found it on the far right side of that tank, wedged in between some live rock and the sand. Its mouth was NOT moving and there was virtually no activity from it at all. The only difference between this cleaning/feeding was that I was out of Culligan water and used 8 bottles of Aquafina water (expensive but a one time thing). When I found the clownfish I could tell something was definitely wrong- I immediately thought it was a goner. The odd thing is that the anemone looked perfectly healthy. In my opinion, anemones are usually better water
quality monitors then fish and almost always exhibit symptoms faster.
<Agreed... with the emphasis on the word "usually">
Long story short, after about 2 hours, the clownfish is swimming around, cavorting in its anemone as it has done for the last 3 years. Any ideas?
<I do think the water is the likely mitigator here... Would get/use my own RO in anticipation of the larger system... and for your own potable/cooking needs if your source water is "that" questionable>
I’m stumped by this behavior. The tank had been running warm (about 82) and came down to about 80 during the water change. I have NEVER witnessed this behavior by a Pomacentrid. Thanks again Bob and crew! God bless you!
Jill
<Well Jill... they are called "clowns" for other than their colour and patterns... It may well be that this fish is "acting out"... as there is nothing other than the water possibility that "jumps out" here. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Black Clown Fish
Clownfish Aggression 6/3/09
Hi
< Hello! >
I have a 50 Gallon Tall Aquarium with 2 black clown fish (both are approx 2 inches long) and 3 Blue Tangs (ranging in sizes from ½ inch to ¾ of an inch).
< Pacific blue, Atlantic Blue? Doesn't really matter. Your tank is not large enough for any type of Blue Tang much less 3 of them. They should be removed as soon as suitable home is found. >
I have noticed that one of the Clown fish has started rubbing against one of the live rocks (always the same rock), it almost looks like they are trying to host with it
< Could be. >
and are starting to get aggressive toward one of the tangs but not the other 2 , if I put my hand in the tank it comes after my hand, it either flicks me with the tail or bites me. Is this normal or should I keep watching him or her??
< I would carefully observe the scratching clown. They have been known to scratch and rub around on rocks but do keep a close lookout for any breathing irregularities or a break in eating habits. As far as the aggressive behavior , pretty common for clowns. Especially as they get older.>
Thank you for your time:
< You are welcome. GA Jenkins >
Kathy

Clownfish Behavior
Clown acting like a clown 5/4/2009
Hi Crew,
I have a 24 gallon with a clown goby, neon goby, 2 Firefish and a chalk bass. Basically a very peaceful group. LFS had a bunch of baby Ocellaris, about 1 inch, for $10 so I decided to buy one. I have been in the hobby for 6 years and never had a clown.
<I would say you are probably approaching full as far as the bio load goes on this tank. I will let it slide this one time as long as you don’t call your new fish “Nemo”.>
They looked like they were very healthy and nice colored and indeed it was. He really livened up the place. He tires me out just watching him. He does not stop for a second and all the other fish are also out and about because of him. Even at night when I shine a flashlight to see what is going on he is still moving although slower than in the daytime.
<Sure sounds like an clown.>
He is up on top in a low flow area. During the day he is either flying across horizontally or up and down in a corner.
And at feeding time he thinks he is boss and even lunges at other fish. I just hope he doesn't show his true damsel colors as he gets older and bigger.
<He likely will be the top dog... erm I mean fish in the tank.>
The other day while cleaning the tank he snuck up and nipped me.
Really scared me. I have read about them doing that but did not expect it this soon with him being so small.
<He sounds like a healthy happy clownfish to me.>
Sam
<Josh Solomon>

