Maroon Clowns

[tebstan]

I've read posts from this forum and others about experience with maroon clowns. I read a lot from other sources, as well. I've asked a friend that's into marine biology. I've asked a friend that always seems to be right. (That kills me sometimes.) I still haven't come to a definitive conclusion.

Can a pair of maroon clowns be formed the same way as other clowns? Will the largest/dominant one become the female? Many sources say yes. But they are of a different genus, Premnas. All the other clowns are Amphiprion. I can't find any reason that this is a factor, but it did give me pause.

Should I get two at the same time, or let one get bigger before bringing in the second? If I got just one, would it be lonely?

[apedroza]

Yes maroons will change sex also. If you get 2 small ones from a group one will most likely develop into a female. Its best to pick from a group that has 2 definite dominant ones (male/female). Then you'll know the smaller ones have not developed yet. You definitely do NOT want to introduce one before the other. Maroons are very territorial and the established one may pick on the new one.

[Third Coast Tropical]

WSMs are more aggressive than the GSMs, granted they are the exact same species, just a different color variation.......they are not easy to pair.....I have finally just gotten my female WSM to accept the male that is with her....he was the 3rd fish i attempted to pair with her....the GSM pair i have i bought from Blue Zoo and had them pair them for me.....they have been great ever since i have had them....the larger fish will become the female in maroons.....if you get WSMs, get 2 small ones and let them grow together and then over time you willl seee the sexual dimorphism start to occur, where the female becomes larger.......they still may fight, so be careful.....in my opinion, if you can find them paired already, it is easiest to just do it that way......i have 2 pairs of maroons now, actually picking up my third pair tomorrow afternoon......good luck.....