Clowns with dark coloration - with pic

Eduardo · #1 09-10-2007, 04:30 PM

Hi All,

I'm a newbie to salt.

I've had a couple of clowns in my tank for about 3 months now. They were the first fish inhabitants (the only other fish inhabitant to my 30 gallon tank is a firefish) to the tank and they were purchased at about 1 1/2". Within the first week of purchase they darkened considerably and have remained that way. They eat well but stay in the back of the tank most of the time.

The only other inhabitants to the tank (that I know of) are a 5 snails, a blue legged hermit, 2 emerald crabs, pom pom crab, fire shrimp, green star polyp and an open brain coral (I just bought this a few days ago and the clowns aren't even interested in hosting it).

All other parameters in the tank seem to be normal and I keep the temp at 77.

Will the clowns remain this color? Will they eventually become more active?

Appreciate the input.

Der_Iron_Chef · #2 09-10-2007, 04:38 PM

I'm not sure why they darkened up like that, but I think they're gorgeous. Care to sell them?

Does the firefish hide as well, or is it fairly active?

marlincoral · #3 09-10-2007, 04:44 PM

our clowns stayed in the back when we got them they were hosting on our over flow.now they host in our leater near the front.

Eduardo · #4 09-10-2007, 04:54 PM

Thanks for the quick replies.

Der Iron Chef, I don't think I can sell them to you as I'd have a hard time explaining to the kids why I sold Mr. Bob and Nemo.

Firefish is active and out in front for most of the day but retreats under rock about an hour before the daylight shuts off.

clowns and firefish acknowledge each other but are not aggressive to each other.

Der_Iron_Chef · #5 09-10-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eduardo

Der Iron Chef, I don't think I can sell them to you as I'd have a hard time explaining to the kids why I sold Mr. Bob and Nemo.

lol, true enough. That could be tragic. Perhaps you could try to put in a coral that they might choose to host in. My clown likes a lot of things--hairy mushroom, bubble, toadstool leather, frogspawn. Does your lighting allow for some corals?

Delphinus · #6 09-10-2007, 07:03 PM

Think those are called "Onyx". Nice score, usually you have to pay more for them like that (I think).

Whatigot · #7 09-11-2007, 08:46 PM

I think true perculas frequently have that dark colouration that may show as the fish mature or establish their sexual order.
says so in my 500+ species you need to know fish bible who's true title and author elude me.

Mik_101 · #8 09-11-2007, 10:40 PM

sick little clown fish.