Clownfish Pairing

[PeachStateReef]

Hi all. Back when I got my two clowns (larger ocellaris and smaller storm) the LFS told me that being different sub-species was fine and that they would still pair. However, they never did. And it appears I should have done my research instead of listening to them. Over the past 2 years, she would occasionally show aggression but nothing too major... they just stayed in their separate parts of the tank. A few weeks ago, he started showing signs of being sick (heavy breathing and laying on the sand all day) and then while I was waiting for a quarantine tank to arrive... she ended up bullying him to death. It was really heartbreaking that there was nothing I could do to get him out beforehand and by the time I found her picking at him it was too late.

But, I learned my lesson about different sub-species, albeit a hard lesson.

My female ocellaris (I'm assuming female) is fairly large. I would really like to find her another ocellaris but she is very aggressive to the point where I'm afraid to add any other fish at all. Does anyone have any advice? Is it worth a shot with a smaller ocellaris or should I just let her remain solo? I am getting a new bubble tip anemone soon and I'm wondering if that might reset some of her aggression as she currently hosts the BTA that I have now (which is smaller than her lol).

 

[Peace River]

I think it is worth trying pairing with another small ocellaris. You can take other precautions such as rearranging the aquascape (even adding extra PVC or comparable just for a couple of days), turning off the lights for a couple of days, putting the new fish in a separate fish holder (so they can see each other but not come in contact), etc.

Good luck to you and the fish!