Picasso Clownfish, What To Look For?

BODI · Aug 9, 2014

I've decided I would like to add Picasso Clowns to my new system :love:

I am actually planning a trip to one of my LFS tomorrow because they are having a 1-day only special on them, and if I like what I see I am hoping to come home with at least two!

What should I look for beyond the normal signs of a healthy specimen?

I assume the different "grades" are based on the overall striping/patterns and color, and I should just choose the patterns/color I like the looks of best?

How many should I get (assuming they look nice)... I would someday like to get all setup for breeding and raising fry so I need to eventually end up with a bonded pair. If they are young juveniles should I just get 2 and hope they bond as male/female? Should I buy 3 or 4 now and remove the other(s) once a pair has bonded?

Thanks in advance - Dave

CoralHut · Aug 9, 2014

Grades on clownfish are highly subjective but most try to look for consistent pattern with unusual barring, such as a stripe down the dorsal side or isolated "dots" that appear on the face, tail, or sides. Picassos come in a high variety of patterns so just look for something that looks different if you plan on breeding your own strain. No guarantee this will appear on the progeny, though.

Wesley42079 · Aug 9, 2014

Check out one of our sponsors, Alpha Aquaculture. They specialize in Designer Clownfish.

BODI · Aug 9, 2014

Thanks for the quick replies, I appreciate that!

Wesley42079 said:
Check out one of our sponsors, Alpha Aquaculture. They specialize in Designer Clownfish.

Yes, I have looked through their selection dozen's of times over the past couple weeks! Very nice indeed, although I am one to always try to purchase in person locally whenever possible... I will keep them in mind though, thanks!

BODI · Aug 10, 2014

Well... I drove all the way down to the place that was having a 1-day special on Picasso Clowns only to find 1 left available for purchase (and it wasn't all that nice of a specimen to my eye)... so I ended up paying a bit more for a beautiful pair of Black Ice Clowns instead! lol