Established clownfish fighting..

[Star polyp]

My clownfish have started fighting after having them for about 3 months.  Is this normal? and what can I do?

 

Thaanx

 

 

[NoOneLikesADryTang]

They’re working out who is going to be the female. It’s normal behavior. It’ll just take some time. 

[seabass]

The "fighting" shouldn't be causing any real harm.  If it is, you should rearrange your aquascape so that neither are defending its territory.  If the fighting persists, you might need to separate them.

 

Bonding can often look aggressive.  The larger one will show dominance (charging at the smaller one), and the smaller one should show submission by shaking in front of the more dominant fish.

 

If the smaller one doesn't submit, they can do real damage to each other.  This is why I always recommend pairing a significantly smaller juvenile with an existing clownfish.

 

If the juvenile fish are relatively similar in size, they might work it out, or they might not.  Look for damage.  They shouldn't be causing any bite marks, or ripped or torn fins.

[Star polyp]

On 9/11/2022 at 5:47 PM, NoOneLikesADryTang said:

They’re working out who is going to be the female. It’s normal behavior. It’ll just take some time. 

Thanx!

20 hours ago, seabass said:

The "fighting" shouldn't be causing any real harm.  If it is, you should rearrange your aquascape so that neither are defending its territory.  If the fighting persists, you might need to separate them.

 

Bonding can often look aggressive.  The larger one will show dominance (charging at the smaller one), and the smaller one should show submission by shaking in front of the more dominant fish.

 

If the smaller one doesn't submit, they can do real damage to each other.  This is why I always recommend pairing a significantly smaller juvenile with an existing clownfish.

 

If the juvenile fish are relatively similar in size, they might work it out, or they might not.  Look for damage.  They shouldn't be causing any bite marks, or ripped or torn fins.

Thanx!