Originally posted by MaineJo1:
Clayton, I just bought a whole new lighting system, just so I could get an anenome for my clowns, Clem and Josephine. I could not wait to see my clowns dive into the anenome, but two weeks have gone by and they could care less. I was told that the good news is that obviously the clowns are happy and don't feel threatened, or else they would have welcomed a place to hide. So, keep that in mind. Also, I learned that I was trying to feed my anenome too much. I think no more than every other day is appropriate from what I have read, and if they don't eat what you offer them within 5-10 mins. it is best to remove it. My anenome loves a small piece of scallop about three times a week.
Thanks for the notes - its good to know I am not the only one out there. Dont believe the bit about the clowns feeling safe enough not to use the anemone. I have seen hundreds of anemones and clowns in the wild and never one without the other. Clowns develop their relationship with anemones when young. They develop a mucus that mimics the anemone itself and therefore avoids being stung (juvenile Domino Damsels can also do this). I am wondering whether tank bred clowns retain the ability to do this - it is possible that during breeding in captivity, the fish are lacking certain requirements that enable them to develop their natural behavioural, morphological and physiological abilities.
It is also possible that it is the Anemone that is the problem. Does anyone know more about bleaching in anemones?
I would be cautious about feeding your Anemone 3 times a week. Most cases I have heard of, people are feeding once a week. All this is irrelevent if you do not have adequate lighting. Anemones need lots of blue light (ie actinic) and I would recomend at least 4 watts per gallon (overall). Without the ability to hold zooxanthellae, the anemone will slowly die over the next 8 months.
Let me know how yours do, and good luck.