Some sad news...

SRT80 · Aug 18, 2018

I first joined the MTRC around the beginning of 2005 and used to be an active member. My first 20 gal. reef was setup and going by March 2005. That's when I added my first clown fish. She was purchased from Aquatic Critter in Dec. 2004 by my brother. Once my tank was cycled, I added her. Around April or May 2006, I bought her a mate from sustainable aquatics.

Yesterday, my girl passed away. She just started slowing down last week and I felt something was wrong.

I dont know the average life span for clowns but I had her for over 13 years. I guess she was a few months old when my brother bought her? Her mate is now alone and he's been with her for 12 years. He doesn't seem to be acting any different and is eating normal.

Should I get my 12 year old fish another mate or just see how he does by himself?

Here's a video from a few years ago. I'll have to get on photo bucket to find some old pictures. The one that died is the larger one.

Robink · Aug 18, 2018

So sorry for your loss.

Beautiful fish. Looks like she had a very happy life.

Reeferdood · Aug 18, 2018

You gave her a great life, perhaps even a better one than in the wild..

Idoc · Aug 18, 2018

Such sad news...

Katrina71 · Aug 18, 2018

I'm sorry. I can't imagine.

Tuffyyyyy · Aug 18, 2018

Sorry to hear about this man, large clowns are some of my favorite fish. They were a beautiful couple. As for adding another clown, it’s entirely up to you. Either he’ll live alone just fine or you can pick up a smaller one for him to beat on before he turns female. Congrats on you for getting such a long life out of both of those two.

MikeyTN · Aug 18, 2018

Sorry to hear about your clown fish. Like it was mentioned before if you want to you can get a smaller one and he would change to a female.

KrisReef · Aug 18, 2018

Sincere condolences.
You can't replace what you had, and adding a new fish is risky health wise and it might just tick him off to have someone new to fight with. Give him and yourself some time to grieve before taking in something new.

Leslie Tabor · Aug 19, 2018

Aww I am so sorry. It gives me hope to see these fish live this long. I love my fishy friends, I would love for them to be with me 13+ years. Take care!

Frizzles7 · Aug 19, 2018

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Timothy McMeans · Aug 19, 2018

Sorry to hear about the loss. They certainly looked happy together.

Frogspawn Rob · Aug 19, 2018

What a truly sad yet amazing post. 13 Years for a Clownfish is the longest I have heard of and you are doing something right to keep her that long. I would get another smaller buddy for your male and let him change. I can really relate because we just lost our 16 year old rescue dog, Angel, he was part of the family! Prayers for yours!

SRT80 · Aug 19, 2018

Thanks for the kind words everyone. My clown seems to be doing fine. He's hanging out in their cave a lot but does come out some and eating is fine. Still undecided if I'm going to add another or just see how he does alone.

SRT80 · Sep 10, 2018

Well, it's been 3 weeks and I decided to add another small clownfish. My original clown showed no signs of aggression and they have been inseparable since I added the new one.