Separate these two?

viceversabrd · Oct 14, 2026

Have had the orange clownfish for about 18 months he was the male of my original orange pair. Lost the original female to tank jumping 6 months later. Picked up the black storm so he/she as been in the tank for about a year. It was fine at first but for the past 9 months or so these two just try to ram each other 12 hours a day, not sure if I’ve got 2 females or there just never going to pair, what do yall think? Attached video of the ramming never have really seen true nipping or any real damage they just seem to constantly be squabbling but like I said it’s been 9 months now with no sign of stopping

mcarroll · Oct 14, 2026

If it's been going on for nine months I don't think it's simple aggression, at least IMO. I think you'd have worse side effects by now if that's what was going on.

Wondering what others think tho...

viceversabrd · Oct 15, 2026

mcarroll said:
If it's been going on for nine months I don't think it's simple aggression, at least IMO. I think you'd have worse side effects by now if that's what was going on.

Wondering what others think tho...

I know Im stumped its just annoying they're the only fish in the tank (33 gal) and I can't look at without them trying to dive bomb each other, would just like some peace

Baldyreef · Oct 15, 2026

viceversabrd said:
I know Im stumped its just annoying they're the only fish in the tank (33 gal) and I can't look at without them trying to dive bomb each other, would just like some peace

definetly odd... the fact that they're similar to almost the same size makes me think it could be them testing each others boundaries or "nicely" trying to establish dominance, its a stretch but if they're doing it by one specific spot then it could be a courting phase if both fish are old enough (past or at the age of 2 yrs)

mcarroll · Oct 15, 2026

Try a major rearrange of the tank and see if they will each claim a separate territory.

Seems like the best guess would be that they aren't going to pair and each one needs its own space. Try to give it to them.

viceversabrd · Oct 16, 2026

Yeah I showed my LFS who I trust as well, they said basically give it 6 more months since it looks like they’re still just figuring out who’s who and there’s been no real physical damage to either of the fish

mcarroll · Oct 16, 2026

Clowns are weird....right up there with Hippo tangs.

I'd still try a tank re-arrange if it's possible with the corals in place. But I agree if all they are doing is what's in the vids, then it's not the end of the world.

viceversabrd · Oct 17, 2026

mcarroll said:
Clowns are weird....right up there with Hippo tangs.

I'd still try a tank re-arrange if it's possible with the corals in place. But I agree if all they are doing is what's in the vids, then it's not the end of the world.