Orange and Black Ocellaris Fight

[TheBeta100]

I’ve had these two fish since August 29th, and they’ve been fine this entire time, the orange clown has always been bigger and a bit more aggressive, but they got along. That was until about a week ago, I noticed the orange clown going after the black one a lot more, I started to notice a few small injuries but took it as part of a cycle they’d go through in their relationships (note both came from different tanks but we’re with a large group of clowns of similar size, also the orange clown has been getting some dark colors along the top of it’s body). Now I’m getting more worried, as I think the black clown is nearly missing an entire pelvic fin. I also never noticed the black clown retaliate until today. I’ve heard they can go through a bickering stage but this has been nearly endless harassment for a week, I’m still new to the hobby so what do you guys think I should do?

This picture is from today, ignore the weird color I had my light in cleaning mode

Here’s from a week ago, the black clown is hiding right now so I can’t get a good picture of his fin, if I can snap a picture when he comes out I will.

 

[Rjukan]

How big is the tank?

I would stay the course unless the black one is beaten into a corner and won't come out at all. What happens during feeding time?

 

[secret_reefer337]

Are they the same size? I was thinking maybe both of them are in transition to female when you got them. Since they are both used to their new tank their natural instinct kicks in. So far i have never have any problem pairing clowns as long as the other one is really small. I always make sure they are not of the same size. have paired clowns even bought from two different LFS. Fighting is never been severe having a torn fins. just my 2cents.

 

[TheBeta100]

The black clown is at least 5-10% smaller, and during feeding both of them tend to let go of it for the time being being, but get back to fighting when it’s over, also it’s a 20 gallon peninsula. I’ll keep an eye on them for now.

 

[TheBeta100]

A little update: The black clown’s fin is actually perfectly fine, I don’t know why it looked weird the other day, but the Orange clown has been forcing the black clown into his cave a lot the past few days, they’re both getting a little bit more aggressive when feeding time come along too, but still eat and occasionally they both swim around together just fine.

For now I’ll just keep an eye on them, but when is the breaking point where I should separate them? Do you think the LFS will buy one/both back after a month (or more depending on the breaking point)?

Sorry if these are dumb questions, I’ve seen some similar posts/articles across the net but most didn’t have a solid conclusion.