Introducing young Tomato Clownfish to old?

[1979fishgeek]

I adopted a 5 inch adult female tomato Clownfish which i settled into a 300l bubbletip Anemone dominated setup, shes the only occupant.

I have a 1 inch juvenile Tomato Clown just finished quarantine and want to introduce him to create a pair, any advice and what to expect? The female has been mateless and anemone less for 8 years. She settled into nem like it was the most natural thing in the world, so what’s the chance of her accepting a young mate or will she try to kill him? Has it been too long a period on her own or could the old lady fancy a young man?

Interestingly the bubbletips were bubbleless until she set up home and then the bubbles came back too! Clearly the relashionship is beneficial to both, nature is awesome!

 

[davocean]

New clown mates should always be intro'd in an acclimation box, and observe female.
It should be obvious if she is curious, or lashing out wanting to kill it.
Sometimes females just do not accept certain males, a clear box gives sanctuary, as a large female can kill a small male in little time.
Good luck.

 

[1979fishgeek]

New clown mates should always be intro'd in an acclimation box, and observe female.
It should be obvious if she is curious, or lashing out wanting to kill it.
Sometimes females just do not accept certain males, a clear box gives sanctuary, as a large female can kill a small male in little time.
Good luck.

Thank you, I’ve got a large fish trap I can use. That’s a great idea!

 

[davocean]

Float it near females area, at least a day, let her get comfortable and curious

 

[1979fishgeek]

I popped him into the box during the night, I came down this morning to find her swimming calmly next to him with no signs of aggression and after 3 hours they had not parted. I released him and the two of them instantly swam into the nem and now look inseparable. They have both eaten and he brought food back for the nem. How cool is this, must be the easiest pairing ever! Thanks for the fish box idea! Genius!

 

[mort]

Looking good already but don't be surprised if he takes a battering later on. You are seeing acceptance at the moment, likely because of the large size difference, when they pair she will asert her dominance and this will happen before they breed.
This is perfectly natural and what keeps him in his place like all good husbands.

 

[1979fishgeek]

He’s being doing some head standing and she’s been shimmering on the spot, they seem so settled but having had Clarki Clowns in the past this seems way to easy, maybe it’s love at first site or maybe the calm before the storm. He’s so far showing his submission and she’s been really laid back, remember the Clarkii female I had was absolutely evil to her poor mate and both took chunks out of me when my arm was in the tank.

I’m hopping to dedicate this tank to breeding Tomato Clownfish so wish me luck! (And him! Lol)

These were my old Clarkii clowns which were over 15 years old.