Making Amphiprion pairs

[Ben1]

I just added a second clown to my 40 with my original clown. I have had my clown over 3 years, I believe they are both ocillaris clowns. The second clown I added was from anouther reefers tank who kept it by it self in a 10 gallon for most of its 2 1/2 years. Now I was just reviewing Joyce's book and read that once a single clown of Amphiprion is kept by it self for over a year it most likely is already female.

When I interduced the other clown the one I already had started its trembling immediatly. Eventually both were trembling at each other but the older one was trebling much more. There was no nipping or fighting. Last night they shared a sleeping spot, the one the new clown chose. This morning they are following each other all over the tank. There only tank mate is a Pajama Cardinal.

Is it possible for these two to become a mating pair? Or are they both already female?


Would two females still exibit trembling for hierachy or would they have just fought?

Any comments welcome! TIA

 

[FishDaddy]

Skylsdale,
I would think your best bet is to get a couple of juveniles and let them grow up together. The dominant one will eventually become female and you'll have your pair.
I did this with my original pair of O's and it worked fine. Unfortunately, one died at about 1-1/2 years. When I introduced another, it was too close in size to the larger, which had presumably become female; and the larger beat the new one up unmercifully and I had to remove it. I got another, much smaller, and Big Mama took to it like a new puppy and they have been happy together nearly a year.
If you are planning to keep clowns, Wilkerson's book is highly recommended.
She does suggest that an Ocellaris kept singly for a year or more has likely morphed into a female.
Dick

[ March 06, 2002: Message edited by: FishDaddy ]</p>

 

[skylsdale]

Thanks for the info Dick. When I get them, I get them at the same time, and only if I can get two that are noticeably different in size. I'll have to pick up Joyce's book as well....from what I've heard its a fantastic resource.

 

[Ben1]

The second one I just added was exactly the same size as the original and they still arnt fighting at all. Tonight they seem to e staying closer, I think. The most I see them seperate is around 5 " when one turns the other follows.

On the other hand it seems neither has taken a dominating role and they are just happy living together.

I hope they arnt both females, any more info?

 

[FishDaddy]

Ben,
It is my understanding that the clown will remain sexually immature until it has the opportunity to mix and mingle with other clowns. Since your two are happy together, I'd be willing to bet that neither has become the Boss Mama yet.
Dick

 

[skylsdale]

I have a similar question, and maybe you guys could answer it for me. I am seeking to obtain a pair of A. ocellaris. I haven't had the chance to view Wilkerson's book yet, but everything I have heard is that pairing up clowns is usually unsuccessful unless you can start with a proven breeding pair. This logic seems a bit skewed to me especially since clowns are able to change sex. My theory was to get a larger clown and a smaller one, and introduce them at the same time. The larger one then obviously takes on the dominant role. I have heard this to be successful. Can you think of any reason it wouldn't work?

Any updates on the pair, Ben?

[ March 06, 2002: Message edited by: skylsdale ]</p>

 

[scooterr]

The fact that they are getting along speaks strongly about them pairing up. How big are they?
Who knows, they might be lesbians.

 

[Ben1]

I'd guess they are both 1 1/2"?

[ March 07, 2002: Message edited by: Ben ]</p>

 

[percula]

Just to clear this up... if you have had the original for more than 3 years, it would have become a female. Thus, the other, now the same size should be a juvie changed to male. Since you have seen little to no fighting. Thus, hopefully you have a pair without any effort. - perc