[chad54827]

I have two tanks raised clowns, one clark, and two anemones. The two tank raised don't go any where near or show any interest in the anemones. Is this a learned process? Do tank bread clowns not go into enemones?

[kr7272]

This is a common misconception.

Tank raised clowns do go into anemones. They are not as quick to do so generally speaking however. Clowns in the ocean go into them faster as they have learned the process from other clowns. Tank-raised clowns rely on pure instinct in this process.

It has been my experience that they are quicker to be attracted to large carpet anemones, because they feel safe hiding underneath the anemone for protection.

I currently have 3 tank raised Percs in my large carpet anemone, and it took the first one about 10-14 days to go in. The others went in faster after I added them.

One other point.... if you have two different species of clown in your tank, there is a good chance that once one goes in, they will both want to. This may cause an unending battle in some cases. Clowns of the same species will typically be fine if they go into the anemone at relatively the same time, but clowns of different species (especially maroons) will be hostile to any other fish that get near it's anemone.

[gimmito]

I had p pair of wild clarkii's...definenitely one of my favorite clowns. They came with a metens carpet anemone and eventually turned jet black in color (very cool side affect ). I recommend adding garlic extract to frozen or live brine shrimp and shooting it near the tentacles of the anemone you want it to host in...eventually they should make it their new home !!

[c-c]

Chad,
Wondering what kind of anemone you have? Some types are better hosts. Here is an anemone identification site:

Sea Anemone Species: Sea Anemones, Bulb and Carpet Anemones

Good advice from kr and gimmito. I would keep giving the anemone attention with frequent target feeding with a turkey baster,
eventually the clown will either get curious and check it out,
or they'll get jealous and come over to steal food,
or they'll see the anemone is hardy and healthy and a suitable nook to cuddle in.

[gimmito]

Anybody have a blue haddoni carpet ? Just wondering the cost and how long someone has kept one. Also, does anyone keep ocellaris clowns and another species of clowns in a large tank ? I know your not suppose to mix species...but just wanted some information.