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Anemones & Clownfish (1 Viewer)

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Stickboy97

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For those that keep numerous nems, do you think clownfish are needed or beneficial? I've had tanks both ways & current;y I don't really like the clown that is in my nem tank. I was thinking about moving him to another tank & just having no clown in that tank.

Thoughts?
 

frankc

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I have only had nems without a clown for about 3 months from when I took my clown out because it was attacking a tang, and selling those nems. I did not notice any difference in the nems without the clown. As much as I enjoy watching the interaction between the two, I don't think there is any reason a nem needs a clown.

I have had clowns without nems for a longer period of time, and that seems to work just fine as well.
 

sneezebeetle

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I have about a dozen nems for my clown fish to choose from and they show no interest in hosting any of them. I just make sure I spot feed every once in a while and that seems to keep the nems perfectly happy.
 
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Stickboy97

Stickboy97

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I've had my clown well over a year & 1 nem in the tank, he never showed any interest. Now I'm starting the nem tank & have about 10 nems & he started hosting. Problem is, he is getting a little agressive now around the nems, and I keep seeing nem pieces or tentacles floating around the tank. I had a clown once that nipped the tips off a torch that got to close to his nem & I think this guy is doing that to the nems that get close to his favorite. I like the nems more than I like him.... he may get moved
 

mitchell77546

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I've had my clown well over a year & 1 nem in the tank, he never showed any interest. Now I'm starting the nem tank & have about 10 nems & he started hosting. Problem is, he is getting a little agressive now around the nems, and I keep seeing nem pieces or tentacles floating around the tank. I had a clown once that nipped the tips off a torch that got to close to his nem & I think this guy is doing that to the nems that get close to his favorite. I like the nems more than I like him.... he may get moved
I have the same issue with mine. all of a sudden get bit when I put my hand in the tank now. I see the occasional tentacle lying around as well. I wonder how detrimental that is to the health of the anemone...
 
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It really doesn’t matter much. The only thing I’ve noticed over the years is that clowns do seem to have a very minimal impact on sick nems. They stimulate them, bring food, and seem to almost help support them ever so slightly while they’re sick. It’s almost as if the nem knows the clown is there as emotional support. :) However, a lot still die anyway so can’t say they help the really sick ones, but maybe the less sick ones.
 
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Stickboy97

Stickboy97

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Over the years, I've only had clowns that host, when they get aggressive to my hands they have to go. I know we're not supposed to put out hands in the tanks but I do all the time.... the clowns don't hurt but are shocking. I will probably move him to another tank this week and see what happens.
 

Ross tha Reefer

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Yea my electric maroon is a punk...he hits me every time I’m in the tank! Even when I’m filling the algae clips lol. He also pulls at a few of my nems with his mouth when they’re not open enough for him...he may get the boot!


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Ross tha Reefer

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Got me on the scientific name...was told it’s a Lightning Maroon?


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Ross tha Reefer

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Crazy...ddnt know that about them. What would you suggest for my nems? I could replace him lol


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Tenny

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100% depends on the clowns.

I've had situations where I don't think the anemone benefited at all from the clowns. With my current clowns (Lighting x Gold Maroon) actively feed the anemone's all the time. I'll see them swim out grab a huge piece of fish and then run it back to drop it off at the anemone (and repeat until all large pieces are gone).

My anemone's grow faster and bigger by far in the tank with the clowns compared to the one without.
 
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