Question about clarkii

[KennethG]

Hey everyone!

So i had a pair of clarkii clowns in my 180 reef for a few years.. the large female passed away so i was left with the male.. also quite large.. i purchased a small clarkii to replace the female but it was so small i was afraid to put them together.. so i put the small one in my 90 reef to grow up a bit.. its fattend up nicely.. and has been the only fish in the 90 for the past year or so.. it eventually got agressive killed the watchman goby that was added at the same time..

Before i had a chance to add it to the larger tank.. the larger tank developed a leak.. its managable but i plan on getting a new 250 glass cages tank in the next few months..

Finally the question.. i have had a bristle tooth tang, a chromis and the male clarkii in the 180 reef for several years..they are all large... would it be advisable to move these 3 fish to the 90 for a month or two while i get the new 250 ready? I fear the clarkii in the 90 will loose its mind after being alone for so long.. then all of the sudden having a bunch of strangers invading its territory.. i could possibly put a divider in to seperate it from the new additions.. would it be overkill to set up a temporary holding tub for them rather than just tossing them in the 90?? Am i overthinking this? Would love some advice..

Thanks!

 

[Peace River]

#WelcometoR2R! One more part of the equation is that the male clown in the 180 may have transitioned into a female and the small clown may or may not have transitioned to a female as well. Clowns are funny like that - the most dominant clown in the tank often become a female.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[KennethG]

#WelcometoR2R! One more part of the equation is that the male clown in the 180 may have transitioned into a female and the small clown may or may not have transitioned to a female as well. Clowns are funny like that - the most dominant clown in the tank often become a female.

Will a clown that has become female transition back to male in the presence of a dominant female? Or do they just fight to the death?

Thanks!

 

[Peace River]

No going back.

 

[KennethG]

No going back.

Thanks for the info. I dont think I want to risk putting them together in a 90. I would imagine my lfs will take one..

 

[Peace River]

You could always take the chance, but I try to err on the side of the well being of the fish. I think you have a good plan. Good luck whatever path you choose!

 

[garygb]

Will a clown that has become female transition back to male in the presence of a dominant female? Or do they just fight to the death?

Thanks!

Once a clownfish becomes female, they do not return to male.