Clown Fish, beh., hlth.  04/02/09
Hi,
I have recently started setting up a 180 litre marine aquarium. I allowed the tank to mature for 2 months and the tank contains 5kg of live rock. I added my first fish last weekend, 4 yellow tail blue damsels and one clown fish (captive raised). the 4 damsels appear very happy. The clown fish is very active, very socialable, but he won't eat. He is obviously hungry as any food that is put in the tank he will take the food in to his mouth, but then spits it out again. I have tried a wide variety of different foods, dried, blood worm, daphnia, Tubifex work, spinach, tuna and he does the same with all of them, takes a bite and then spits it out.
<Some of this behavior is normal, typical.>
I noticed last night that his colour is starting to go dull.
<Well, that's not good. I suspect you might have some serious water quality issues adding so many fish at one time! That was not a good move. I would do a big water change asap... and run some activated carbon too (if you can). I hope that you have something more for filtration than just the 5kg of liverock. What is the temperature of the tank? >
I do want more clown fish, unfortunately when I bought this one he was the last one in the shop. I was told that they would have some more in this weekend and I was going to buy some more, but I don't want to get more if he is ill or something.
<Good idea to hold off for awhile if you are concerned. Also, your tank is a bit small to have 4 damsels in with a percula clown fish. You might be at your stocking limit already.>
I have checked the water chemistry, and all is well, I've even conducted water changes just to be safe. 0 nitrates and nitrites , pH 8.4, specific gravity 1.22.
<I think you meant to type 1.022 (I hope!). If so, I would raise your salinity to closer to 1.025.>
Many thanks
Robert Dixon
<De nada,
Sara M.>
Get £25 off a case of wine - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/wine
<Hey... cheap vino! woo hoo!><<Methinks you've had quite enough. RMF>>

Clownfish behaviors, 3/30/09
Hello,
<Hi>
I just had a couple questions about some strange, at least to me, behavior exhibited by my two tank raised ocellaris clownfish. They are in a 30 gallon tank with a canary blenny, live rock, several hermits, a few snails, and a pom pom crab. I acquired the clownfish around 6 months ago from a LFS, where they shared a tank with quite a few others. I assume they were all juveniles in the tank and the two I bought were around 1 1/2" to 2" long, with one being slightly larger than the other. From the moment they entered my tank they got along and I never really had any problems with them aside from some slight bickering.
<Fairly normal.>
The slightly bigger one was more of a yellow orange and the smaller one was a darker orange, over time the slightly bigger one seemed in charge and has now turned darker orange.
<Common as they age.>
I added a torch coral and for about two weeks neither paid any attention to it until the littler one moved in, the bigger one still to this day could care less about it. About a month ago the smaller clown started to get a little aggressive and less compelled to submit to the bigger one. At this point it darts at the bigger one and it looks like they have short face offs, resulting in both doing this stiff or hard waggle into each other. This last until the bigger one gets fed up with his antics and goes after him until he twitches, there has been a few times the smaller one has gotten so aggressive the bigger one twitches. At night though things get worse with the littler one launching charges from the torch at the bigger one if it gets close, the bigger one only responds when he gets close but rarely follows after him. I am assuming, at least at night, this is territory related because during the day the smaller one spends most of time swimming around the tank.
<Possibly.>
I just can't figure out if this is normal procedure or the smaller of the two is attempting a coup on the larger for dominance since the larger has always been the most dominant.
<Can happen at times, although with ocellaris clowns its pretty rare.>
They never violently attack each other or try to kill each other but there have been a few times things have gotten pretty heated.
<Are they causing any damage to each other.>
One other thing I had a question about is the larger one has always had that white stringy feces since its been in my tank, its not every time since I've seen some normal feces and some the white stringy kind.
<Could just be what you are feeding them.>
It has always eaten like a hog and doesn't seem to have any health problems, I don't want to attempt to treat it for internal parasites if it doesn't need it.
<As long as it is maintaining weight and eating I would not treat here, may also be a stress response to the fighting.>
The last thing, sorry I apologize for this lengthy question, the larger clown goes over to a patch of Cyano that I can't seem to get rid of and just lays there for a few minutes. It will go over and rest its belly leaning on the glass wall then swim off, it will do this until I remove the Cyano from the tank. Any ideas why or is this potentially harmful to the clown?
<Clowns are strange like that, perhaps it is an area of low flow so a good place to rest.>
Thank you so much for your help and time, I appreciate it.
Andrew
<You potentially have a failed pairing here with the clowns. This is pretty rare with ocellaris but can happen. If damage is being done they will definitely have to be separated. Also watch the smaller one, if it goes through a growth spurt it may be changing to female, and would be wise to remove one at that point.>
<Chris>

