shawnw

Hello:
I am setting up a SW tank and it is cycling through, i am looking to to get some clown fish but as i read more and more they are many many types of clowns. the Percula and the ocellaris clown.. please help... wats the "BIG" difference and which is preferred??

sgould

One of the big differences is that ocellaris are supposed to be hardier/easier to care for, and are thus more commonly recommended for beginners. They both max out at about 3.5" in size, both have the same dietary requirements, and are both relatively peaceful towards other tankmates. The markings on the 2 are somewhat different...more pronounced, thicker black bands on the perc than on the ocellaris.

shawnw

ok.. thanks.. my next question would be; Can you add more different types of clown fish with the percula or ocellaris, such as the maroo nclown or the black and white clown??

sgould

Everything I have ever read has been consistent in saying do not mix clown species. Even though they usually get along with other tankmates, they can be aggressive towards each other.

shawnw

ok.. so there goes my list of tankmates....lol i love the maroon clown but my wife loves the percula....so im out numbered on that one....i just wonder what my options are on fish now...probably endless....

sgould

This is for the 90 gallon? If so...definately have lots of options. Have you found sites to help you research possibilities? Here are a couple...

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/a...plies.cfm?c=15
http://www.fishlore.com/saltwaterfish.htm

shawnw

yes its for a 90 gallon... im just trying to look at what options i have..lol...i wonder if my LFS could order something that i want??

sgould

Just have to ask to find out, but I know some stores will. Some species are only available seasonally though, so if you are looking for something that falls into that category you might have trouble.

shawnw

i just want something flashy and with lots of color..... i like a bright tank...

SWfreshmen31

the royal gramma would bring nice colors in. and if you want eventually corals(if you have the right lighting)