One non-hosting clown bullying another

[CrunchyBananas]

So I bought a pair of tank raised occelaris clowns, both obviously small and undeveloped. The slightly larger one kind of bullies the smaller one which was expected to establish dominance. I added a bta about a month ago, the smaller one seems interested, but the larger clown doesn't seem to like it too much.

Fast forward to 2 days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night and see the the small clown sleeping in the bta and happily being hosted. however during the day, the smaller clown only can get within an inch before the larger clown rushes over and chases him away before retreating to the opposite end of the tank.

Has anyone else had an experience like this? Is this just something thatll work itself with time?

 

[Tahoe61]

Normal behavior, she may only let him reside around the edges or base of the anemone. Classic damsel behavior and not much you can do but enjoy those times when the female does allow the male some anemone time.

 

[nemo1017]

It'll work itself out in time. The smaller one has to learn to be completely submissive.

 

[CrunchyBananas]

It'll work itself out in time. The smaller one has to learn to be completely submissive.

Cool, thanks! that's what I had figured but I wasn't able to find anything on it