[Ann]

Can someone tell me what are the most likely host anemones for ocelleris clowns?

Do they like Long Tentacle Anemones?

I have 5 and would like a large enough one that they would go to.

Thanks,

Ann

[Ninong]

Originally posted by Ann:

Can someone tell me what are the most likely host anemones for ocelleris clowns?

Their only natural hosts are: Heteractis magnifica (Ritteri), Stichodactyla gigantea (Giant Carpet), and S. mertensii (Merten's Carpet). In captivity, they will usually also accept Entacmaea quadricolor (Bubble Tip) and S. haddoni (Saddle Carpet).

Do they like Long Tentacle Anemones?

Usually no.

I have 5 and would like a large enough one that they would go to.

An interesting situation. How long have you had all five together and how large is your tank? The only reason I ask is because I'm assuming that you will end up with one mated pair and three subordinates... unless, of course, you have a really, really large tank. Whether all of them get to share the anemone is going to be up to the female.

Getting back to your selection of a host anemone: Be sure to take into consideration the mature adult size of the anemone you are considering. In other words, avoid the carpets unless you have a large tank.

If you are determined to purchase an anemone, I would suggest you consider getting an E-quad.

Regards,

Ninong

[Ann]

Thank you for an informative reply. I have a bubble anemone that split (is this the E quad)?

The tank is 140 gal. Two of the ocelleris have been in there over 2 years. I added 3 more about three weeks ago. The new ones are considerably smaller, probably 1/2 the size of the 2 established ones. They all seem to get along just fine, except for one. One seems to stay by himself and hide alot, although I haven't noticed anyone harassing him when he comes out (which is usually only to eat).

Funny I have a small yellow stripe maroon that has been in there over 6 months. The larger of the 2 est. ocelleris harasses him so much that he stays down in between 2 rocks almost always. I bought him with a nice size bubble anemone, that proceeded to split into 2 anemones shortly have adding him. This is aggravating to me, because now the 2 anemones are small and no one pays much attention to them. The yellow stripe did at first. I guess between the split and harassment he gave up. He hides in the crack between the 2 anemones.

Other inhabitants are: yellow tang, blue tang, sailfin tang, flame hawk, flame angel and royal gramma.

Thanks again!

Ann

[Ninong]

Yes, an E-quad is a Bubble Tip anemone. I think you will be fine with what you already have in the way of anemones in your tank. You should feed the anemones about three times a week and if you have good lighting they should thrive.

Your five Ocellaris Clowns will establish a pecking order with the original pair at the top of the order. I don't know if you will end up with a second pair or not in your tank... probably not. Your Maroon Clown will eventually take over and dominate the Ocellaris Clowns... could be a problem, maybe not. Since you have more than one Bubble Tip anemone, the Maroon Clown may choose one and allow the Ocellaris Clowns to have the other one. But once the Maroon is large enough, she will take over... that's for sure!

Ninong

P.S. -- I forgot to ask how your Flame Angel is doing in your tank? Is it bothering anything? How long have you had it and how large is it?

[Ann]

Ok..I am feeding them cocktail shrimp about once a week. I didn't realize I needed to do it so often. I will increase this. Is there anything else I can/should feed them?

My flame angel has been in there about 1 year. He is not bothering anything. I pretty much have softies. I have 2 pineapples, a bubble coral, colt coral, tons of mushrooms, green star polyps, leather, brown button polyps. I think that about covers it.

The angel is not really large or small compared to others I've seen. I would say about 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" maybe. He seems to be healthy and well adjusted. No problems or conflicts with any of the other fish.

You can see may tank at:

http://www.alongtheshore.net

[Ninong]

Originally posted by Ann:


Ok..I am feeding them cocktail shrimp about once a week. I didn't realize I needed to do it so often. I will increase this. Is there anything else I can/should feed them?

Yes, Bubble Tips should be fed heavily... at least twice a week but three times a week would be even better. This is what Joyce Wilkerson says about feeding BTAs in her book Clownfishes: "Foods accepted by this anemone include table shrimp, fish, squid, clam, brine shrimp, scallops, crab, krill, silversides, and lancefish."

Ninong