Clownfish attacking yellow watchman goby

[00pflint]

I have had a couple clownfish in a 20 gallon for a few months and introduced three new fish, a yellow watchman, purple firefish, and tailspot blenny. Upon introducing these the clownfish seem okay with the other two but are attacking the yellow watchman. They will charge at the other 2 but not bite, I saw the big clown but the watchman in it's mouth and shake it around. It's pretty relentless and it's fins are torn. They are ocellaris. I have moved them to a quarantine tank in hopes the watchman can heal up and claim a cave. I really don't want to rehome anyone especially as I'm not even sure it's possible within a reasonable distance of me. What can I do to get them to cohabitate? I've heard I need to change the structure of the tank but my rock structure is really just one big rock I glued together so I'm not sure if that's even possibly. They host the heater and I've heard I will need to move that and change the way it sits. Is this likely to work? I'm really at a low for that to do

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Clowns can be super territorial. Especially if they are getting ready to lay eggs or have eggs they are protecting. I've seen them pick up large crabs and drop them off at the other end of the tank.

 

[Marine Betta]

I have had a couple clownfish in a 20 gallon for a few months and introduced three new fish, a yellow watchman, purple firefish, and tailspot blenny. Upon introducing these the clownfish seem okay with the other two but are attacking the yellow watchman. They will charge at the other 2 but not bite, I saw the big clown but the watchman in it's mouth and shake it around. It's pretty relentless and it's fins are torn. They are ocellaris. I have moved them to a quarantine tank in hopes the watchman can heal up and claim a cave. I really don't want to rehome anyone especially as I'm not even sure it's possible within a reasonable distance of me. What can I do to get them to cohabitate? I've heard I need to change the structure of the tank but my rock structure is really just one big rock I glued together so I'm not sure if that's even possibly. They host the heater and I've heard I will need to move that and change the way it sits. Is this likely to work? I'm really at a low for that to do

Are the clones a breeding pair or have they laid eggs? All clownfish can be extremely territorial whether or not they have eggs. They are basically slightly nicer damselfish. This is especially true in a smaller tank. The clowns probably identified the goby as the easiest target. Blennies and dart fish are faster than shrimp gobies, but it’s likely the two of them will be eventually end up with nipped fins. Restructuring the rock may help, but it’s honestly a gamble if the clowns will settle down. They might for play nice for awhile, but they will almost definitely become territorial again at some point. They may tolerate the three new fish you just added, or they could attack them again. Any additional inhabitants will probably get the same treatment these guys. I wish I had a better answer for you. Someone else may have more insight on this. Most people that I know who have a pair of clowns in a small tank, won’t put other fish in the tank because they may want to collect the eggs/larvae, and because they can be so territorial. If they have other fish with the clowns, they add them first to give the other fish time to establish their place in the tank. Is the goby healing/recovering?

 

[00pflint]

I have had a couple clownfish in a 20 gallon for a few months and introduced three new fish, a yellow watchman, purple firefish, and tailspot blenny. Upon introducing these the clownfish seem okay with the other two but are attacking the yellow watchman. They will charge at the other 2 but not bite, I saw the big clown but the watchman in it's mouth and shake it around. It's pretty relentless and it's fins are torn. They are ocellaris. I have moved them to a quarantine tank in hopes the watchman can heal up and claim a cave. I really don't want to rehome anyone especially as I'm not even sure it's possible within a reasonable distance of me. What can I do to get them to cohabitate? I've heard I need to change the structure of the tank but my rock structure is really just one big rock I glued together so I'm not sure if that's even possibly. They host the heater and I've heard I will need to move that and change the way it sits. Is this likely to work? I'm really at a low for that to do

Are the clones a breeding pair or have they laid eggs? All clownfish can be extremely territorial whether or not they have eggs. They are basically slightly nicer damselfish. This is especially true in a smaller tank. The clowns probably identified the goby as the easiest target. Blennies and dart fish are faster than shrimp gobies, but it’s likely the two of them will be eventually end up with nipped fins. Restructuring the rock may help, but it’s honestly a gamble if the clowns will settle down. They might for play nice for awhile, but they will almost definitely become territorial again at some point. They may tolerate the three new fish you just added, or they could attack them again. Any additional inhabitants will probably get the same treatment these guys. I wish I had a better answer for you. Someone else may have more insight on this. Most people that I know who have a pair of clowns in a small tank, won’t put other fish in the tank because they may want to collect the eggs/larvae, and because they can be so territorial. If they have other fish with the clowns, they add them first to give the other fish time to establish their place in the tank. Is the goby healing/recovering?

