Help! Sea Anemone with a Surprise!

[DrWulittle]

Hey everybody, I started a nano tank (10g) months ago and have had a stable environment with all values tested regularly. Right now I have LR, a greenstar polyp, 50/50 Fluor/Actinic customized light for the tank. Heat, 100gph 3 step filter, live sand, etc etc. I have built up this tank using a mix of advice from seasoned aquarists as well as some controversial approaches- everything is working very well so far and I hope to keep it that way. I had a false percula in the tank for about 2 weeks, and last night I purchased another percula of slightly larger size to see if they might pair off. The female has asserted dominance and the hierarchy seems to be well on its way to being established. I also purchased an anemone for the tank in hopes of establishing a symbiotic relationship between the fish and anemone. The LFS recommended this odd looking anemone and I would love if I could get someone's expert classification on what exactly I have- it it has a bright orange-pink base, cream and lilac colored tentacles with spots(verrucae?). It has buried itself into the sand.....now here is the surprising part of my situation here......it appears that the anemone did not travel alone, rather it brought a clownfish with it. It has a yellow body with 3 white bars that are outlined with black. It also has very dark black eyes. All fins are yellow, no trace of orange. Im guessing it is a variant or juvenile of a Clark's Clownfish? Most bizarre purchase ever. It has been a day and there has been no major conflict except for the larger new Percula chasing and bullying the resident percula. I notice that the yellow clown will chase out the small percula if it gets too close to it and the anemone but not the bigger one. Obviously I have no idea what to do as far as preventing a fatal battle. I have a hard time finding detailed information regarding the dynamics of 2 perculas and a possible clarke's clown......what to do?? any advice would help....



Namaste
Dr. Wulittle

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

You could always remove the hitchhiker and trade it at a LFS for credit.


On another note... Not sure all will end up well with such a crowded tank. 10 gallons is too small for even 1 small anemonefish, let alone 3 and an anemone. I know you're not asking for advise related to the size of your tank but it would be a shame to have your current livestock crammed into a tiny glass box. No disrespect intended.

[Ninong]

Hello DrWulittle,



Wow! That's an interesting story.

The anemone might be Macrodactyla doreensis. What color is the lower part of the column near the base? I think I see radial white lines extending out from the mouth, is that right?

Maybe the clownfish is a juvenile Amphiprion clarkii. How big is it right now?



P.S. -- Your tank is really way too small for any of the clownfish-hosting sea anemones and it's also too small for even a pair of A. ocellaris. Maybe you're getting ready to upgrade very soon?