Clowns aggression towards me

[SomeGuysReef]

I am wondering if anyone can help. My clown fish displays a lot of aggression towards me whenever I put my hand in the aquarium. The problem doesn’t appear to be territorial, wherever my hand goes I’m subject to biting and headbutting and it makes me jump causing splashes of water to drip down the side of the tank and to be honest it kind of hurts. From my observations it doesn’t seem to show much aggression towards the other fish in the aquarium it just seems to be aimed at me. The fish is currently on its own due to its partner dying. What can I do, would adding another clown help calm it down or should I try the tank swap method?

 

[Mjrenz]

That's pretty normal for a clown, it's it a maroon? It's possible that she may take to another mate but the aggression probably won't go away

 

[CNDReef]

Clown fish are evil little buggers. Mine used to jump out of the water if my hand was over the tank for any reason. I got tired of it and gave them away.

 

[Turnage]

Reefing 101: Clown fish are jerks.

 

[Justin Cook]

I have a Clarkii that attacks me in the tank, close to the tank or any inanimate object I put in the tank. People laugh when they see her doing her thing but it still scares me sometimes when I'm not suspecting it.

 

[Aeb1419]

yup same thing use to happen to me. Nothing I can do would change that. So I bought gloves and no more problems. Except that one time where it bit threw the glove and I just ended up killing the little B#&@%$.....................................................................................................................................................................jk

 

[rkpetersen]

If you get another clown and they take to each other, they might produce some eggs.
If that happens, they'll get much more aggressive toward you and other fish than they are now.

 

[Cell]

My LMB would do that to me. You just have to get used to it and know it's coming so you aren't so startled when it happens.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Yep, they are jerks. I love them to death, but I had a pair that were absolutely vicious. Not only to me though. They went to a home where they were the only fish in the system.
I am sorry to hear you loss. It is fine alone, or if you add one, add a very small one.

 

[NY_Caveman]

This is common. I promise it is not you Welcome to R2R!

 

[Mjrenz]

I almost forgot, welcome to the forum!

 

[DeniseAndy]

Sorry, did not notice either. Welcome!!!

 

[siggy]

Welcome to club

 

[Elegance Coral]

You can try hand feeding the clown at every feeding. This causes the clown to associate your hand with food, and not as a threat. If they do attack, don't swat at them. This only makes them more defensive. I've been raising all my clowns, for decades, like this, and I haven't had to deal with getting bit.
More recently, I have increased my clownfish stock. I now have about 60 adults. I don't have time to hand feed each one, so now I'm back to getting attacked every time I put my hands in the tank. I had forgotten how hard these little buggers bite. It sucks. LOL

 

[SomeGuysReef]

Thanks for everybody’s quick response all pretty much say the same thing…

So in general I am screwed forever to be pecked at by a clown fish with an attitude problem.

You can try hand feeding the clown at every feeding. This causes the clown to associate your hand with food, and not as a threat. If they do attack, don't swat at them. This only makes them more defensive. I've been raising all my clowns, for decades, like this, and I haven't had to deal with getting bit.
More recently, I have increased my clownfish stock. I now have about 60 adults. I don't have time to hand feed each one, so now I'm back to getting attacked every time I put my hands in the tank. I had forgotten how hard these little buggers bite. It sucks. LOL

However this seems like solid advice I will defiantly give it a try. Thanks



Once again thank you for all the welcomes and responses.

 

[Peace River]

[...]
However this seems like solid advice I will defiantly give it a try. Thanks

Once again thank you for all the welcomes and responses.

I've been getting advice from @Elegance Coral for 10-15 years and I've learned that advice is always spot on. The good news is the patience even when I didn't always listen, but great advice nonetheless.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Clownfish are just mean fish. They are my favorite I love them to death!
Image isnt mine I borrowed for the memes