Adding more Clownfish & Cardinals?

[JeF4y]

I originally started out with 2 TINY clowns (ocellaris) who grew through the years, and the male recently died leaving just the female. I'd like to add another small clown to mate up with her but I'm not sure if I will see any aggression or have issues. Has anyone tried adding a smaller clown with an established female?

Second question, has anyone tried mixing a black/white clown with the traditional orange clowns?


Next question is on adding bangaii cardinals. I started with 2 but believe one became an anemone snack. Now that I'm in the bigger tank I'm considering adding 1-2 more. Has anyone done this before? Good/bad idea?

Obviously I know I can't have any definites but if you have a general experience either way I'd love to hear it.

Thanks.

-Jeff

[Frantz]

I've paired a maroon after a year, and it was rough, I've also added a clark to a 120 with a pair of ocellaris and the clark got bullied pretty bad. But, in both situtations, and like so much else in the hobby, patience and attention paid off. For the maroons I expected a problem and was prepared with a breeder floating tank. It took 2 months and 3 releases before the origional maroon accepted the smaller one, and it took several months later for her to accept him (though he's still staying very small, I expect him to "mature" soon.
The clark was due to the failing of a nano tank and was sudden. The ocellaris had their own corner and I have lots of rockwork so I didn't think it'd be so bad, but it was. Granted, this is two different species but the bullying was harsh. Now they mind their own business. Moral of the story for me me is, you can make it work, even with different species.
For your situation I would get a floating breeder tank or hamster ball and see how she reacts to the new arrival. If it seems okay then you can release him into the tank. Good luck!

[JeF4y]

Thanks for the input! Great idea on the floating breeder tank.

[jamescook]

I've got clowns and cardinals in all my tanks. I doubt you'll have any trouble adding a younger Ocs. They are the easiest to pair imho. They sort it out pretty quick. It does take longer with 2 different colors, just don't put different species together.
The bangaiis are very similar. You can add a younger one and they'll pair up, but they don't change sex, so if they are the same sex you will have trouble.

[JeF4y]

Originally Posted by jamescook

I've got clowns and cardinals in all my tanks. I doubt you'll have any trouble adding a younger Ocs. They are the easiest to pair imho. They sort it out pretty quick. It does take longer with 2 different colors, just don't put different species together.

I'm thinking it may go pretty well since there was already a pair and the tank is pretty big. Will definitely stick to the same species. Not sure about adding a B/W one or sticking with the standard orange.

The bangaiis are very similar. You can add a younger one and they'll pair up, but they don't change sex, so if they are the same sex you will have trouble.

Is there an obvious way of sexing them?

[jamescook]

I used to think I could sex them. There is a slight physical difference in the anal/vent area, but I can no longer see it. I just keep trying different fish and will remove the one that is getting picked on. Usually they'll get cornered up top and you can net them.

[rdnelson99]

Originally Posted by JeF4y

Is there an obvious way of sexing them?

PM former NY Congressman Anthony Weiner. I am sure he could give you a few pointers.

[mysterybox]

hehehe

[falos]

You can tell pj's by the mouth the males have a more pronounced lower lip and wider cheeks

[jamescook]

It's the same with bangs AFTER they spawn.

[JeF4y]

The problem is I have nothing to compare it to and it's never spawned. =(