Clownfish changed behaviors

[JBS92]

Hi Ive had a 10g tank with two mai tai clownfish for a little over a month now. For the first month fish one was shy and fish two was not.
But yesterday their behaviors changed and now the fish one is ultra aggressive and fought with the not so shy one for 15 min.
Fish one who was previously shy and kept to corners won’t stop chasing fish two and has nipped its tail fin and the bottom fin near the tail fin pretty good. Do I need to separate them?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi Ive had a 10g tank with two mai tai clownfish for a little over a month now. For the first month fish one was shy and fish two was not.
But yesterday their behaviors changed and now the fish one is ultra aggressive and fought with the not so shy one for 15 min.
Fish one who was previously shy and kept to corners won’t stop chasing fish two and has nipped its tail fin and the bottom fin near the tail fin pretty good. Do I need to separate them?

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Generally, if fin damage is occurring, separating the fish is a good idea. A tank divider works well for a 10 gallon like yours.
Will you ever be able to pair them back up? I can’t say, but maybe you will be able if you get the damaged one back in good shape and then be ready to drop the divider back in if need be.
Jay

 

[JBS92]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Generally, if fin damage is occurring, separating the fish is a good idea. A tank divider works well for a 10 gallon like yours.
Will you ever be able to pair them back up? I can’t say, but maybe you will be able if you get the damaged one back in good shape and then be ready to drop the divider back in if need be.
Jay

Thanks for the advice. I just ordered a divider that should be delivered tomorrow. I guess I should reset my rocks in the tank to make space for the divider. Also since I have a shrimp and a fire fish in the tank should I keep them on the side with the less aggressive fish?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Clowns can do this. Divider is great and hope it works out for you.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the advice. I just ordered a divider that should be delivered tomorrow. I guess I should reset my rocks in the tank to make space for the divider. Also since I have a shrimp and a fire fish in the tank should I keep them on the side with the less aggressive fish?

That’s a good question. You might want to divide the tank with a bit more space on one side and use that for the weaker clown, shrimp and fire fish.
Jay

 

[gibec]

i put 2 clowns in my tank and there was always 1 dominant one of the group. but as time passed the dominant one became calmer after they paired.