Ocellaris Clown Pair - Question, please help!

rylie221 · Mar 22, 2018

I am so sad. I’ve had a pair of black ocellaris clownfish for 2 years. They were a pair long before I bought them. One of them for some reason started acting funny about 2-3 weeks ago, then stopped eating. No signs of disease, etc. Water perameters all good. All other fish all good. Last water change was Friday. Last night he was just laying there and I knew he was gonna go. His “mate” if that’s what you would call it was lightly nudging him trying to get him to swim. So sad!!!!! He died today. I don’t know why- talked to LFS the night before last night and he was at a loss, thought maybe he was being bullied by his other half but no way. Anyway, I would love to replace him and give his other half a friend. Is that a bad idea? Since I’ve had the one for so long to add a new one at a different time? Or would it be OK? Thoughts?

scurvy dawg · Mar 22, 2018

rylie221 said:
I am so sad. I’ve had a pair of black ocellaris clownfish for 2 years. They were a pair long before I bought them. One of them for some reason started acting funny about 2-3 weeks ago, then stopped eating. No signs of disease, etc. Water perameters all good. All other fish all good. Last water change was Friday. Last night he was just laying there and I knew he was gonna go. His “mate” if that’s what you would call it was lightly nudging him trying to get him to swim. So sad!!!!! He died today. I don’t know why- talked to LFS the night before last night and he was at a loss, thought maybe he was being bullied by his other half but no way. Anyway, I would love to replace him and give his other half a friend. Is that a bad idea? Since I’ve had the one for so long to add a new one at a different time? Or would it be OK? Thoughts?

Had the similar situation. Bought a bonded pair of black ocellaris from Divers Den. The smaller of the two died mysteriously after about 3 months. Went to the LFS who happened to have a small black ocellaris so I bought him. QT'him and put him in the dt. After a few days of bullying by the larger female, the two are inseperable now after about 6 mos. It's very important to get a smaller one to add.

Tahoe61 · Mar 22, 2018

scurvy dawg said:
After a few days of bullying by the larger female, the two are inseparable now after about 6 mos. It's very important to get a smaller one to add.

Good advice. :-)

rylie221 · Mar 22, 2018

Thanks guys- i did a little research before asking and that’s what i was reading too. Thanks so much!!

davocean · Mar 22, 2018

Yes and not just smaller than what you have, but small enough to make sure not a female, usually that means inch to inch and a quarter max, and QT if you can, and intro in a floating breeder box or similar so you can observe existing/females reaction to it.