Male clownfish getting bullied?

[_cpate3_]

I woke up this morning to my female darting around the tank and dive bombing my male. The male looks extremely stressed is breathing heavy and there are breaks in one of his fins which are new. They aren’t swimming by eachother and when they get close the female will go after him. I haven’t seen them make actual contact but is the male getting bullied? They’ve been in the tank paired up for 2 months now and idk what to do

 

[vetteguy53081]

I woke up this morning to my female darting around the tank and dive bombing my male. The male looks extremely stressed is breathing heavy and there are breaks in one of his fins which are new. They aren’t swimming by eachother and when they get close the female will go after him. I haven’t seen them make actual contact but is the male getting bullied? They’ve been in the tank paired up for 2 months now and idk what to do

Its unfortunate but is a typical scenario with many clown pairs and referred to as clown Hierarchy where the female clownfish are much more dominant than the males. They become greedy and try to eat most of the food that gets into the tank (which is one reason the males don't grow as large). They often protect their home whether that be an anemone, a nesting site, a clay pot or even the entire fish tank. If it attacks your hand when you're trying to clean the glass or it won't let any other fish near its spot, you most likely have a female clownfish. Often if you separate the female for a week or two into an acclimation box or sump, there may be a change in her behavior, and you will quickly see the male come out in the open.

 

[_cpate3_]

Its unfortunate but is a typical scenario with many clown pairs and referred to as clown Hierarchy where the female clownfish are much more dominant than the males. They become greedy and try to eat most of the food that gets into the tank (which is one reason the males don't grow as large). They often protect their home whether that be an anemone, a nesting site, a clay pot or even the entire fish tank. If it attacks your hand when you're trying to clean the glass or it won't let any other fish near its spot, you most likely have a female clownfish. Often if you separate the female for a week or two into an acclimation box or sump, there may be a change in her behavior, and you will quickly see the male come out in the open.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yeah - hierarchy and what an annoying bully

 

[_cpate3_]

Will my male be ok or will she kill him?

 

[_cpate3_]

Yeah - hierarchy and what an annoying bully

I just fed the tank, the male hid in a corner while the female fed normally. I did watch him get some food so he did eat but not normal behavior whatsoever. also when I fed I noticed my pistol shrimp came out without my goby standing watch which I also thought wasn't normal. could it be possible my female killed my goby as well?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just fed the tank, the male hid in a corner while the female fed normally. I did watch him get some food so he did eat but not normal behavior whatsoever. also when I fed I noticed my pistol shrimp came out without my goby standing watch which I also thought wasn't normal. could it be possible my female killed my goby as well?

While iys possible- hard to confirm. Sounds like she needs a time out either in an isolation box or sump.
Once this is done- you will see a relaxed tank and even goby come out if intimidated by female