Rejoining separated clowns

[Aquavaj]

Lfs had 2 orange storm clowns that I believe aren't paired but got along in the same tank. I bought the larger of the 2 about 3 weeks ago. I'm thinking of picking up the other one too. I don't really care if they don't become a bonded pair as long as they don't tear each other apart. Will they remember each other and be ok?

 

[ndrwater]

Best honest answer...
Maybe.
There is never a guarantee that things will go well when rejoining fish that have been separated.

 

[Sosuke]

My tomato clownfish pair had a fight where the female brutally beat up the male, after isolating him for 3 weeks I introduced him back and then they paired up and laid eggs. So I would say it may or may not work out between the two

 

[Aquavaj]

Well I took the chance and got the other clownfish. I thought it was good for the first day or 2 but now the new one is beating up mine. With the lights off it's almost relentless. From what I remember mine was the bigger of the two but turns out it's the other way around. Mine was sick for about 2 weeks so that might be why the other out grew him.

Not sure what to do now. I have them separated using a small plastic food container for the time being. The lfs won't take it back even for store credit.

 

[D-Nak]

Time to find a new LFS. I can't imagine why they won't take it back, especially for store credit.

If the aggression continues while the two are separated, you may need to sell/give one of the clowns to another local hobbyist.

 

[Aquavaj]

Just thought I'd give an update. I still have them both and they'll have their good days and their bad. But this past week or so the bigger one is becoming more and more determined to get rid of the smaller one. She knows all the hiding spots now and almost relentlessly hunts down the other going from one spot to another. I've had to put her in time out (plastic carton) several times now but it doesn't help. Just gives the other some time to recover. What's funny is that the smaller one actually comes right up and taunts her when she's in timeout knowing that she can't get him or her. I think at this point they're both females since the smaller refuses to submit. She'll run most of the time but at times she'll turn and stand her ground. I'm also starting to see nipped fins so this is going to come to and end soon. I'm upgrading to a 40g real soon so if they still can't get along then I'll be forced to rehome one.