Clown bullying Pygmy Angel

[Pmj]

Hi all,
As the title states, I added a pgymy angel a few weeks ago (2-3) and since the beginning, the female clown (oscellaris) has been bullying him big time. The clown and her partner used to do basically nothing but hang out in their RBTA until it was time to eat. She has always been tough, first one to eat and doesn't care about anyone bigger than her, but this is the first time she's ever gone after another fish.

I was hoping it would calm down after a week or two but she still relentlessly is searching for him and chasing him. A few days ago he was missing a huge chunk of his tail (like 50+%). He still is very healthy and active otherwise. In fact, what doesn't make sense is if I use something to shoo her away back to her nem, he comes out and actively goes to where their home is. It's like he's a masochist.

I don't see any eggs (although it's hard to tell), are dwarf angels known to be a predator for their eggs? I'm wondering if it's either an innate response to him or it's just the fact that the clown has grown up and will be a bully to all new fish. Options?

100G 48" tank
Fish:
2x Clown
Melanurus Wrasse
Yellow Tang
Lyretail Anthias
2x Chromis
Goby/Shrimp
Pygmy Angel

 

[the_reef_keeper]

Try feeding more often since you describe her being super bold when there is food in the water

 

[4FordFamily]

Try feeding more often since you describe her being super bold when there is food in the water

X2 this is good advice. Also, there aren't many fish in a tank of that size which can lead to more targeted bullying. It's one of the few detriments to a lightly stocked tank.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Try placing a mirror on one side of the tank for a few days. Another perceived clown pr may get her attention more than the angel.

You could also get a critter keeper. Catch the clowns and leave them in the critter keeper for a week or two. This way the angel has a chance to get established without harassment, and the clown may be able to calm down by seeing the angel but not being able to chase.

 

[gz66]

Hi there,

I know I'm about 2 years late but I just got a pgymy angel yesterday and my clown is doing the same thing. What did you end up doing to stop the bullying?