Smallest Clownfish attacking bigger clownfish!

Shawn H! · Aug 31, 2023

This may seem strange but my smallest clownfish has suddenly become aggressive and is picking on the largest and targets 1 of the middle size fish that was in the bubble tip constantly. My largest fish is very passive and try’s to swim in between the two when the little guy is attacking. I have 4 clowns that were all raised in the same tank together. They are not fully grown yet if that matters. This started yesterday and is still going on. I have a waterbox 25 AIO. Just looking for some advice.

exnisstech · Aug 31, 2023

4 together sounds like they're establishing dominance and who is going to be female.

Shawn H! · Aug 31, 2023

That’s what I was thinking. I have been out of the game for 15 years and only had 1 clown previously. Little Nemo is a jerk. Hahaha

pal98111 · Aug 31, 2023

I had two firefish and the smaller one killed the larger one, who never defended himself. Go figure.

vetteguy53081 · Aug 31, 2023

Thefatkid01 said:
This may seem strange but my smallest clownfish has suddenly become aggressive and is picking on the largest and targets 1 of the middle size fish that was in the bubble tip constantly. My largest fish is very passive and try’s to swim in between the two when the little guy is attacking. I have 4 clowns that were all raised in the same tank together. They are not fully grown yet if that matters. This started yesterday and is still going on. I have a waterbox 25 AIO. Just looking for some advice.

While not common - it does happen especially when theyre pairing off and establishing territory and hierarchy. I started with 14 and had to wait to see who was dating who

Shawn H! · Aug 31, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
While not common - it does happen especially when theyre pairing off and establishing territory and hierarchy. I started with 14 and had to wait to see who was dating who

did any of yours hide? The one that is being bullied is hiding in the care is of the rock.