Clowning around

Every since I can remember, I have been fascinated with clownfish. I think what intrigued me most at that early age was the relationship they have with the anemone. After finding Nemo came out, the general public could not get enough of theses guys. And why not.

When I got my first clownfish (a pick me up from being let go from the aquarium, thanks mom) i realised that there was more to the fish than its relationship with the anemone. Anyone who has ever owned one, or sat staring at one for hours will realise that these fish were not named clownfish for nothing. They have the oddest swimming style and usually very peculiar personalties. They kind of swim around like a snake. Wriggling their bodies - like your drunk uncle doing the worm on the dance floor  at a wedding reception. This strange swimming style is rather mesmerising (could explain why people who have never owned a clown know what I am talking about).

What some hobbyist have said about their clowns is also very interesting. One guy said that his clowns built a sand mound and then started playing peek-a-boo. There are other accounts of clowns fascinated with their reflections and playing games with their reflections.

As for getting them to host in an anemone, this is another story all together. You would think it easy like: Mr clown, meet Mr anemone. Play nicely and we will all be happy.  No no, you may be unfortunate enough that they don't host in it, but rather choice your powerhead! Also, you would have to consider the type of anemone. Caribbean anemones have some beautiful pinks and whites, but they won't host a clown and would be just another beautiful piece of ocean in your tank. So be careful. Another thing to consider would be anemone care - apparently very difficult.

I love these guys and will most probably always have a pair in all my tank. They have personality in bucket loads. They are also very open swimmers and you are never short of seeing them going about their business. I like the fact that you, as a hobbyist, can build a relationship with them. It's a excellent beginner fish as it is rather hardy to novice mistakes, but it provides you with alot of enjoyment. I can't tell you enough how much I rate these fish. And I bet if you ask any fish shop owner what fish do they sell the most of, it would be clowns!

Going for a snuggle in our new bed - the hammer coral

The night before day 8

I am a rather impatient person, I admit it. This week has been rather tough for me as it is generally accepted that you should let your tank run for a week at least in order for it to mature. So tomorrow is Saturday and the tank would have been running for a week. That means its fish time.

Before anyone thinks I am irresponsible, I have been testing my water religiously for Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrates. Ie the fish killers. I am happy to report that all of these have been zero or very (and I mean very very) close to it. So it should be safe to get a fish.

Who is the lucky fish, you ask? Amphiprion ocellaris. Otherwise know as the common clown or Ocellaris clown. To some, it will be know as Nemo.

I love clownfish, as I am sure many people do. There is just something about seeing them swim around and play in an anemone.

In due course, I am hoping to provide them with an anemone to call home. But for now, I will try work on my patience and wait a little before venturing into marine invertebrates of that sort.