Clowns substituting colt for anemone

[fletch]

My 2 Perc-Clowns are substituting my colt coral for an anemone They are sleeping in it and swimming threw it and rubbing up against it all the time now, The colt keeps retracting when the clowns are in it. But the colt seems to be getting used to it and it isn't retracting as much as it did at first. Do you think that this will have an adverse effect on the colt? And do Colts give off any toxins when they are being bothered .......................... John

[Craig Manoukian]

All soft corals use chemical defense systems. LPS and SPS use nematocysts. Clown fish can create a protective slime for all kinds of soft coral in addition to host anemones. My Palythoa have accepted my Maroon clown.

[fletch]

So you Don't think there will be a problem then?

[Craig Manoukian]

No, but each case can be different. Keep an eye on the colt and then see. I would bet everything will be oky doky.

[fletch]

Thank You Craig ............... John