Clown Fish and Sea Anemone: Guaranteed Symbiotic Relationship or Not?

OK, I know that many of you are thinking that "if I buy one of the plethora of clown fish available for sale, do I also need to buy a sea anemone?" Also, "can a clown fish interact and call any sea anemone home?" There are a lot of misconceptions regarding these topics as many of you are under the assumption that a clown has to be housed in an aquarium with a sea anemone and vice versa for the two to live successfully a marine aquarium. Debate and confusion has been instilled in many aquarists heads leaving them scratching their heads over this dilemma and the sometimes mistaken conception that any clown fish will take up residence in any species of anemone introduced to the clown fish. This article will help to put some of the urban legends to rest, in hopes of enlightening you and offering you a clearer understanding of these misconceptions.

Unfortunately, many of us are given the wrong advice by fellow aquarists, pet shop employees and other marine hobby "professionals" out to make a buck at your expense by selling you any kind of anemone and clown fish as well as informing you that you MUST maintain both to have any type of long term success. This ill-faded advice that many of us soaks up like a sponge can, and often, leads to problems down the road, that could have been avoided with a better understanding of both types of animals as well as the husbandry and compatibility requirements required by each.

The first mistake many of us make is deciding that we will buy a clown fish or we have recently purchased a clown fish and we now need to buy an anemone for the success of our clown. In fact, many hatcheries and farming companies such as ORS(Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums) raise clown fish in bare tanks with no anemones present and are very successful in this approach. That can be a scenario that has everlasting and wonderful results, however, many of us do not know that anemones are very delicate, not very easy to maintain and require intense lighting that is not available by those using power compact light fixtures or having high tanks. Moreover, water parameters have to be diligently maintained for anemones to have any kind of chance. Anemones will live in their natural environment for hundreds of years, however it is estimated that an anemone purchased by a marine hobbyist that has been into the hobby for two years or less will witness the demise of their anemone within a year or so. To damage our hopes even further, anemones in captivity rarely last to live to see their fifth birthday as death normally ensues prior to this time.

The second mistake that we often find ourselves repeatedly making is, trying to create a symbiotic relationship between a particular clown fish and any species of anemone. Not all clown fish will take to any species of anemone. In their natural environment, each species of clown fish has a particular symbiont host that they prefer to engage in this type of symbiotic relationship between each other. In fact, some anemones, such as the Caribbean Flower anemone will even kill a clown or damsel fish that tries to call this particular anemone home. Clown fish hail from the Pacific, Condylactis and Atlantic Carpet anemones are naturally found in Florida(Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean) waters, therefore are not considered natural choices by clown fish. Their are times when we luck out and a clown fish will take to an anemone that is not its desired choice. Their are also times when you can have a clown fish and a suitable anemone without a symbiotic relationship for years. I know, as I have maintained a False Percula Clown(amphiprion ocellaris) and a Pacific Long tentacle anemone for the past three years as part of my 30 hex marine aquarium. It wasn't till recently that my clown paired up with my anemone and have become an integral part and focal point of my aquarium. They are now inseparable! Sometimes this pairing will take place, sometimes it doesn't. This hosting does not need to take place for the success of a clown fish or anemone in a captive environment.

Because of the fact that most, if not all, sea anemones have very stringent husbandry requirements and their success rate is nothing to write home about, their is hope for you clown fish "finatics" hoping to create a symbiotic relationship with them. Their are many examples of clown fish hosting other life forms within a captive environment. Xenia, Colt coral, species of Euphyllia( hammer, frogspawn and torch coral) just to name a few and even Tridacna Clams, yes clams! Bliss runs rampant for those lucky enough to encounter this beautiful and unique representation of a symbiotic relationship in their aquarium, being a first hand witness to the Xenia, Squamosa Tridacna Clam and Tomato Clown association.

As for those that have been told that in order to breed clowns in captivity, an anemone must be present...FALSE! I have a mated pair of Maroon Clowns that call the extra overflow box placed at the bottom of my aquarium, home! Clown fish aren't really picky when it comes to home in which to breed.

It is a beneficial practice to do some research on both anemone and clown fish before taking the plunge and purchasing these two extraordinary animals in hopes of creating a symbiotic relationship! Remember that not all anemones make suitable homes for all clown fish. Also, as for the hardiness of these delicate flowering animals, the Bubble tip(Entacmaea quadricolor) is the hardiest, with the Carpets being the most difficult. If you have any doubts regarding your attempt to add a sea anemone to your marine tanks population either due to husbandry requirements, lighting issues or your lack of knowledge regarding these animals, it is best to pass on these animals. You will be much better off and failure will not be the answer to the equation. Moreover, if your attempt of maintaining an anemone fails, and it probably will, you run the risk of more serious problems evolving and overcoming your tank and its inhabitants. Toxins and other pollutants will be released into your water with the death of an anemone causing water parameter issues as well as severe and negative consequences being recognized by your livestock which they may or may not overcome. Much of this will greatly be a direct result of your effective and timely removal and treatment of your anemone and tank water. Adequate filtration and carbon additions will be a must as well to aid in reducing these pollutants and reducing the amount of livestock lost through this tragic scenario.

Don't get me wrong, anemones are beautiful, entertaining, unique and add a sense of awe to certain marine aquariums. This complemented with the hosting of a clown fish can really provide a dramatic focal point to a marine aquarium as well. Learn as much about both of these animals before rushing out just because you have to have these two animals in the same tank...You, as well as your wallet, or pocketbook will be glad you did take some beneficial time before hand.