Clownfish fighting all of a sudden

[slipknotgrrl83]

I have 2 percula clown fish, have had female for about 4 years, her pal passed a year ago so I got another this past July. They have been fine swimming together etc. Today one start twitching as if trying to pair and the other did not twitch back. Hard to tell which is which among the commotion. Then all of a sudden the chase and fin nip begun. It got bad enough I pulled the nipped one out and put in acclimation box. I dont know what to do, help! Also I noticed the eye looks cloudy or popped out which I never noticed till now

 

[James M]

What are the size differences

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

What are the size differences

when I got male he was much smaller, they've been together 8 months no issues

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

when I got male he was much smaller, they've been together 8 months no issues

Not huge size difference but not the same size

 

[ourcoralreef]

Keep them separate and monitor them seems like the male was attempting to become a female they never fully paired up its not common after 8 months but possible
Keep a eye on the cloudy/pop eye

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

Keep them separate and monitor them seems like the male was attempting to become a female they never fully paired up its not common after 8 months but possible
Keep a eye on the cloudy/pop eye

How long should I keep them apart, the bullied is in a small acclimation box, I dont have a qt setup currently. If I have too I will get rid of one to keep the peace

 

[ourcoralreef]

How long should I keep them apart, the bullied is in a small acclimation box, I dont have a qt setup currently. If I have too I will get rid of one to keep the peace

Keep it in the box so they still see each other
I would usually recommend this until the aggressor calms down but you mentioned that one is sick so i would recommend until it looks healthy
Sick is a sign of weakness and will bring out aggression in the other fish

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

Keep it in the box so they still see each other
I would usually recommend this until the aggressor calms down but you mentioned that one is sick so i would recommend until it looks healthy
Sick is a sign of weakness and will bring out aggression in the other fish

Thank you, will do.