Fighting clowns

Richie1898 · Feb 23, 2020

Mid January I got a pair of ocellaris clowns at my LFS, about a week in one started to nip and pick on the other one, after some research I saw that it was normal for the most part. They are about the same size for the most part and the less aggressive one as been submitting by shaking and turning on his side. But recently the two have been locking lips and really getting aggressive. I’m afraid to take my hood off without having to catch one if it comes flying out from being chased. Only today did it get pretty brutal. But both look in great health with minor nips to their fins. I’m not sure what to do, wait it out or exchange for a smaller guy. Any ideas?

Sailfin11 · Feb 23, 2020

I wouldn't worry too much about it. So long as both continue to eat and neither is lethargic, they should figure things out. Usually, it takes them a little bit longer to determine dominance when they're the same size versus having one that's considerably larger. Occerlaris, unlike maroons for example, rarely fight to the death and will usually only squabble a little bit. Best of luck and keep us posted on their progress!

SudzFD · Feb 23, 2020

I just picked up two true Percula’s. They are both about the same size and I was surprised by the aggression between them. After 1 day they seem to be establishing dominance and now mostly swim together all the time but still occasionally chase or nip at each other. I was contemplating exchanging for a smaller one too but I’m going to wait it out and see I think. Following the thread to see what folks say.

Richie1898 · Feb 26, 2020

So a little update for everyone, came home from work this afternoon to find the bullied one had lost half of his color due to stress and I couldn’t tolerate seeing him suffer any longer. I took them to my LFS and exchanged them, luckily the owner was very kind and let me exchange them for an established pair of black/mocha clowns (not sure I’m colorblind lol, they look brown and black to everyone else though) but they’re younger and seem to be acclimating well. I’m gonna miss my first ever fish, but it was for the better!

Uncle99 · Feb 27, 2020

Maybe both are were female, or one was female and another is turning. That does not work out.
Always have one much smaller, like 1/2” to 3/4”
This ensures a sexually immature male.

Richie1898 · Feb 27, 2020

Uncle99 said:
Maybe both are were female, or one was female and another is turning. That does not work out.
Always have one much smaller, like 1/2” to 3/4”
This ensures a sexually immature male.

They were very similar in size, and they were locking lips quite frequently. But hopefully they’re doing better now

Glott3133 · Feb 27, 2020

Richie1898 said:
They were very similar in size, and they were locking lips quite frequently. But hopefully they’re doing better now

Yea, the locking of the lips can get pretty bad. In my experience the less dominant one usually doesn't make it. I have a mated pair of maroons, and they are just mean to each other and every one else. Glad you were able to exchange them.