Clownfish Fighting?

[Hoodstream]

I got a pair of snowflake clowns a few months back. They fought in the beginning but one submitted and that was that. Last night I changed my rockwork to remove a Midas blenny for a bigger tank and ever since then they’ve been going at it. All morning one has just been nonstop chasing and nibbling my other. They’re definitely a pair because they spend all day everyday together, sleep together, etc.

I’ve changed rockwork before and have never had them fight like this, as stated the only time they fought was when I brought them home and into the tank for the first time.

my Midas was the king of the tank could his removal have caused a shift in dominance or is the rockwork confusing making new territory?

any thoughts or advice appreciated

 

[KrisReef]

Yes. They got confused and upset. Often removal of the apex predator / dominant blenny causes the whole pecking order to have to be reestablished. Also, It is spring and the female clown might be trying to clean off a rock where she wants to lay eggs. She also may have changed her mind about the weak male's suitability as a mate. Watch carefully because if she's changed her mind she will eat him for lunch.

 

[Freenow54]

they are totally unpredictable

 

[Hoodstream]

Just an update: completely stopped fighting. My one clownfish did the seizure dance of submission and now they are best friends again. Surfing in the Powerhead, facing the corner of my tank closest to the filter, randomly swimming and then just laying at the bottom playing dead, typical clown crap