Clownfish Paring Question

[mainn]

I've got a juvenile clownfish right now and want to find it a pair. Someone locally is selling a 2 year old female from a tank where she is the only clownfish. Would this be a bad idea, or would it work because my fish is still young. Thanks.

 

[reefhobby]

How long has your clownfish been alone. By its self

 

[mainn]

About a 3 weeks. I originally bought 2 unpaired fish and lost one very shortly after I got them. I've had him a little over a month.

 

[reefhobby]

I would. But do it quick before he changes to a female.

 

[mainn]

I plan on getting him a partner at some point, but haven't been thrilled with any fish I've been finding in the LFS.

 

[reefhobby]

Get him one quick before he changes to female

 

[dwebb1031]

If he is the only clown he will stay gender neutral til pair with another clown. At which point the largest will become female if not already, the other will become a mating male. If he stays single he won't automatically change to female.

 

[mainn]

So you think it would be alright to add this larger clown?

 

[mainn]

I believe so, all males can go to female in the right conditions.

 

[dwebb1031]

Sorry, to highjack your posting. If the clown fish is a male, can it be converted to female when adding a juvenile small clown fish?
Thanks

The dominate fish will be female, by default this will usually be the larger. So in most instances yes.