I put them in last night and noticed the nipped fins tonight and moved the clownfish so I'm not sure yet. It seems as okay as it can be right now. The other 2 fish would hang out right next to the clowns and be okay and not even get chased but anytime the goby was around it was game on. My hope is giving it time to heal and restablish may work, I'm also considering adding to my rock structure to break more like of sight as well as moving the heater, I just heard everyone recommend clownfish for your first fish and didn't realize it would set me up for failure as a community tank lol

I'm also unsure if they have bred, I haven't noticed eggs but they are constantly together and definitely bonded so I guess I wouldn't be surprised

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO 5 fish in a 20 including 2 clowns is too much for that size tank IMO. Clowns are territorial and become even more territorial and aggressive as they age and mate. The watchman and firefish should have some tight caves for them, tanks with arches are not great for gobies, I don't know what your rockwork is like but thats something to consider.

Aside from territory there is also water quality to consider. I don't know what your filtration is like, but if your filtration is not able to handle this high bioload then you might need to increase the water changes.

Just a couple things to consider, good luck

 

[00pflint]

IMO 5 fish in a 20 including 2 clowns is too much for that size tank IMO. Clowns are territorial and become even more territorial and aggressive as they age and mate. The watchman and firefish should have some tight caves for them, tanks with arches are not great for gobies, I don't know what your rockwork is like but thats something to consider.

Aside from territory there is also water quality to consider. I don't know what your filtration is like, but if your filtration is not able to handle this high bioload then you might need to increase the water changes.

Just a couple things to consider, good luck

It is primarily arches. What do you mean by tight caves? I can try to add that and see if that fixes the problem

 

[PharmrJohn]

IMO 5 fish in a 20 including 2 clowns is too much for that size tank IMO. Clowns are territorial and become even more territorial and aggressive as they age and mate. The watchman and firefish should have some tight caves for them, tanks with arches are not great for gobies, I don't know what your rockwork is like but thats something to consider.

Aside from territory there is also water quality to consider. I don't know what your filtration is like, but if your filtration is not able to handle this high bioload then you might need to increase the water changes.

Just a couple things to consider, good luck

^^^This^^^

 

[00pflint]

IMO 5 fish in a 20 including 2 clowns is too much for that size tank IMO. Clowns are territorial and become even more territorial and aggressive as they age and mate. The watchman and firefish should have some tight caves for them, tanks with arches are not great for gobies, I don't know what your rockwork is like but thats something to consider.

Aside from territory there is also water quality to consider. I don't know what your filtration is like, but if your filtration is not able to handle this high bioload then you might need to increase the water changes.

Just a couple things to consider, good luck

^^^This^^^

I just feel a little stuck. My gf is really attached to the fish and honestly so am I so I'm trying to look for any other alternative, not to mention idk where I could take them, I just don't think that's a thing near me, I've asked in the past. I'm pretty confident in the filtration system and it generally stays pretty clean but I'll need to keep an eye on it now. I didn't realize how aggressive clowns got, as they just seemed so highly recommended for a community tank. My current idea is to keep them in my qt tank for a week and add a bunch of rockwork plus shift the heater they host so the environment feels new. I also wanted to buy a separator box as I've heard those can help so they can see each other without touching. I have just realized there is a mirror behind my tank and was kinda wondering if that spiked aggression from them? I could cover it if so. I also had an idea to introduce a pistol shrimp before the clowns were released so he could maybe dig a burrow for them and they are safer there? He just wasn't able to get settled and I'm hoping giving him time to settle helps him as well. Maybe you have more ideas?

 

[Dom]

Clown fish can be aggressive, particularly when they are spawning or are preparing to do so. They are also very territorial.

But I think you've added too many fish to the tank. In my experience, 20 gallons is enough for the clown fish only.

You may be dealing with aggression as a result of overcrowding.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Yep. Just the clownfish. I agree. I had a Maroon Clown in my 90 and even then it was the tank boss. And it had an anemone! Those fish have serious attitude issues.

