Adding second Ocellaris clownfish to an established one

[Ryan9212]

Hi everyone,

Seems like this question has been asked repeatedly but was wondering about the following:
I have an Ocellaris in my 92g which has been in there for almost a year. It is about 2.5" and definitely aggressive. I am looking to add another Ocellaris clown and I know the smaller the better. I anticipate having issues if I simply drop another clown in there. What I was thinking is remove the clown in there now and put him in the sump then add the new smaller clown. If I give it a few days to a week and add the clown back from the sump do you think this will lessen the chances of having issues enough to risk adding the additional clown?

I know there will be some kind of aggression with pairing regardless I just want to hear your thoughts on trying this way. Swappng the clown out for 2 new ones is also an option but would rather not go this route. Also, I recently added a RBTA which he hasn't took much interest towards as of right now.

Thanks for the help!

 

[flooddc]

I have never experience issue with adding smaller clownfish to established female clownfish. Maybe just my luck. Usually, just drop new clown in and within a few days they bonded and become mated pair. Same with anemone, never has clownfish that are not attracted to anemones.
you can always try adding a fish with a acclimation box to see how the other clownfish react to the new addition.

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

I wouldn't sump the existing clown. You want to get the two together pretty quick, since the presence of the female is going to be what helps keep the male from starting to change sex. If you can catch the female, I'd put her in a clear container for a day or so, just so the male can get used to the tank. After that, I'd let the two together. Occellaris are pretty good, as far as clowns go, so as long as the male is small, you should be good...

Good luck!

 

[Potatohead]

I have never experience issue with adding smaller clownfish to established female clownfish. Maybe just my luck. Usually, just drop new clown in and within a few days they bonded and become mated pair. Same with anemone, never has clownfish that are not attracted to anemones.
you can always try adding a fish with a acclimation box to see how the other clownfish react to the new addition.

Mostly the same for me. Sometimes the large one will beat the little one up a bit for an hour or two, but then they get along.

 

[Ryan9212]

Everything is all good The additional clown is working out great. Thanks for the help!

Edit: if this helps anyone I put the female clown in a breeder net for a day to allow the small one to get used to everything. The female clown was super aggressive but definitely calmed way down since putting it back into the tank with the new clown.