Clownfish Bites Mandarin Dragonet

[SeaHorseQueen]

Hi Everyone,

Will this clownfish be ok? He decided to be macho and tried to attack the new baby Mandarin I just put in the tank and he ended up swimming to his corner mouthing it for a moment like he wasn’t enjoying the taste (obviously). So, despite that, he still keeps harassing him/her (not sure yet) but not biting. Mandarin just keeps going about his business. Is it possible he’s going after him because he’s smaller than the clownfish or just being territorial? It’s a single clownfish for now. I’ve had a clown who protected a mandarin but not all out charge and tried to attack. He's definitely reevaluating his choices right now and backing off the biting but I’m a bit concerned as to whether he’ll be fine knowing the slime coat is toxic to predators. Will he eventually give up and be neighbors? Anyone have experience with this situation?

*Picture of both when he started to reevaluate his choices. I can’t even believe I got this clear of a picture.

 

[KrisReef]

The mandarin looks skinny. Need to fatten that one up or else you are likely to lose it.

The clown is bullying the new comer and weaker fish. Keep an eye out so that the mandarin doesn't get thrashed.

 

[fishywishy]

Has that dragonet been eating? Its extremely skinny.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

Has that dragonet been eating? It’s extremely skinny.

Yes, he’s skinny but not for long. I just got him tonight. He’s been hunting.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

The mandarin looks skinny. Need to fatten that one up or else you are likely to lose it.

The clown is bullying the new comer and weaker fish. Keep an eye out so that the mandarin doesn't get thrashed.

Yes, I’m aware of that. I just got him tonight. He’s currently hunting. I have cultures going.

I may have to put the clownfish in “timeout” then.

 

[KrisReef]

Yes, I’m aware of that. I just got him tonight. He’s currently hunting. I have cultures going.

Great. Hopefully the clown will settle down and let the other one hunt.

 

[SeaHorseQueen]

So far, the clownfish “went to bed” after feeding him again. I started introducing target feeding tonight with mysis shrimp. Hopefully, the clown keeps the peace. He really needs to let the mandarin relax. At least he or she is active. Until it starts opening its top fins, it could be female. If so, that would be amazing.

 

[Jimbo327]

Mandarin is probably in the clownfish's "territory". I've had clownfish attack when you get too close to their favorite spot. I think the mandarin will just cruise away and will be fine. It will sort itself out, I wouldn't be worried about the clownfish, more worried about the mandarin if it will eat or stressed from being harassed.