likelihood clownfish is female

[LandenATM]

This fish is about 1.5 inches. It has been in a tank at the LFS by itself for about a week and a half. Not sure if it was by itself before that. It has been in my tank for two days. Do you think it may have already become female from isolation? or is it still to small to make that transition? I ask because I am thinking of getting a larger clownfish here in the next few days and don't want them to fight. Please advise

Thanks!

 

[Tamberav]

I bought one about that size and was indeed a male, had been at the LFS for awhile too. It was sort of a crap shoot but I asked the LFS if I could return it if it didn't work out with my female and they said yes. If it was in a tank with siblings before hitting the LFS, then my bet is it isn't female yet and I would probably chance it if the LFS is willing to work with you.

[RIP Sebastian]

When clowns are born, they are gender neutral-they aren't male or female. In a harem (large group of clownfish) the most dominant fish becomes a female. The second most dominant fish becomes a male. Then a pecking order is established among the remaining gender neutral fish.

 

That way, if the female dies, the male becomes the female, and the most dominant gender neutral becomes the male.

 

Note that for clownfish, changing gender is a one-way street. Once they become male or female, the fish cannot return to its gender neutral state.

 

When kept without any other clownfish, a clown may choose to change into a female. It's not guaranteed to happen, but it's a common occurrence. My Onyx Percula has begun her transition.

 

Sexing clownfish is relatively easy. If there is a clownfish that is 6 months old and has been kept without any other clowns, it's probably a female. If you have 2 clowns, the larger one is the female. Males typically don't get larger than 1.5 inches. Females have been known to grow to greater than 4 inches. In a harem, the male is the second largest. The rest are gender neutral.

 

THE FEMALES WILL BITE. They're very protective of their territory. When they bite, lightly flick them. It'll stop them.

 

You're probably thinking "Get On With It!!" but I honestly just wanted to help. I'll answer your question now.

 

A week and a half alone is a little too short for a transition to begin. I'd say add the other one and keep an eye on them. If they continuously fight, then it's a female.

 

Nick

[vegasgundog]

 

THE FEMALES WILL BITE. They're very protective of their territory. When they bite, lightly flick them. It'll stop them.

 

 

 

Nick

So far mine does a tail slap, guess I'm lucky

[RIP Sebastian]

So far mine does a tail slap, guess I'm lucky

 

Yup. My male goes after me, too. Nasty little sucker.

[Tamberav]

None of my 5 clowns bite, not even the maroon hybrid. I have had lil' bastards in the past that would bite damn hard though

[LandenATM]

Thanks for all the responses! very helpful. I am going to get a larger clown today and hope it works out.

[Mariaface]

My clown is an absolute terror. I can feel all her little teeth when she bites; I'm just grateful she hasn't drawn blood. And now that I'm switching the tank to peaceful fish, she'll be going to the local LFS. Assuming I can't convince myself to give her her own tank. >>

[LandenATM]

Wow I didnt realize how vicious a clownfish could be lol.

[Mariaface]

Those Coralife gloves are life savers. She spooks me EVERY time.

[LandenATM]

Ahaha there we go! Ok so I went to the lfs on lunch and the one I want is a little smaller then the one I have. Probably around 1.25 inches.. Only thing is it seems to be the dominant fish and would frequently show two of the smaller 1 inch clowns who's boss. Bad idea getting the dominant but smaller fish? Could it already be female that young?

[Mariaface]

I think you should always play it safe and get the smallest healthy-looking clown you can. The marked difference in size will give them a clear idea of who's supposed to be who in the relationship

[Tamberav]

Ahaha there we go! Ok so I went to the lfs on lunch and the one I want is a little smaller then the one I have. Probably around 1.25 inches.. Only thing is it seems to be the dominant fish and would frequently show two of the smaller 1 inch clowns who's boss. Bad idea getting the dominant but smaller fish? Could it already be female that young?

 

Can you return it if it doesn't work out? Siblings still establish a hierarchy. You may get more bickering since they are close in size though as less likely one will be quick to submit.