Had to execute a Clownfish divorce. Should they get a second shot at love?

Lebowski_ · Jun 5, 2023

For 10 days, my Clowns have been been bickering more than usual. The larger Clown has chased the male to the point of him jumping and sometimes just hanging out in the top corner alone. They didn’t hang out as much, and I often found them alone in separate areas of the tank.

Then, this morning, I thought I had a miracle - not only were they playing nice, but they were also hanging around the anemone (they usually ignore it in favour of a Tupperware full of mushrooms…).

However, I checked in later today and once again they were fighting, but this time I saw the larger Clown take a chunk out of the little male’s fin. I noticed another mark on his tail fin as well.

I couldn’t watch anymore so I moved the larger Clown to my 25 lagoon. I’ve seen the whole seizure dance routine many times in Clowns, but I don’t remember this kind of aggression. Failed pairing?

Should I give them another shot once he’s healed up? They both have an entire tank to themselves.

Rmckoy · Jun 5, 2023

Is it possible for the male to challenge the dominant female to become female ?

Aaron75 · Jun 5, 2023

Ya, you can give them another shot. Sometimes a little time away is all it takes

VegasReefer · Jun 6, 2023

Best thing to try is to place the male inside an acclimation box within your aquarium. I've had to do this when trying to pair young clowns when one ends up being a little too dominant.

Lemons · Jun 6, 2023

Yea ive sumped a few females in my time when they were having a bit of a "domestic dispute" lol

A week apart or so and try again! If she still insists on being a rough lover (and the poor male is beat to a pulp) you can try a few more times a little longer. But she might just be one mean clown lol

Townes_Van_Camp · Jun 6, 2023

No. It's an excuse to start another tank. Like it or not, you have to start a new build thread.

BaliReefBox · Jun 6, 2023

Aaron75 said:
Ya, you can give them another shot. Sometimes a little time away is all it takes

Ahhh true for and not just the clowns....

Gobi1canobi · Jun 6, 2023

Lebowski_ said:
For 10 days, my Clowns have been been bickering more than usual. The larger Clown has chased the male to the point of him jumping and sometimes just hanging out in the top corner alone. They didn’t hang out as much, and I often found them alone in separate areas of the tank.

Then, this morning, I thought I had a miracle - not only were they playing nice, but they were also hanging around the anemone (they usually ignore it in favour of a Tupperware full of mushrooms…).

However, I checked in later today and once again they were fighting, but this time I saw the larger Clown take a chunk out of the little male’s fin. I noticed another mark on his tail fin as well.

I couldn’t watch anymore so I moved the larger Clown to my 25 lagoon. I’ve seen the whole seizure dance routine many times in Clowns, but I don’t remember this kind of aggression. Failed pairing?

Should I give them another shot once he’s healed up? They both have an entire tank to themselves.

No