Clownfish Paired?

[DerekBunzel]

I’m new to the saltwater hobby and very excited to watch my tank grow. I started a 10gal nano cube which has been fully cycled. I recently purchased two juvenile ocellaris clowns at my LFS last week. At first I only wanted one clown because I figured my tank was too small, but I quickly realized I wanted another. The next day I went back to the store and bought the other. (I was very scared that they would end up fighting because I know you’re not supposed to add clowns seperately. However, I figured since the original one was still shy and didn’t have a territory established it would be ok) I fully acclimated him by a drip system. After 30 mins, I added him to the tank and the two instantly started swimming together, so far I haven’t observed any nipping or chasing, the two look like best friends and are having a blast! However, I haven’t seen any dancing or any dominance displayed. Are they paired or are they too young to worry about showing dominance?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Reeferdood]

First of all.....

If they are not fighting now they will likely pair up if they haven't already!

 

[DerekBunzel]

First of all.....

If they are not fighting now they will likely pair up if they haven't already!

Cool! Thank you!

 

[BestMomEver]

Yes.... welcome! If I may ask, what type of clowns did you purchase? Maroons, ocellaris, tomatoes? Are they relatively the same size?

My first question has to do with suitability for the size tank you have. Two ocellaris might be ok in that small a tank for a while. If you purchased two maroons you probably need to invest in a larger system fairly quickly as maroons can grow to 6” long.

My second question has to do with pairing. Two small clowns will “pair” when one or the other develops into a definitive female and the other, a male. As I understand, that happens as a result of dominance. The female will grow larger and, in my experience, will be more aggressive. As they grow, and their sex is “set” you may see the female act a little more feisty but usually a true pair are ok with each other.

 

[DerekBunzel]

Yes.... welcome! If I may ask, what type of clowns did you purchase? Maroons, ocellaris, tomatoes? Are they relatively the same size?

My first question has to do with suitability for the size tank you have. Two ocellaris might be ok in that small a tank for a while. If you purchased two maroons you probably need to invest in a larger system fairly quickly as maroons can grow to 6” long.

My second question has to do with pairing. Two small clowns will “pair” when one or the other develops into a definitive female and the other, a male. As I understand, that happens as a result of dominance. The female will grow larger and, in my experience, will be more aggressive. As they grow, and their sex is “set” you may see the female act a little more feisty but usually a true pair are ok with each other.

The clowns I purchased were ocellaris.

 

[BestMomEver]

The clowns I purchased were ocellaris.

Very good! Smaller. They should be ok for a while. I bought two tiny Clarkii without reading about them (again). I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about clowns... certainly not to the level of some...but I do ok. But I failed this one. I put two tiny Clarkii in a 32. I love Clarkii and was excited to see them in the store so I bought them without double checking first. They will be 5” long in the end. They’ll be ok but i should’ve checked. I thought they’d be more ocellaris sized.

 

[DerekBunzel]

Very good! Smaller. They should be ok for a while. I bought two tiny Clarkii without reading about them (again). I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about clowns... certainly not to the level of some...but I do ok. But I failed this one. I put two tiny Clarkii in a 32. I love Clarkii and was excited to see them in the store so I bought them without double checking first. They will be 5” long in the end. They’ll be ok but i should’ve checked. I thought they’d be more ocellaris sized.

Yes I made sure I got ocellaris for my tank size! The couple I have right now a probably about 1”