Clownfish Numbers?

[Reaf]

I have two small 1" clownfish which I have had for a few weeks now and believe may be paired. Is it possible to add a third larger mature clownfish?

 

[CrazyDuck959]

I have two small 1" clownfish which I have had for a few weeks now and believe may be paired. Is it possible to add a third larger mature clownfish?

No! The 2 paired Clownfish will bully the single non paired Clownfish, especially if the tank is small.

 

[Reaf]

No! The 2 paired Clownfish will bully the single non paired Clownfish, especially if the tank is small.

Thanks for the input, will this still be the case if the new clownfish is a lot bigger?

 

[jfoahs04]

Thanks for the input, will this still be the case if the new clownfish is a lot bigger?

Ultimately, yes. 2 of the clownfish will pair up and bully the 3rd to death. If your two little guys are actually paired, they may gang up on the bigger one. If they are not paired, one will pair with the bigger one and the two will bully/kill the unpaired smaller clown. Some people with huge systems have success keeping more than a pair of clowns. But for most reefers, a pair is the answer (and even that isn't always a sure thing). 3 is a no-go.