Hi all
Sorry this had to be a second post, had to run for class earlier
Think i'll start off with the more common species almost all LFS would have.
Amphiprion Ocellaris
Possibly the most common clownfish in the aquarium trade and one of the contenders for most common marine in the trade, the ocellaris really does have much to recommend to it: it is, after all, cheap, hardy (even amongst clowns), a good feeder, mixes with almost anything and, has the distinct nemo look. Often added due to their looks alone (who isnt tempted whenever they see a tank of cute orangies swimming in the characteristic clownish manner at the fish store?
Found throughout most of the eastern indo-pac region, it is abundant and conspicuous on reefs. Their fearlessness of human divers and relatively slow swimming makes them easily brought into pet stores. They are also among the cheaper fish making them excellent for beginers whojust graduated from damsel class. This doesnt mean however that they can take anything. It should be said here that, like all other clowns, they do not handle travel well and a great many die on route to the LFS. These guys also arent damsels and it must be remembered that they shouldnt be put in an uncycled tank.
Despite this, they make a good tankmates. Staying small at 2.5 inches (although i have seen 3.5" specimens), they eat almost anything in the home aquarium. Many reefers feeding them flakes, pellets, frozen foods, live foods as well as many other 'preperation'. They rarely get into fights, unless they become tank bosses oh so familiar to damsel owners. Another thing to note is that they DO NOT need an anemone to survive (in captivity). Far too many new comers purchase delicate anemones oto have them die and pollute the whole tank. Unlike some other species (esp skunk clowns), ocellaris have been said to thrive even without anemones in home aquaria. Although one cannot deny the fact that clowns enjoy the company of the anemone, they do well enough without one.
Their readiness to adapt to captivity has made them one of the most commonly bred marine fish. In the united states, this has even reached commercial proportions. In the home aquaria too, many aquarists are reporting success.
Hopefully this has been helpful. Will continue soon with something about clark's clowns.
