What to do...???

Ok so I've had my 2 O.Clowns for roughly a week or so...

1 of them (the larger one) is slowly becoming more and more aggressive towards the smaller one... It started with big one just getting a little territorial or just tryn to show whos in control.

But today I caught the big one bite on to the litte one and not let go for a few seconds... Scared me a little but I do know this happens here n there..

OK QUESTION TIME: Whats your take on this situation (fish are good 80% of the time)... the little one does get a little stressed out after these mini attacks...

Should I return the big one and try and get a smaller one? Or maybe just keep only one clown and get a tail spot blenny or six line?...

Please help...

 

There's not much you can do except take out one of them. it's actually pretty normal for this to happen. When clowns are born, they are hermaphrodites. When they pair off, the larger one will usually become the female and the smaller one the male. This fighting is an initial step in the process. However, it doesn't mean they will pair up. My two clowns fight occasionally, but the smaller one isn't really negatively affected, it's just part of nature.

 

You can leave them and let them work it out - it is very common for there to be fighting/aggression while the larger clown (female) establishes dominance. I know it's hard to watch, but eventually they will stop (usually) and become a pair. Or, if you don't like watching it, you can take either clown to the LFS and get a different fish. Also, the fighting is normal, but if it gets really bad, where you think the other clown may be killed, then I would separate them.

 

Try a simple breeders net (biggest you can find). Petsmart/Petco has them for like $10, your LFS may have em cheaper. Just keep the smaller of the two in there for a bit if it gets too bad.

 

OK, I will wait out a little longer and see how it goes I guess...

The smaller one after the attacks does the quiver/shake thing anytime the fish comes near it. I hope the aggression dials down and the bigger one doesnt end up stressn the fish out to death...

 

That shaking dance is a sign of submission, so if the little one is already doing that, that's a good sign.