male clown in pair barely eats

[jtf74]

I have a pair of maroons. I've had the female for about 8 years and the male I've had for about 2 years. I've never seen eggs or baby clowns, but with her size and age. I would expect her to be old enough. Anyhow the male the last few months hardly ever comes out of the anemone hoards to eat. I've read this happens sometimes when they are watching eggs. I also wonder if its not how the clownfish avoid getting larger and turning female by rationing what he eats. It doesn't avoid food, but won't make much effort to leave the anemone to go get it. Any thoughts from those with clown pairs?

 

[Peace River]

Is it possible that this has become a habit because she has bullied him away from food in the past? Maroon females can be aggressive and relentless.

 

[jtf74]

No my maroon is very docile. No troubles with any fish bullying in my tank.