I've had a couple of clownfish in a Fluval EVO 13. since October 1st (about 1.5 months). They were both tiny when they first came home - about 1/2 to 3/4". Since the first day in the tank, the slightly larger Clown has been bullying the smaller one. Now, the slightly larger Clown is noticeably larger than the other - i'd say 20% larger.
The bullying behavior is mostly chasing and harassing the other smaller Clown. Over the last two weeks, the behavior has escalated to the larger Clown actively trying to prevent the smaller from getting access to food while feeding. I interpret this as the larger Clown trying to starve the smaller one.
There are no other fish in this tank. It's just the two clowns.
They are fed once per day.
The smaller Clown doesn't engage in any fighting. Instead, it swims away and occasionally will turn to face the other Clown and then swim away.
Questions:
Is this behavior with escalating aggression over 1.5 months considered normal pairing behavior?
If yes to the above, how long should I expect this behavior to last?
If no to the above, do we simply have a jerk clown that needs to find a new home?
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
The bullying behavior is mostly chasing and harassing the other smaller Clown. Over the last two weeks, the behavior has escalated to the larger Clown actively trying to prevent the smaller from getting access to food while feeding. I interpret this as the larger Clown trying to starve the smaller one.
There are no other fish in this tank. It's just the two clowns.
They are fed once per day.
The smaller Clown doesn't engage in any fighting. Instead, it swims away and occasionally will turn to face the other Clown and then swim away.
Questions:
Is this behavior with escalating aggression over 1.5 months considered normal pairing behavior?
If yes to the above, how long should I expect this behavior to last?
If no to the above, do we simply have a jerk clown that needs to find a new home?
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
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