Help! Trying to pair two clownfish!

[Dylan7huskies]

So I currently had an organs clown in my 20 gallon nuvo. It was about 3 weeks into the tank and wanted to add a second clown (black) as fast as a could. It’s been about an hour and they are swimming together but the orange clown will randomly nip at the new black one. They are unfortunately the same size. Thoughts?

 

[code4]

Keep a close eye on them. Are they small? If they are small you have a good chance. A little nipping is ok. But if they are already both females you will need to take one out. I have always paired them up when really small. You could put a divided in the tank for a day or two also to give them time to get used to one another.

 

[Brandon Smith]

It would help to know the size of them. If they are under an 1" you should be fine. If the fighting does get to aggressive, then you will most likely have to remove one of them. Something you could try is to put either of them in a breeding net, mushroom box, etc. as a form of time out for a couple of days. This may help as well.

 

[bluprntguy]

I would take that clown back and get one that’s smaller.

 

[Dylan7huskies]

It would help to know the size of them. If they are under an 1" you should be fine. If the fighting does get to aggressive, then you will most likely have to remove one of them. Something you could try is to put either of them in a breeding net, mushroom box, etc. as a form of time out for a couple of days. This may help as well.

Definitely no more than an inch!

 

[Dylan7huskies]

Keep a close eye on them. Are they small? If they are small you have a good chance. A little nipping is ok. But if they are already both females you will need to take one out. I have always paired them up when really small. You could put a divided in the tank for a day or two also to give them time to get used to one another.

Can’t be any bigger than an inch!

 

[Dylan7huskies]

Here’s a closer picture

 

[James M]

If you see ripped fine you need to take one out. Black one looks smaller

 

[Dylan7huskies]

If you see ripped fine you need to take one out. Black one looks smaller

I think you’re right. That’s good?

 

[code4]

I think you’re right. That’s good?

yes that is good. Larger one will transition into a female. Everyone has given you good advice. Separate them if it turns into aggression though. Wish you could let them see and not touch though.

 

[Dylan7huskies]

yes that is good. Larger one will transition into a female. Everyone has given you good advice. Separate them if it turns into aggression though. Wish you could let them see and not touch though.

Separate how? Like remove?

 

[Dylan7huskies]

Update: the new black clown goes up behind the orange crown and clearly wants to get along but the orange will nip in more of a defensive manner

 

[Brandon Smith]

Update: the new black clown goes up behind the orange crown and clearly wants to get along but the orange will nip in more of a defensive manner

It is most likely claiming dominance. If see ripped fins or worse, definitely seperate.

 

[James M]

I think you’re right. That’s good?

Smaller is good for new clowns . The established clownfish nipping at the new clownfish is normal but to an extent. Just keep an eye on them

 

[code4]

By separate them we mean put a barrier between them. Or put one in a container designed to allow them to still be in the same tank but not touch. I have used plexi glass with holes drilled in it. There are several models you can buy.

 

[LesPoissons]

I think you are fine. They need time to work it out. If the orange will not let up, then do something.

 

[LisaMarie]

My clowns started out the same way. Give them a little well supervised time and they should be fine. Mine were bff's in about 6 weeks.

 

[code4]

Let us know how they do? And good luck.

Shelley