Can a tomato clown fish turn black as it gets older? – 03/22/09
<Not jet black, but very dark from the upper head through the mid-section.>
Thanks
<James (Salty Dog)>

Hiding clown 3/16/2009
Good afternoon!
<And you>
First of all, let me tell you that I think your site is great. There are so many fish related bulletin-boards around where beginners try to answer each other's questions, and as a beginner it becomes really hard to tease out good answers from bad ones. Of course, here that's not a problem as all the advice is coming from you experts. Thank you so much for providing it!
<Certainly welcome>
Lets get started with tank parameters / equipment: I have a 20 gallon long tank, with 4 x 18watt T5s the length of the tank. For flow there is a Hydor Koralia 1 powerhead and the intake/return from the sump, which has about  as much flow. I have about 25 lbs of live rock and a sand bed that ranges from 2-4 inches. The sump holds an additional 8 gallons of water with mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. That is, a filter sock, cylindrical biofilter media (submersed underwater so that it will  hopefully not over-scavenge ammonia/nitrite compared to nitrate, I plan on replacing these with live-rock rubble soon), activated carbon, and space to soon add a protein skimmer (I'm thinking Tunze nano, but still doing my research).
<A good product I'll warrant>
I've tested water parameters every 3 days since the cycle has ended and they are quite stable. Water parameters this AM are temp 77.3, SG 1.0245, ammonia 0, pH 8.2, nitrite 0, nitrate 0, alkalinity 12dkh, calcium 520ppm.
<Yikes! This last is too high... can be troublesome... particularly if Mg is out of balance>
The tanks inhabitants/cycling is as follows: The tank was set up on 1/19.
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate were tested daily and the cycle was complete 1/30 (ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate <20). On 2/1 I added a cleaner crew consisting of 2 Astrea snails (one since flipped and was eaten), a Cerith snail, and 2 hermits sold as "reef safe hermits" (I had asked for blue-legged, but they weren't in stock and I didn't know any better). I used the site <http://users.skynet.be/fa311324/article/hermit.htm>
http://users.skynet.be/fa311324/article/hermit.htm to ID them, and I think I actually was sold Calcinus Laevimanus and Clibanarius eurysternus. I have kept a close eye on them, but so far so good. My algae started growing strong, but with still perfect water parameters on 2/5 I added a strawberry crab and 2/7 (I know maybe a little soon) I added a pair of pink skunk clowns. 2/14 I added two Nassarius snails and a small (4-5 inch) piece of live rock with mushroom polyps and (to my pleasant surprise when I arrived home) a feather duster. 2/22 I added a red/green Australian Acan frag.
3/10 I added three more Ceriths and two more hermits. This time they were supposed to be "red reef hermits" but I think they are Dardanus lagopodes and Clibanarius corallines.
<Mmm, Val... I'm not a big fan of Hermits period...>
On 3/13 I added frogspawn (two heads - one looks like its dividing?). Hitchhikers I've found so far have included a two more feather-dusters and a marbled serpent star (?). The star is pretty small but I often see tiny (1cm) banded legs wiggling out from the rock.
Sorry, maybe that was a little long/wordy, and I haven't even asked my question yet...
I have a question about my pair of pink skunk clowns. When I first purchased them a little over a month ago, they immediately decided that the small space between the filter (a Fluval 2 Plus submerible at the time) and the heater would be there new home. The male would venture out and swim around a bit, but the female would mostly only come out at mealtimes or when I wasn't near the tank and was easily frightened. About two weeks ago, they decided to switch homes (much to my approval, as it has allowed me to remove the filter without feeling bad about removing their home and complete the switch to a sump system). Unfortunately, their new home is behind a rock at the very center-back of the aquarium, and its not possible to see them from any direction: front, sides, or top. Also, in the last week, the female has made decreased trips away from her home.
<Not atypical behavior>
The male can often be seen swimming against the current directly above their rock-home (he doesn't really come to the front of the tank either). The female has not even come out to eat all her meals this week (of course, with the current, I am sure food makes it back there eventually). Yesterday's meal (Spirulina flake) she popped out for a second, then dove back under the rocks, but I am not sure she even caught a flake. Two days ago (frozen mysis shrimp - normally her favorite), she didn't come out at all when I was trying to feed her and only popped out later to try to steal a piece of mysis from the Acan coral above her rock. Normally she will come right up to the tweezers to steal mysis and eat several of them. Two days ago she didn't come out at all for freeze-dried brine (though I blame myself, as I came home from work really late and lights were already out). Before that she acted rather normal, though shy as usual. Its really hard to physically inspect her since I don't
see her at all, even if I sit/stand away from the tank. Is she sick?
<Mmm, can't say... but not necessarily>
Is there anything I can/should do as prevention in case she is sick?
<Nothing I would do that is overt... keep trying to lure out, train to feed in the open>
Or is she just really happy in her new home?
<Could be>
Should I be concerned?
<You are... but perhaps too much so>
Is there a way to make them live in a more visible spot?
<Rearrangement of the physical space, continued feeding where you want them to be...>
I'd rather not get an anemone, but if that's the only solution, with expert advice I'd consider it.
<I would not do this in this small volume>
I bought the frogspawn as a surrogate host (two day ago). They don't seem to like it, but then again it hasn't been very long. I'm not even sure the female has seen it since she hasn't ventured out.
<All takes time>
Thank you in advance!
Valerie
<Welcome. Bob Fenner, who urges patience here>

