I have a question about clown fish aggression

[badstorm48]

I know that they establish dominance over each other and one will submit, but with mine it's like the other will submit and the other will keep going after him even though he submits to her. I don't see any marks or find messed up but it's like if he comes out of the corner she goes at him and he'll submit and a second later will go back at him. Eventually she'll stop for a little bit but do it again. Really I'm just worried that she's going to stress him out to much and kill him and I don't want that to happen. They are both blood orange clowns and I've had them for 3 weeks now. I have a 40 gallon breeder so there's plenty of room for them. So, I'm just wondering if this is just something that all clowns go through for a little bit and then stop and they will be fine together or is it something they will stop. They were fine for the first couple weeks but week 3 seems to be bad. I may just be over worrying about it. They are both the same size as well. The one that does submit however has never tried to be aggressive to the other. He always submits. Advice would be appreciated. I have thought of taking the aggressor out and putting them in another tank for a couple days then putting her back in and see how that works has anyone had any luck with this or is it pointless to do and unneeded stress for the fish.

the fish that is bullied

the fish that bullies

 

[badstorm48]

I just hope I can make it to where they will get a long. The one that is bullied does eat though. Just continuously sits in the corner though which worries me cause of course that means they are scared and stressed

 

[melypr1985]

Seems like she's trying to keep her man under her thumb. It's normal and will subside some after a while. If she starts to cause damage then you might want to think about getting a different clown. Your sure they are both juveniles? Or at least they arn't both females right?

 

[Jisko]

I've been worried about this samething I want another Clarkii but im scared that the clarkii i have right now will go after the new one

 

[melypr1985]

I've been worried about this samething I want another Clarkii but im scared that the clarkii i have right now will go after the new one

Just make sure that the other clarkii is a male or a juvenile

 

[badstorm48]

I'm sure they are its, but i guess it could be a possibility. My lfs said they were to young to change and figure out that yet, but he could be wrong as well.

 

[melypr1985]

If they are very small then they are probably both juveniles and have no sex yet. They will have to work it out until they make the change.

 

[badstorm48]

So, could that maybe explain the aggression? They are just trying to figure out who is going to be who?

 

[melypr1985]

usually that's what goes on. They have to establish who is dominant and who isn't. Then the dominant has to maintain that dominance and let biology take over for a few changes in sex. I noticed that my female's aggression lessened some after their changes were complete. She's still dominant and doesn't let him forget it, but it's not as bad as it used to be. Oh and he's not aloud to leave the left side of the tank at all.

 

[badstorm48]

Okay makes me feel a lot better about it now.