New clown behavior?

[Fredrik Andersson]

three days ago I added 2 small clowns to my newly started tank (10 w cycling). These first days they have been only swimming quite hectic infront of the glass, looks like they are trying to find a way through.

They havent swim into the rocks once. Is this a common behaviour?

 

[Jason Smothers]

I recently purchased two juvenile mocha clowns. They have been in my tank for about two weeks now. The first week they did much the same as yours. They would swim excitedly back-and-forth to the point where I thought they were gonna die of exhaustion. After that first week they are starting to settle in. They are eating great and have started to stay in different areas of the tank for more extended periods of time.

Having had other clown fish do the same thing, I expect this is normal and all part of the settling in process. As long as they are eating and look healthy I suspect you are okay. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Coralreefer1]

They are still acclimating to your tank! Also, Clowns don’t need to swim into rock work to be healthy, nor do they need the presence of an Anemone. Clownfish swim in sporadic and erratic patterns as if they are being chased all the time.
How big is your tank? What other inhabitants do you have in the tank?
If your fish are displaying labored breathing and a lethargic swimming motion, then you may have reasons to be concerned. However, from what you are describing...it’s just Clownfish being Clownfish.

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

Thanks for the answers! Guess I just need to give them some time to adjust then Is it correct that they eventually pick a small area as their territory?

How can I see if they are breathing to heavily?

My tank is 100l (30-ish gallons) I except for the clowns I have one peppermint shrimp, one cleaner shrimp, 2 hermit crabs, 7 snails and one starfish

 

[Coralreefer1]

Usually, they will settle in and claim their own piece of a tank. My pair hang out in the front left side of my reef tank. There is a colony of Anthelia that they have claimed as their home...who needs an Anemone to house Clowns for them to survive!
As for breathing, fish will breath very rapidly as if hyperventilating or display a erratic breathing pattern.