Buying Clownfish

tylerandersen · Feb 17, 2014

I just started my tank so I am obviously not ready to buy BUT.. While at the fish store, I heard the employee tell someone that when trying to buy a pair of clownfish, it is best to buy 3 (1 large/female and 2 small/male). She said that this was necessary so that the lonely 3rd could take over the female position if she were to die.. In my head I thought that the pair would likely kill the 3rd before it ever got to that point. Just wondering if there was any truth to what she was saying.

Pete polyp · Feb 17, 2014

You have to remember that the lfs is a business. Selling a third clown is good for business. Just buy 2 juveniles and you will end up with one male and one female as they mature. If one dies you can always replace it with another juvenile and it will also morph into whichever sex is not present.

Bad Company · Feb 17, 2014

LFS will often sell you more than you need. They may even think to themselves, "maybe that will work out" in your setup. Always think about an information iver's motives.

Trex · Feb 17, 2014

I tried that once -- about 20 years ago -- it worked nicely for the first 4-6 months. However, a pair formed, and before I could act, the turn the 3rd clown to shreds. Was shocked at how quickly things changed.

Would take any advice that that LFS gives with a grain of salt (( pun intended )).