Case of Mistaken Identity?

[SteveA]

I have a 75g mixed tank with mushrooms, brain coral, goniopora, some acropora. I also have a clarkii and percula clown (and 3 tangs). 2 years ago I had a long-tentacled anemone that the clarkii dominated, but it only lasted 6 months and I have never replaced it.

For the last few months the percula has been cozying up to the brain coral and a large (5") mushroom intermittently, especially at night, and the Clarkii is now treating th goniopora like it would a long-tentacled anemone.

I assume that if the corals were stinging the fish, they would stop nestling up to them, so my question is are the clownfish going to damage the corals, the goniopora in particular? And what should I do about it? Get an anemone? Get 2?

 

[Len]

Steve,

It's commonplace for clowns to associate with various corals, including Goniopora and Trachyphyllia. It usually does the coral no harm.

Others will invariably comment on your stocking list, so I'm gonna chime in first about your choice of livestock. At this point, I'm sure 3 small tangs are doing fine in your 75 gallon. But please keep in mind that in a couple of years, the tangs (if healthy) will outgrow a 75 gallon relatively quickly. As you can tell, I'm not a tang police (other members are likely going to tell you even one tang is too much for a 75 gallon). But I just want to make you aware that the tangs will undoubtly outgrow a 75 gallon, and that you should make preperations for a new home for them now (IOW, don't do it last second).

I would also advise against trying other Pacific host anemones - or if you choose so, try only one at a time - if your LTA died. M.doorensis is one of the hardiest anemones available to hobbyist, and its death is not a good sign. If you wanted to attempt another, I'd try another LTA. Like tangs, bear in mind that these anemones get to at least 18" across and will occupy at least 1/3" of your tank.

If the Goniopora doesn't make it, refrain from buying another in the future. It's common knowledge they do not fare well in captivity, and is on every conscientious hobbyist's list of unsuitable species for captivity.

 

[SteveA]

Len-
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate all of your comments and agree with everything you said regarding stocking. I have had the tangs for 2 years and they have not grown much but I am aware that they may need to be moved eventually. Right now they are not much longer than the clarkii. Ultimately, I am transitioning away from (larger) fish towards a reef tank, even building a refugium.

I was more concerned about a LT anemone interferring with the corals or my deresa clam, than the ultimate size, but your point is well taken.

As for the goniopora, I didn't realize until I started visiting this board that they are such a contested topic. I won't get another for sure and may see if I can swap it back to my lfs. It seems to be doing well for now. I keep my tank immaculate with frequent water changes to keep the nitrates down from the fish load. I am also slowly removing all physical filtration, except for bioballs in my w/d, from my system to try to further reduce nitrates.

Thanks again.

 

[JeremyR]

FWIW, IME the gonio can't handle hosting clowns... it's common for a clown hosting in a gonio to end up killing it. The shroom or trach can handle it alot better. Another coral that can't seem to handle clown hosting well is the long tentacle plate. I think all that bouncing around damages the flesh by pushing it into the teeth.. but that's just my theory.

Another hardy anemone you might consider would be the bta.. you can probably aquire a captive raised one. Other than that I agree with len, most anemones are semi to very difficult, and some (like carpets) can be predatory on your fish.