Can I mix Clowns?

[marty]

In my prior tank, I had several different clowns together (i.e. maroon, orange, yellow, etc..) probably 6-8 matched in pairs. In another post, I was told not to mix clowns, from his (the replier's) experience. What do the rest of you think?
I have an 80 gal tank FO, with a sgt major, 2 dominos damsels, and one 3 striped damsel. Looking to add either some clowns or cardinals or maybe a dwarf angel. This post I would like to hear about clowns. Thanks!

 

[set-man]

It is difficult to add certain clowns to a tank in certain conditions. Maroons and tomato's are pretty darn aggressive once established in a tank. I'm not sure what you meant by orange & yellow clowns. Maybe you meant percula's/ clarkii's. I would be very careful in adding maroon's or tomato's to the mix.
You have a pretty good sized tank so you can get away with mixing some clowns. One option you have is to obtain tank-bred clowns (which I think are more social) and add them at the same time. Try a few ocellaris and a few clarkii's. I think the maroon would get bossy after being in the tank for a while.

 

[tf]

Marty,
I have a maroon and a clarkii in the same tank. They are fine. As long as you put them in at about the same time. They are very territorial.
If you add them at different times keep an eye on them. I added my clarkii after the maroon and I though it was a goner at first, but the maroon eventually left him alone and now they are fine.
TF