Bonding nem and clown

[clownvan]

Hi

I have a pair of clowns. I have a Colorado Sunburst nem and two RBTAs. The clowns do not host any of the nems. One dances around with GSP and the other hides in a cave at bedtime. I am trying to get them to bond. I have been trying to guide the clowns towards the nems during feeding time. As it turns out, the cleaner shrimp is now hanging out with the Colorado Sunburst since it has figured out that that is where most of the food is showing up.

My next step is to stick a basket on one of the clowns and put the basket on top of the RBTA. I do not want to stress the Colorado just yet. So my question is what type of basket? I was thinking if anyone had a nem basket, I could borrow that and start from there.

@tribbitt - you used a basket to bond your clown and nem, right? if yes, what did you use?

 

[tribbitt]

I put my clowns in a net closer to the nem so they could meet each other. Once the female moved in suddenly the male was interested too. I just don't think she noticed it existed until she actually interacted with it

 

[RandyC]

If any of the BTAs are easily movable, i would put a BTA in a small basket (just big enough to hold the BTA) floating at the top or clamped to the side of the tank with the clowns.

If none of the BTAs can be moved and you really want to try to get them into the BTA, you can try to use a "clown slide."

But to be honest, if the BTAs aren't easily movable, I'd just let them be. Chances are they'll eventually find it and the BTA will host them. But keep in mind, BTAs are not natural hosts for Percula (Amphiprion percula) or Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris). Their natural hosts are magnificas or haddonis.

(*From: https://www.indoorecosystem.net/guides/clownfish-and-their-host-anemones)

 

[Chrism1330]

I just let nature take its course the clowns eventually find the nem on there own

 

[clownvan]

If any of the BTAs are easily movable, i would put a BTA in a small basket (just big enough to hold the BTA) floating at the top or clamped to the side of the tank with the clowns.

If none of the BTAs can be moved and you really want to try to get them into the BTA, you can try to use a "clown slide."

But to be honest, if the BTAs aren't easily movable, I'd just let them be. Chances are they'll eventually find it and the BTA will host them. But keep in mind, BTAs are not natural hosts for Percula (Amphiprion percula) or Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris). Their natural hosts are magnificas or haddonis.

View attachment 78653
(*From: https://www.indoorecosystem.net/guides/clownfish-and-their-host-anemones)

Love the table! I guess there was a reason why I have been sitting with a baby maroon for a couple of months now =)

 

[MichaelB]

Soon or later they will find it give it time. Or tape a Pic of a clown in a nem onto the tank.
Sounds crazy but have heard people in videos say it has worked.

 

[MichaelB]

Also a separate note. I don't care for the force them in it with a tube/ large pipe method Because if your clowns never hosted a nem they won't be immune to the nems sting. This is something they build up over time by rubbing against them some even nibble on the tips of the nems. My largest maroons actually will catch extra food and feed the different nems after they ate their own food first of course lol.

Also I don't mean to imply a typical bubble tip sting would kill a clown, it's likely to be painful or very irritating to them for a while.

There are actually some nems in the ocean. I saw on a documentary that stings are so powerful clowns or dasmels couldn't host them. - not revelant here but I found it interesting.

 

[spuri87]

My clowns chose to sleep on the surface instead of the nem I added.. at first I thought if they had swim bladder disease or something, but nope.. clowns being clowns!! Luckily one of the 4 clowns found the nem and sleeps in there.. I see at least 2 other clowns trying to convince this clown to make some space for them in its new home, but this clown just would not share the real estate!

 

[Kensington Reefer]

It is very common for farmed fish to have NO association with an anemone

 

[grizfyrfyter]

I have had good luck with feeding the fish at the anemone. the clownfish eventually learn that they can get to the food and other fish will avoid the anemone.

Ive never had this fail, though it's often taken a couple weeks.

 

[clownvan]

I have had good luck with feeding the fish at the anemone. the clownfish eventually learn that they can get to the food and other fish will avoid the anemone.

Ive never had this fail, though it's often taken a couple weeks.

Yes the female clown seems to swim over the anemone now which previously was clear air space. Still not in the tentacles edges yet.