Fish suddenly not getting along

[Delta1389]

So my coral beauty has suddenly decided she doesn't care much for my clowns which have been in the tank with her for 3+ weeks. She's always been very laid back and was the first fish added to the tank. Thing is she's getting her butt kicked and she keeps going back for more. Not sure what to do here as the clowns aren't really returning the aggression until she comes looking for a fight.

 

[Desmond]

What size tank do you have ? Seems like it could be a territory battle. The clowns will win for sure they are fearless. Mine even attack me if I go to close to the hammer they host. All you can do is see if it settles down or you could try moving a few rocks around and they may look for new areas. Only thing about moving rocks is you could cause a mini spike. I would wait a little longer and see if the beauty takes the hint

 

[eatbreakfast]

^Agreed. Knowing the tank size definitely wilp help determining the seriousness of the situation. Clown fish are very site oriented and coral beauties claim a territory. In most cases it will work itself out in a short while, but not always.

 

[Birddog]

I have the same problem in that I have a pair of Clarki and a Coral Beauty in my 65 gal reef. The Clarki's have been in there a year and the Coral Beauty for about two months. The Coral Beauty swims right over to their BTA looking for a fight. The only difference is that I think the Coral Beauty has the upper hand in my tank.... Almost hard to believe!

 

[Delta1389]

Tank is a standard 29 gallon. The pair of clowns stick to their one rock for the most part as the coral beauty weaves in and out of the rock work picking at it. It's not what I would typically expect for aggression. There is no chasing involved. The angel will swim up to the rock where the clowns are and begin posturing at the female, turning on her side to show how big she is. The clowns will ignore her for a bit then get irritated and nip at her. Her anal fin has a bit of damage to it from their little altercations but overall it hasn't been too serious. It just struck me as odd as I've kept dwarf angels and clownfish together in a 29 before without issue.

 

[stevo01]

Def sounds like territory issue. Are there any clown fry, or is she getting ready?

 

[Delta1389]

Def sounds like territory issue. Are there any clown fry, or is she getting ready?

There are no fry. They may be getting ready to lay, she's definitely old enough. She's been fanning the sand next to their rock but I haven't noticed her obsessively cleaning it.

 

[stevo01]

If they are prepping a nursery that could upset the previous staus quo as well as increase aggression coming from the clowns. Just a guess tho.

 

[stevo01]

Hopefully the CB learns to back off. I believe if the clowns lay eggs the CB will show interest and cause the clowns to defend the nest. Possibly killing the CB. Good luck and interested in hearing how it goes.