Re Clownfish/Behavior 3/17/09
YES..my lighting is good for the tank...It was set up by a professional who is a friend of mine.
THANKS for the reply regarding my question.
<Good. James (Salty Dog)>

Looked for an answer, but couldn't find an answer to my question...help!
Clownfish Coloration 3/15/09
Hi, I am in the process of purchasing a pair of false percula clownfish or a pair of Ocellaris clownfish.
<Ok>
I have been reading up on other's experience with them, and some stated that their fish were turning black. I was wondering if there were a particular kind of clownfish that never to black.
<Most will not turn black, unless specifically bred to do so. Most will darken some with age, although diet and environment plays a role here.>
<Chris>

Puzzled by my Perculas... beh. f'  03/11/09
Hey Crew,
<Mark>
I need some help determining what's going on with my tank and my Perculas. It may be nothing.....but?
<Let's see>
I've had a "pair" of False Perculas, Amphiprion ocellaris, for five years, and they decided not to eat this morning. I put quotes around the word pair because they've never laid eggs, but I believe I have a male and female.
<Mmm, if so... unusual that they have not reproduced...>
One was slightly bigger when I bought them, but they were not purchased as a known mated pair. I also believe they are tank raised. They have grown well and have always eaten well. The larger one is now approx 3.5" and the smaller is approx 2.5" long.
<I suspect these are both females (happens)... A male would very likely be smaller than the stated 2.5">
They have always gotten along well with each other and they've been with the same group of tank mates for years; Coral Beauty, 6 line Wrasse, Sail Fin Tang. It's been at least 3 years since I've purchased a new fish. I've noticed all of the normal clown behavior over the years, the flicking and vibrating, female biting your hand when cleaning the tank. She's big enough now that it hurts, and she's good at hitting you when you don't expect it. I've noticed none of the things that would indicate illness but I have noticed an increase in frequency of the normal vibrating and aggressive behavior. However, it seems to be the little guy picking on the female, not the other way around. The male seems to want to spar all the time and they were engaging each other heavily this morning. The male seemed to be facing off with the female more than I've ever noticed in the past five years. It is contrary to what I've read to have the male be the one facing off with the female.
<Is not typical... but does occur at times>
In early December, I added a tank raised Rose BTA to the tank. It took them about a month, but they did finally decide to host in it. The BTA is doing well after three months in my system and it has been interesting to watch both clowns interact with it. Last week I did notice the male not eating in the morning one day, but he took food when I got home after work. The female has never done this until today, when they both decided not to eat. I have always used a mix of dried Formula 1 & 2 daily, and I feed frozen Mysis once each week to the fish and the BTA gets a few pieces floating. I also feed the BTA a small silver side weekly. Occasionally I feed frozen Cyclop-eeze.
Tank 90 gal, setup in April 2008, 60-70 lbs LR, 20 lbs of sugar fine sand. Modified drain to 1 ½" with stand pipe.
Sump with Aqua C skimmer, integral refugium with 4" aragonite, Chaeto and 55W 10K PC, reverse cycle to tank.
Lighting: 300 W, 10K Metal Halide & 110W PC Actinic.
Only RODI water used for changes and top off.
Mag 18 closed loop, 4 (1/2") outlets around the top of the tank
