Young Clowns

Kazbfc · Feb 5, 2023

Hi
I have 2 young clown fish which I’ve have for a couple of weeks, in that time they’ve been inseparable. This morning there was one at one end of the tank and another at the other end. Now I’ve noticed one chasing the other! They’re both similar in size and can barely tell the difference which one is the biggest.
I wondered if this could be the behaviour of the clowns going through the sexing process?

Big G · Feb 5, 2023

Yes, it could be the process beginning. Sometimes this does not end well for the lessor clown. The stress on the fish can be tough on its health.

vetteguy53081 · Feb 5, 2023

Kazbfc said:
Hi
I have 2 young clown fish which I’ve have for a couple of weeks, in that time they’ve been inseparable. This morning there was one at one end of the tank and another at the other end. Now I’ve noticed one chasing the other! They’re both similar in size and can barely tell the difference which one is the biggest.
I wondered if this could be the behaviour of the clowns going through the sexing process?

Welcome to clown hierarchy. The female often the larger of the two becomes predominantly aggressive chasing the male to the corner, hogs up the food (reason male is smaller), claims territory and shows aggression to the other often intimidating it.
Assure damage to the fish and its tail does not begin as separation may be warranted for a week or two to calm her down

Kazbfc · Feb 5, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
Welcome to clown hierarchy. The female often the larger of the two becomes predominantly aggressive chasing the male to the corner, hogs up the food (reason male is smaller), claims territory and shows aggression to the other often intimidating it.
Assure damage to the fish and its tail does not begin as separation may be warranted for a week or two to calm her down

I’m a beginner at all this so any advice is greatly appreciated.
I have a quarantine tank at the ready.
How long could this behaviour go on for?

vetteguy53081 · Feb 5, 2023

Kazbfc said:
I’m a beginner at all this so any advice is greatly appreciated.
I have a quarantine tank at the ready.
How long could this behaviour go on for?

sometimes a couple of days and can be a couple of weeks