Bicinctus Clownfish pair aggression

buddymilo · Dec 21, 2015

Hello,

I have a pair of two banded clowns that came together from LFS.

They have been acting normally and healthily for the past few weeks.
However, after adding a Fire Shrimp yesterday (first addition since the clowns), the female has started being much more aggressive to the male, nipping his fins (not face to face)

We isolated her, then reintroduced after feeding.

They are currently avoiding each other, but not being overtly aggressive.
My thought is that the female became stressed/territorial after the addition of the shrimp and took it out on the male.

Is this typical?
Should I be worried about leaving the fish in the tank together?
The male took some damage to the left pelvic fin

The tank is a 55g with LR and a canister (sump in progress [emoji16])
Water parameters are normal

Thanks for the help!

eatbreakfast · Dec 22, 2015

Female clowns show their dominance to the male through displays like that. Some species are more aggressive with each other than others, bicinctus can be on the aggressive side. As long as she allows him to host with her, and doesn't chase him across the tank, I wouldn't worry.

buddymilo · Dec 22, 2015

So she is chasing him during the day, but isn't as nippy. She has been keeping him by the powerhead, and kind of chasing him back there. They hosted together last night.
Does this sound typical?

DeniseAndy · Dec 22, 2015

Yep. Until they get fully settled in somewhere, she will be a snot (putting it nicely). Sometimes, the female will always harass the male, but eventually it should settle. She will chase him and boss him around, but not hurt him. There are exceptions, but not if they have been together this long. My guess is the female is newly turned and just asserting herself. Making sure she is in charge.
Rightfully so. heehee