Pairing clownfish

[Westoncase]

If my goal is to get clownfish to pair up is it a bad idea to not add them at the same time? I’d like to pair a black storm with either a phantom or a DaVinci. My lfs doesn’t have anything other than black storms that I’m interested in that’s why I’m asking.

 

[Peace River]

If my goal is to get clownfish to pair up is it a bad idea to not add them at the same time? I’d like to pair a black storm with either a phantom or a DaVinci. My lfs doesn’t have anything other than black storms that I’m interested in that’s why I’m asking.

There are several ways to introduce clownfish in hopes of getting them to pair - please understand the process will not be a sure thing no matter how you do it. While many recommend starting with two juveniles, IME I have had better luck starting with a bigger and a smaller fish from the beginning. Matching designer clownfish can be slightly more of a challenge, but still very doable. If you find a storm that you really like then it is not unreasonable to go ahead and purchase it now and then get a smaller fish later. Please realize that a clownfish left in a tank with no other clowns for a while will likely start transitioning into a female. When you add the smaller fish in the future it should be a juvenile and then it transition into the male.

In summary, not a sure thing but reasonable to try. With clowns that's about all you can ask for. Good luck!

 

[Westoncase]

There are several ways to introduce clownfish in hopes of getting them to pair - please understand the process will not be a sure thing no matter how you do it. While many recommend starting with two juveniles, IME I have had better luck starting with a bigger and a smaller fish from the beginning. Matching designer clownfish can be slightly more of a challenge, but still very doable. If you find a storm that you really like then it is not unreasonable to go ahead and purchase it now and then get a smaller fish later. Please realize that a clownfish left in a tank with no other clowns for a while will likely start transitioning into a female. When you add the smaller fish in the future it should be a juvenile and then it transition into the male.

In summary, not a sure thing but reasonable to try. With clowns that's about all you can ask for. Good luck!

How long does it take for a clown to turn female, and what triggers it? I know the bigger more dominate one will turn female

 

[Peace River]

How long does it take for a clown to turn female, and what triggers it? I know the bigger more dominate one will turn female

Great question! According to Wilkerson's (1998) book Clownfishes, "the entire conversion in gender can be completed in a month or less" (p. 134).