Should I separate ?

Shawaiz_106 · Jul 2, 2020

Hello,
so I have had this clownfish(the bigger one) for about 6 months and this is my first ever aquarium.
last week I got another clownfish which is a bit smaller ( I thought it will help with aggression ) and on the first day there was no aggression and the new clownfish did the shimmy dance ( if that’s what it’s called ) and I thought that was good but I caught the bigger clownfish going for the smaller one and is really aggressive during feeding.
i have a slo mo video of the clownfish attacking but idk if I should separate or let them work things out

thankyou

Shawaiz_106 · Jul 2, 2020

If that vid didn’t work

Qasimja · Jul 2, 2020

i wouldn't worry about that if it was time to take one out you would definitely know it i had a tomato clown once and tried to get a smaller one to pair with her she immediately tried to kill him tore up his fins really bad

LesPoissons · Jul 2, 2020

The dominant one will still usually put the male in its place as they establish their roles. Unless it’s getting really beat up, I wouldn’t stress.

Shawaiz_106 · Jul 6, 2020

Ty I was just wondering how long it usually lasts

LesPoissons · Jul 6, 2020

A couple weeks to a month off and on maybe until they sort it out but they can go back to battling later. It depends on their difference in size/age/maturity. If they are close to the same size it will go on longer as they both want to be the dominant. If one is clearly a female and much older/larger than the other, it doesnt take long. However mine have been "paired" or bonded or whatever for 3 years with a clear size difference and if I change the rockwork/territory etc the female goes back to bullying the male for a week or so.