 

[exnisstech]

I had a maroon pair take over half of a 6ft 150g. I couldn't even put coral on the rocks in their area because the female would rip frags off and toss them to the bottom.
I currently have a pair of ocelaris in 20g and the only other fish is a sixline. The clowns are bonded but not laying yet so we'll see how it goes but I figure a sixline should be able to hold it's own. I also have a big pile of rocks the wrasse can swim in an out of. Arches can look cool but I they really provide much in way of hiding spots.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

It is primarily arches. What do you mean by tight caves? I can try to add that and see if that fixes the problem

Tight spots meaning a fish can wiggle its way and not really any space for another fish to follow, this is what fish crave. I would suggest to add a couple of rocks asap. The main problem you face now is disease. Your fish are under major stress right now, if you haven't qt'd the fish, then there is a chance they might break out in disease. IMO adding a few spare rocks will be an attempt to alleviate some of that stress.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I just feel a little stuck. My gf is really attached to the fish and honestly so am I so I'm trying to look for any other alternative, not to mention idk where I could take them, I just don't think that's a thing near me, I've asked in the past. I'm pretty confident in the filtration system and it generally stays pretty clean but I'll need to keep an eye on it now. I didn't realize how aggressive clowns got, as they just seemed so highly recommended for a community tank. My current idea is to keep them in my qt tank for a week and add a bunch of rockwork plus shift the heater they host so the environment feels new. I also wanted to buy a separator box as I've heard those can help so they can see each other without touching. I have just realized there is a mirror behind my tank and was kinda wondering if that spiked aggression from them? I could cover it if so. I also had an idea to introduce a pistol shrimp before the clowns were released so he could maybe dig a burrow for them and they are safer there? He just wasn't able to get settled and I'm hoping giving him time to settle helps him as well. Maybe you have more ideas?

Maybe time to upgrade to a 40 breeder? But the outcome may still be the same with your clowns.

 

[00pflint]

It is primarily arches. What do you mean by tight caves? I can try to add that and see if that fixes the problem

Tight spots meaning a fish can wiggle its way and not really any space for another fish to follow, this is what fish crave. I would suggest to add a couple of rocks asap. The main problem you face now is disease. Your fish are under major stress right now, if you haven't qt'd the fish, then there is a chance they might break out in disease. IMO adding a few spare rocks will be an attempt to alleviate some of that stress.

I did qt them, I don't know if blood was drawn but I'm gonna keep an eye out for infection. I'll try that and see how it goes. I know the dart fish and blennie just squeeze into pours of the rock that they can hide in so that was probably why they were okay. I'll try to find a better solution for the watchman

 

[ScottJ]

I did qt them, I don't know if blood was drawn but I'm gonna keep an eye out for infection. I'll try that and see how it goes. I know the dart fish and blennie just squeeze into pours of the rock that they can hide in so that was probably why they were okay. I'll try to find a better solution for the watchman

How big is your QT tank. Just set that up for the clowns, since yousay they are in there now.

You will get multiple tank eventually

 

[00pflint]

I did qt them, I don't know if blood was drawn but I'm gonna keep an eye out for infection. I'll try that and see how it goes. I know the dart fish and blennie just squeeze into pours of the rock that they can hide in so that was probably why they were okay. I'll try to find a better solution for the watchman

How big is your QT tank. Just set that up for the clowns, since yousay they are in there now.

You will get multiple tank eventually

My QT tank is only 10 gallons so I don't think large enough for them. And I live in a small apartment so a bit difficult to do more than 1 display haha. I know eventually I will certainly have multiple but that's father off in the future

 

[ScottJ]

My QT tank is only 10 gallons so I don't think large enough for them. And I live in a small apartment so a bit difficult to do more than 1 display haha. I know eventually I will certainly have multiple but that's father off in the future

You're in a tough spot for sure. Maybe you can return the YWG firefish and tailspot to where you got them? Sounds like that might be your best option. It just sounds like the clowns won't tolerate others. They can be mean buggers.

 

[PharmrJohn]

I had a maroon pair take over half of a 6ft 150g. I couldn't even put coral on the rocks in their area because the female would rip frags off and toss them to the bottom.
I currently have a pair of ocelaris in 20g and the only other fish is a sixline. The clowns are bonded but not laying yet so we'll see how it goes but I figure a sixline should be able to hold it's own. I also have a big pile of rocks the wrasse can swim in an out of. Arches can look cool but I they really provide much in way of hiding spots.

That's a good combo. A sixline can take care of itself.