Clownfish swimming behaviour?

[dstiefel]

I just recently bought a Clownfish to add to my saltwater fish-only tank. Since I am relatively new to saltwater tanks, I am also new to the wide variety and behaviour of saltwater fish. Is it normal for a Clownfish to swim in a bobbing (see-saw) type manner? There are no anemone in this tank. After I adjust to the maintenance of saltwater I will add a reef tank with anemone so that I can eventually have a reef/fish tank. But, for now, I am just trying to learn about the fish behaviours. I also have two damsels and an overly active hermit crab in this tank. Any advice would be appreciated.

Donny

 

[Edmonton Eskimo]

That is perfectly normal for clownfish. They aren't very good swimmers. Mine almost looks drunk at times it's very amusing

 

[tecwzrd]

They tend to be a little shy for the first week but will explore the tank more afterwards. They do bob and weave and will only swim fast if scared or going after food. Mine took to a fake anemone and they do fine without one at all. It’s best to wait about a year for your tank to develop fully with LR and adequate lighting before attempting to keep an anemone.

Links to artificial corals/anemone.
http://store.seacorals.net/index.html
http://www.seascapeonline.com/seascape_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=3
http://www.reefreplicas.com/
http://www.livingcolor.com/
http://www.petco.com/Shop/ProductList.aspx?Nav=220&N=24+105+30+503
http://www.petblvd.com
http://www.oceanproaquatics.com/shop/index.php/cPath/30_22
http://www.oceanaquaria.com/products.html


I feed my fish the “San Francisco Bay Brand Frozen Saltwater MultiPack” http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8131&N=2004+6000+2146962007

Along with “Seaweed Selects” 2" X 2” section per day. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

If you don’t have that many fish I’d cut the cube up into 3 or more parts.

I’d avoid brine shrimp as a primary diet since they have little nutritional value but the occasional brine as a treat is fine.

 

[dstiefel]

Thank you both for your insight. I'm looking forward to the saltwater venture. I've dealt with freshwater for a long time and I think it's just time for a change.