Buying a pair of clownfish

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012.

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  1. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    Alright so hopefully in a few days I'll be purchasing a pair of occ clowns. My LFS said I should get a mated pair instead to pairing up a couple random ones because there's a chance that they won't get along. Is this true? Should I pay more for a mated pair?
     
    SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012
    SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012
    #1

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  2. kutsujutc

    kutsujutc Spaghetti Worm

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    I think thats only the case if you have more than two clowns in one tank. I think if your going to have only 2 in your cube than any two together will be fine. I may be wrong though.
     
    kutsujutc, Jan 25, 2012
    kutsujutc, Jan 25, 2012
    #2
  3. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    Not in my experience. I have had a total of 7 pairs of clowns. It's very easy to get two juvenile's to pair. When dealing with a single mature female that is already established in a tank, it can be more difficult (not your scenerio) but I have still successfully done this and with a maroon no less. I'm not particularly skilled when dealing with fish, I would rate myself as average amongst informed aquarists. Occ clowns are just pretty easy to work with.
     
    Thatgrimguy, Jan 25, 2012
    Thatgrimguy, Jan 25, 2012
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Nah, somebody's trying to make a couple extra bucks. Just get a pair of juvies. You'll be fine.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jan 25, 2012
    Mr. Bill, Jan 25, 2012
    #4
  5. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    It's quite easy to get two young clowns to pair - two older clowns would definitely be trickier. With the two younger clowns there may be some bickering, but it usually isn't serious, and once they establish who is going to be female, the fighting stops.

    Of course, you can always get a mated pair! I did and I love them :) But it is more expensive. Two youngins' would be fine together.
     
    kcbrad, Jan 25, 2012
    kcbrad, Jan 25, 2012
    #5
  6. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    Cool guys! I'll save 40$:) I'll just get a
    couple small ones:)
     
    SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012
    SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012
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  7. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Mated pair, really. Does he guarantee that the pair has spawned before?

    Do not get tiny ones anything under an inch.

    Have them feed them in front of you to make sure they are all eating.

    If they have a bunch of young ones in one tank, do not get the easiest to catch. Looks for good coloration, fins completely intact, clear bright eyes.
     
    Corailline, Jan 25, 2012
    Corailline, Jan 25, 2012
    #7
  8. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    Thanks, I'll definitely do so.
     
    SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012
    SwimsWithFish, Jan 25, 2012
    #8
  9. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    And if ya see any that talk, def get that one!;)

    +! to the pro's above! This whole internet online thing sure is turning LFS into greedy used car salesman! They're gonna drive people from this hobby!
     
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    cosmo, Jan 25, 2012
    #9
  10. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    Really? Why is that? I have bought a quite a few under an inch and never seen a problem. I believe my lfs only buys captive bred clowns though.
     
    Thatgrimguy, Jan 25, 2012
    Thatgrimguy, Jan 25, 2012
    #10
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