Clownfish rivalry

[mwmmann]

I have 3 clownfish, purchased at the same time from the same tank. 1 year later, two of them are "ganging-up" on the 3rd one to the extent the 3rd one now stays hidden. It is still eating, but 97% of the time, hides.
Can anyone shed light on this issue AND how do I manage this?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have 3 clownfish, purchased at the same time from the same tank. 1 year later, two of them are "ganging-up" on the 3rd one to the extent the 3rd one now stays hidden. It is still eating, but 97% of the time, hides.
Can anyone shed light on this issue AND how do I manage this?

Unfortunately this is often the case and known as clown hierchy by one or more clowns especially once they have paired off. They will try to eat most of the food that enters the tank and often become aggressive to protect their home which may be an anemone, a nesting area, or the entire tank.

 

[mwmmann]

Unfortunately this is often the case and known as clown hierchy by one or more clowns especially once they have paired off. They will try to eat most of the food that enters the tank and often become aggressive to protect their home which may be an anemone, a nesting area, or the entire tank.

Thanks for the reply. Any ideas on managing this so this clownfish doesn't perish?

 

[kevgib67]

Typically more than two clowns won’t end well. The best thing you could do is return the one that is the odd man out.

 

[Uncle99]

Once they gang upon the other, usually stays that way

 

[ReefEngineer]

I had a similar situation in my tank as well. I felt bad and ended up removing that clown fish and adding him in a different tank, it almost doubled in size in a short period of time since it was no longer being bullied by the other clown fish.

Hopefully you will be able to find a solution as well.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks for the reply. Any ideas on managing this so this clownfish doesn't perish?

isolation is best and often the victim is isolated. Isolate the aggressor. I place mine in sump for about 3 weeks