Mag 7 return pump
Mag 5 running skimmer
Salinity: 1.025
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
P.H. low 8's normal
dKH is 8 to 9 consistently
Calcium 400 +
Magnesium 1400 +
Phosphates (haven't checked in awhile) need to. Recently eliminated PhosBan, added second bag of carbon to sump.
<Good>
I only dose Sea Chem Reef Complete for calcium as needed in the tank and I add Sea Chem buffer to the Auto Top Off tub.
<Fine>
I'm wondering if they might be deciding to spawn?
<Possibly>
Last night I looked at the tank and noticed it was very milky.
<?!>
I don't know where it came from and I've never seen the tank do this before. An hour later it had mostly cleared and was completely gone by this morning. If they laid eggs I can't see them, nor are they protecting them.
<You would definitely notice the change in their behavior>
There are a few small LPS frags in there as well, Hammer, Torch, and Blastomussa Wellsi. Could the introduction of the BTA 3 months ago have caused this recent behavior change in the clowns?
<Yes>
I feel that their environment is probably the best it has ever been as far as water quality and stability and that's why I'm wondering if they might be trying to spawn.
Sunday we changed to daylight saving time and I moved all the lighting timers ahead by 1 hr. This has never been a problem in the past though.
<Not one here either>
Maybe they'll eat tonight since it's feed the BTA day, I'll put some Mysis soaked in Selcon in there. Not normal for them not to eat in the morning.
As always, thanks for the great resource.
Mark
<I would not be overly concerned... if the fish resume feeding, there are no signs of overt damage. Enjoy and stay observant. Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Re: Puzzled by my Perculas 3/11/09
Thanks Bob. They both ate a little last night. The smaller one didn't eat again this morning, too busy vibrating and generally pestering the larger one. Sounds like you believe they are both female due to their size and the fact they've never laid eggs.
<Yes... but I could easily be wrong here>
I've read they can switch sex. Is this a onetime change when they are at a certain age?
<Usually just "one way"... male to female... and timed by a few factors... Not to be or be seen as teleological, but a/the "perceived need" is utmost important here... IF there is sufficient male/s about, small, sexually undifferentiated individuals will stay such... IF there is enough female/s about, males will stay males...>
Do you believe this behavior will pass or is it likely to escalate?
<More likely pass... likely one/both would be damaged by this time if there was going to be a real tussle>
I've also been searching for what caused the sudden case of milky water and I came upon some of the feather duster reproduction FAQ's.
<Ahh!>
I didn't mention the fact that I have two Hawaiian Feather Dusters in the tank as well. Added them back in December when I put the BTA in the tank. When I saw the milky water my first thought was a reproductive event do to the sudden onset, but wasn't sure who was responsible. I had looked at the tank about an hour before and it was clear. Would the Feather Dusters be suspect here or are the corals just as likely to be the culprit?
<Can't say...>
Nothing seems affected by it.
<Good>
Thanks again!
Mark
<Welcome Mark. BobF>

Re: Puzzled by my Perculas 3/11/09
Thanks Bob,
<Welcome Mark>
Maybe my Clowns are living an "alternative" life style!
<Heeee! Could be>
I figured if they really wanted to hurt each other, they would have already done it. I'm still a little concerned about the change in appetite. We'll see what happens.
Mark
<Ah yes. B>

