Aggressive clownfish

[CrashTestBennie]

I have recently received a pair of black Saddleback clownfish. They are barely 1.5 inches in length. The dominant one has nipped all of the others fins, and this morning it wouldn't let the other eat anything. Do I need to separate them, or is there a better way?

 

[Peace River]

This is not unusual behavior for clownfish. Many times they will work it out. I suggest that you watch for body damage (more than just fin nips) and thinning on the less dominant fish (often they will still be able to sneak in enough food even though you may not see it eating).

 

[JohnnyReef13]

I have recently received a pair of black Saddleback clownfish. They are barely 1.5 inches in length. The dominant one has nipped all of the others fins, and this morning it wouldn't let the other eat anything. Do I need to separate them, or is there a better way?

Hey! As far as I know, most clownfish couples don't pair well unless purchased as a pair. If you bought them together, it may be temporary. If not, the dominant one may injure the weak one more. If the weak one get's nipped too much, it can die of infection or stress.

 

[Peace River]

Over the years, I have kept nine different species of Clownfish and bred many pairs. Patient doesn’t always win and separation can be an option, but separation often leads to restarting the process of them working through their differences and one establishing dominance. Fins will often grow back without issue and not getting food can lead to submission. Body damage and infection are both reasons to separate.

 

[CrashTestBennie]

This is not unusual behavior for clownfish. Many times they will work it out. I suggest that you watch for body damage (more than just fin nips) and thinning on the less dominant fish (often they will still be able to sneak in enough food even though you may not see it eating).

Thank you for your input. This ry helps. I've read that a hungry fish is a more aggressive fish. So, I'm going to feed 3 times a day now.

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Hey! As far as I know, most clownfish couples don't pair well unless purchased as a pair. If you bought them together, it may be temporary. If not, the dominant one may injure the weak one more. If the weak one get's nipped too much, it can die of infection or stress.

I did buy them together as a bonded pair. Thank you for your time and advice.

 

[Largeangels]

That is not unusual, especially in younger clowns as one is becoming the dominant fish. It will be aggressive so it gets the most food to grow bigger than the other. Provide lots of hiding spots and feed often. First feed where the dominat fish is and as it is eating put food in the area of the other.

 

[CrashTestBennie]

That is not unusual, especially in younger clowns as one is becoming the dominant fish. It will be aggressive so it gets the most food to grow bigger than the other. Provide lots of hiding spots and feed often. First feed where the dominat fish is and as it is eating put food in the area of the other.

Thank you! I actually experimented with feeding in 2 spots, last night, and it worked well. They got along like gangbusters after dinner. So, that is going to be a regular routine. I really appreciate your time and advice.