clown fish Being picked on

I have had 3 clown fish for about 5 months now. 2 of the 3 are about the same size and the 3rd is smaller. Recently, it would seem, that the 2 bigger clowns are picking on the smaller one. His color has faded. I guess it's a result of being stressed out by the other 2. What should I do?

 

Hi Jeeprider if they where my fish
I would probably remove the smaller one because I dont believe the situation will improve
once serious agression/ bullying starts it often results in the death through stress of the one being picked on

Steve

 

+1 to that, i hear the 3rd can be odd man out.

 

I agree too. Sounds like the two have paired up and want nothing to do with the third one.

 

Thanks for the updates, I've isolated the little guy in the same tank. The other 2 can't get to him. Some of his color has come back too. Will pet stores take him back?

 

they should if you give it to them - they may offer store credit, but if not, they should be prepared to take it back, providing its not diseased etc


Steve

 

Even if you don't get your money back it's better for the fish to be removed from the tank. Just out of curiosity what kind of clowns are they?

 

+1 you shouldnt keep an odd number of clowns.

 

It's a Percula clown. Like the one in Finding Nemo. I thought that it didn't matter how many clowns you have, as long as it is more than 2. I know with Tangs it's either one or three or more. Is this not the same for clowns?

 

It all depends on the size of the tank and age/establishment of the fish.
BTW, Nemo/Coral/Marlin were False Perc's