Freshwater CLOWNS????

[detritus4brains]

Does anyone remember a few years back someone was selling percula clowns acclimated to freshwater? In their ads they had photos of clowns swimming with freshwater angels and cory cats and such. I thought it was photoshopped until I read the advertisement. It did not make much sense to me from a biological standpoint-- osmoregulation being totally backward from a freshwater fish (salties drink a lot and "pee" very little-- freshies drink a very little and "pee" a lot). Seems like it would be a short and stressful life for a clown.
It just occured to me today that I had not seen anything about that for quite a while. I guess the poor clowns lived a few months and died and the company folded. Does anyone know anything about this?

 

[taikonaut]

I just want to say that I never heard that clown can be acclimated like some blackish fishes like molly and monos... I will be interested to know if this was actually done.

 

[detritus4brains]

I am certain that it was done. What I am not certain of is the quality of life of the fish or the length of life of the fish. My guess is not good and not long.

 

[Ben1]

Yes it was a store here in PA. I don't recall the name but the clowns lived a few years in fresh. He just took like a few months to slowly acclimate them into fresh water in his store. I am sure he still has his store front open but maybe the freshwater clown idea didnt conjure up enough business to make it worth his time.

 

[John_Brandt]

It's quite a surprise to go diving in Crystal River, Florida (famous for manatees) and see 'marine' fish living in a freshwater spring-fed environment. There are several species of damsels (clowns are damsels), snappers, grunts, pinfish, jacks & others living many miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. Some may migrate in and out of this situation, but it's apparent that many are living their lives in freshwater.

 

[Anonymous]

wow, john. how very interesting. you'll have to take some pics for us next time you venture out.

 

[Expos Forever]

I've seen these with my own eyes (with ocellaris). The display did not last long... John's post notwithstanding, I'd guess these clowns would not live out their potential lifespan. Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should