Both clowns getting big?

Mr. Microscope · Jun 16, 2015

Hello All,

I've had my two percula clownfish since they were pups. They're at least four years old now. I've read it takes clowns three to five years to mature, but both of mine are getting quite big (2.5" or so). They still get along and hang out together night and day, but it seems like they both want to be the female.

Any thoughts? Does the transition from male to female happen quickly once they reach maturity. Will I suddenly find one of my clowns getting even bigger, or am I facing the possibility of a real war?

Despite many searches, I cannot seem to find the answer. Hense, the thread.

Thanks all!

WetWhistle · Jun 16, 2015

Are they the same size? Or is one bigger?
I find that percula pairs grow close in size, but one is typically slightly bigger then the other and will be the female.

Is one more submissive then the other? Look at the behavior for the clues.

Mr. Microscope · Jun 16, 2015

Thank you for your reply!

Yes, one is just slightly bigger. Has been pretty much the whole time, but the difference is really small. Only noticeable if you're really paying attention. I just figured by this point (four years in) there'd be a more noticeable difference.

Usually, when I see a mating pair, the male is a lot smaller than either of my clowns.

You think this is something more common with perc's? Will I suddenly see one grow quickly over the course of six months or so?

MedicTaboo · Jun 17, 2015

I blame Bruce Jenner...

WetWhistle · Jun 17, 2015

I can't believe Bruce would do such a thing?!? ;p

I found with perc's that if I added them at the same time or the size was close they didn't have much of a size difference. If I added a smaller juvenile with a bigger fish I noticed that the male sometimes stayed smaller but not always. Other species like a tomato clown has a considerable size difference between gender. I myself have not noticed a size increase over time with the female perc.

WetWhistle · Jun 17, 2015

Guess what one my female is? lol

jayjigga · Jun 17, 2015

We just talked about that Sunday

they're definitely very close in size, and both gorgeous. I'll take one and replace it with a baby something and then you won't have an issue, lol

WetWhistle · Jun 17, 2015

That is very nice of you to help out like that. lol

gar732 · Jun 17, 2015

I have a breeding pair of picassos where the male is much smaller than the female. I also have a couple occy pairs where the male is much closer in size to the female. I don't think there are specific rules, it just work out how it does. All 3 of my pairs are breeding pairs as well so I don't see the male try to go female. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Mr. Microscope · Jun 17, 2015

WetWhistle said:
I found with perc's that if I added them at the same time or the size was close they didn't have much of a size difference. If I added a smaller juvenile with a bigger fish I noticed that the male sometimes stayed smaller but not always. Other species like a tomato clown has a considerable size difference between gender. I myself have not noticed a size increase over time with the female perc.

Thank you for your reply WW.

jayjigga said:
We just talked about that Sunday they're definitely very close in size, and both gorgeous. I'll take one and replace it with a baby something and then you won't have an issue, lol

lol! Thanks Jay! Yeah, I really like the gladiator sideburns that these guys have.

gar732 said:
I have a breeding pair of picassos where the male is much smaller than the female. I also have a couple occy pairs where the male is much closer in size to the female. I don't think there are specific rules, it just work out how it does. All 3 of my pairs are breeding pairs as well so I don't see the male try to go female. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Very interesting. Thank you for setting my mind at ease gar.