Rbta Split

[szidls]

Hey Terry we had an rbta split in my 20 gal this morning . Just a question. I originally had 2 rose anemones. About 2 weeks ago we added a mated pair of tru perc clowns. They basically hosted just one of the anemones. Don't pay any attention to the other. The one they are hosting is the one that split. Now they are each in one of the split anemones. Should there be any concern why they leave one of the originals alone?. It seems healthy and eats. No probs that I can see.
Thanks, Scott

 

[szidls]

Give a little bump ^

 

[szidls]

Here is a pic of the split rbta and the percs.

 

[jlehigh]

congrats! Mine did the exact same thing, however my maroons go between the two often..

I'll help ya stay at the top of the list.

 

[jesshimom]

Nice clowns szidls, where did you get them or should I say who did you steal them from?

 

[Terry B]

Hi Scott,

Its nothing to worry about. Clowns will often visit all the suitable host anemones in their aquarium. However, that does not mean that all species of host anemones are suitable for all species of clownfish. If you keep your water quality high, lighting optimal and feed them your anemones may split periodically.

Cheers,
Terry B

 

[MCSInc]

Scott,

I have several "roses" and have some large Clarkii clowns that host in them. I think you hit on the key when you said "The one they are hosting is the one that split." That only makes sence because that is the one that gets the most food. Not only do my clarkii's take food to their favorite of the day but they also sleep there and leave droppings which are used by the anenome. Your other question "Should there be any concern why they leave one of the originals alone?" I feel that it is probably just the mood of the day or where it is positioned. But I would make sure and feed it extra since it does not have a "fishy" caretaker.

I feed mine just about anything from pellet fish food that I dribble near their mouths to silversides,but the favorite of course is silversides.

 

[RockyHeap]

Is there any way you can "Force" a RBTA to split? Like snipping the mantel edge with some scissors or something?

My RBTA is huge, almost 10" across in full bloom and it's impacting corals close to it as the RBTA have quite a sting to 'em.

 

[MCSInc]

Good Question

I will be watching for other peoples suggestions on this But...

The one thing I have heard is that stressing them will cause a split. So my first thought would be lift their rock out into a bucket - make a small change in salinity - and put them back. It would be worth a try.

One word of caution on having them split. A 10 inch RBTA (I have 4 of them right now) will not split into 2 5 inchers. More like 2 7 or 8 inch anenomes because they split in half so half is still full grown and the other half is just as big but with short tentacles that fill out in about a month or two. AND then they roam about finding their new happy home - impacting more corals and clams as they wonder. Pesky little cuties.

Next question - has anyone ever cut them in quarters???? Is this possible???