Weird Acting Clown, reading  3/2/09
First I ill fill you in on my tank details.
Running for 3.5 months now. 120 Gallons, 65 gallon sump with refugium (Chaeto).
220 lbs Live Rock - 150 lbs of it came from a tank that had been running 1.5 years and was brought in buckets of water and put in my tank right away150 Watt Coralife MH Light EuroReef Copy Skimmer (not sure of size but
the guy I bought it and the sump from had it custom made with the sump and worked great for him. He also had a 120 gallon tank)2 - 2 little fishes reactors - one carbon, one Phosban Tunze ATO Always use RO WaterLiveStock: 2 clowns, 1 Yellow Tang, 1 Regal Tang, 1 Powder Blue Tang, Dragon Goby, 1 Blood Shrimp, 1 Cleaner Shrimp, various snails and hermit crabs (about 15 of each), 1 green tipped anemone
The water parameters are as follows:
Parameters = Calcium400Parameters = ALK2.0Parameters =
Salinity1.024Parameters = Nitrate5Parameters = Nitrite0Parameters =
Ammonia0Sandbed Depth4-5 We lost a clown fish about 10 days ago. Being new we didn't catch it early enough and the LFS was not helpful at all. We found her in the bottom corner of the tank straight up and down breathing heavily. We tried all we could be she died over night. We introduced a new clown 5 days ago(drip acclimated for 1 hour) lights out at night. The typical old one chasing the new one around even with the lights out. In morning they had determined their place and they were swimming together in the corner with the new one under the old one. The anemone had been in the tank for a month before the death and neither of the older clowns had anything to do with it. The new one found the anemone that next day and the more dominant older one pushed her out and now wont leave it. The newer clown found refuge in a leather as if it was an anemone. Yesterday the new one went missing and I found her later that night behind a rock at the back, near the top, just sitting there breathing a little fast and heavy. She wont come out for food. This is worrying me as I just lost one a little over a week ago. Should I get her out into a hospital tank and if so what medications do I use?
James
<... too early, too little signs to move this fish... But I would not have placed it thus. You may well have introduced a protozoan parasite going sans quarantine, or at least dip/bath. Too late now. Read:
http://wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Female Percula help please   2/22/09
Hello. I have a mature pair of Percula clownfish in my 60 gallon tank.
Before I bought them, they were at my local fish store in a 200 gallon tank for about 3 years. I have had them for about 3 weeks now, and have had no issues until today. It seems as though the female of the pair is really tired, and lies down on the sand bed, next to the glass. However, she does not lie on her side, but rather between her middle stripe, and her mouth.
What really puzzles me is that when she is lying on the sand bed, and I approach the tank, she gets up and stays in the water column. When I leave though, she returns to the exact same spot where she was before I approached!
<Not atypical behavior... are called "clowns" for more than their color, markings>
She is a pig when it comes to food. I feed about 3 cubes of frozen brine shrimp and 3 cubes of frozen mysis shrimp every week. Throughout the week, for my Vlamingi tang, I hand feed Spirulina flakes, which the female percula also devours.
I have two anemones in the tank, which she used to go into. One is a long tentacle anemone, and the other is some species of carpet anemone. All day and night, the male percula lounges in the comfort of the long tentacle anemone.
All of the other fish in the tank are acting normal. They are all breathing normally too, including the female percula.
I have checked my water parameters, and they are excellent. I have the chiller set to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the corals are flourishing.
There are no signs of disease on her either.
Could you please help me out here? I was getting ready to move the pair to a new broodstock tank that I have had cycling for 2 weeks so far, so I kinda need her to live. Thanks in advance.
--
Austin Rice
www.aliveaquaria.com
<I would move this fish, and not be concerned re the apparently lethargic behavior in the present circumstances... This fish may simply be "bummed" with the recent move, setting. Bob Fenner>

Re: Female Percula help please   2/22/09
This morning, I woke up and checked to see if she was still alive, and she is rustling around with the male Percula in the long tentacle anemone. She seems happy.
<Ahh!>
Oh by the way...How long should I wait to put the pair of Perculas into the new Solana, which has been cycling for 2 weeks now? It has a 30 pound Marshall Island live rock in it, and I mixed the water using Instant Ocean
sea salt and sink tap water(I did research, and found that anemone keepers had their anemones survive longer when they topped off the tank with tap water from the sink. They believe that the anemones prefer the amount of trace elements in the tap water over RO water).
Thanks again!
<Maybe another two weeks. BTW, I took a look at your website... you can re-size your digital pix... to aid in reducing pixilation. BobF>

Re: Female Percula help please   2/22/09
<re-size your digital pix... to aid in reducing pixilation. Bob F>
Now why would I do that?
<Mmm, so they look better resolved, clearer... more visually acute>
:DI would be having people save the high res picture and printing it themselves, resulting in me not making any money.
:D
<Mmm, okay... I send higher resolution sizes via Pando, CD/DVD or ext. HDs>
Thanks for looking though!
So you would name the female Percula's "disease" "home-sick"?
<Heeee! Sounds good. BobF>

New and have a question
Marine Set-Up/Idle Clownfish And Not Enough Info 2/9/09
New saltwater tank. Made it through the cycle. Added 2 peppermint shrimp, 3 emerald crabs, and 2 tank raised common clownfish 1 week ago today. The clownfish came from the same tank. They ate and swam together for a week.
Today they are hovering near the bottom on the tank at opposite ends and not moving from their respective corners. I checked the water and everything is in line. Everything else in the tank appears to be being well. Anything else I should be checking?
<Not enough info for me to go on. Everything in line doesn't tell me much.
What are the actual test results of ammonia, nitrite, etc. You also state, made it through the cycle. What was your ammonia source needed for cycling?>
Thanks.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Hovering true percula clowns please help 02/03/09
Hi,
Not sure if the first email made it to you, sorry if this is a repeat.. this is a much more detailed email than the first.
I have two true percula clowns, They have been in my tank for a week now and the male got Ich (I think) None of the other fish have any signs of ich and look well and lively :) I have a 14 gallon tank with live rock and sand with a tube anemone and two other anemone's.
<This is too much for a 14g tank.>
The other fish are a flame goby and 6 line.
<Oy, the tank is overstocked.>
My water levels are fine and clear. My question is the clowns used to swim all over tank, now in the past day and a half they just hover at the bottom of the tank almost touching the sand with their belly's. Yesterday the male did swim to the other side and stay on the bottom on that side for a while and when I turned the light off for the night he swam back to the female and they both remain in that same spot hovering... I don't know what to do.
<This is fairly normal behavior for clownfish. They tend to stay in one spot and hover. So long as they are still coming up for food, I wouldn't think there's necessarily anything wrong with them (yet).>
Also how do I find your response on your webpage?
<It will be posted here tomorrow, then moved to an appropriate FAQs page:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/daily_faqs3.htm>
Thanks,
Alan C Conley
<De nada,
Sara M.>

Ocellaris behavior, 1/31/09
Good evening.
<Hello>
I have a 20 gallon FOWLR tank that has been set up for about a year now. Ph 8.2, SG 1.022, temp 77F, Ammonia and Nitrite 0, Nitrate less than ~5.
I recently purchased two Ocellaris clownfish and am wondering about their behavior. In the QT tank they were great, no disease, ate well, nothing really weird.
<Good>
After I added them to my main tank they started rubbing/scratching up against the aquarium glass (but always the same patch of aquarium glass, sometimes a bit hard in my opinion) after they were in there a few days.
<A common behavior for clowns.>
The other occupant in the tank is a Royal Gramma and he has never shown any signs of distress and still doesn't. I have used a magnifying glass and have not seen any thing as far as spots or flukes or gill inflammation....nothing. In the meantime I bought a cleaner shrimp but so far he has spent more time on my heater and filter tube.
<I have never seen a clown or gramma allow a cleaner to clean them, but the shrimp are cool anyway.>
The scratching/rubbing is always in the same area of the tank no matter where they start out at.. They will swim to that spot and do that even if they are on the other side of the tank. They eat great, their color is great and greet me when I come into the room.
<Good sign.>
I've dealt with parasite/ flukes before in freshwater tanks but it always seemed when a fish was going to scratch it would just do it wherever it was in the tank when it needed to itch...it looked uncomfortable all the time so to speak. I have 10 lbs of LR, a BioWheel 200 and a Coralife super skimmer for filtration. Is there anything I should/can do to be on the safe side that isn't a toxic solution or is this possibly normal clown behavior?
<I would not worry about it, watch for symptoms, but I would chalk this up to clowns being clowns.>
<Chris>