Clownfish Losing Fins?

Hi everyone, I did not know where should I post this problem. I wanted to post it in the ASAP, but it does not seem an emergency yet.

I have a 75 gallon Saltwater aquarium with 4 ocellaris clownfish and 2 threadfin butterfly fish. My concern is that my smallest clownfish has "nipped" fins. Where there should be a black "band" at the tip of the fin, there is nothing. He(?) also seems to be struggling to swim because the bigger Clownfish are chasing him. I was just wondering if I should isolate him in a smaller aquarium? I really have no clue about this. Is there any steps I should take?

If I posted this topic in the wrong forum, or if this issue have been solved already, I apologize in advance. Thank you for any help that is offered!

 

You should remove the clown. Clowns can be extremely aggressive. The larger clowns have decided not to share their territories with the small clown, the other clowns might very well stress the small clown to the point of death. This is not uncommon for clowns, multiple clowns do not always work out in aquariums unless the tank is very large.

 

^^^^+1

 

Hi! Thanks for replying. Its a good thing I have another spare aquarium then. Should I cycle the aquarium first? Or should I just add some water from the 75g aquarium? Also, will there ever be a time when I can return him back into the 75g aquarium? Thanks again.

 

The odds that you will be able to return the clown are extremely low. If you have a sump put the clown in there. The clown will probably die before the tank cycles, the clown is already showing the signs of physical aggression, torn fins.
You can also place the small clown in a breeder box or acclimation box in the display if you have one available.
Worst case scenario the clown will have to go into the 75 gallon.
Clowns are Damsels, there is a hierarchy. Dominate female, dominate male and sexually immature males make up the hierarchy. All subservient male must show the female submissive behaviors (shaking, backing off) that the female will find acceptable or she will kill the clown.

 

I think I might have to just return him to the pet store. I just hope they will accept returns or exchanges. But I doubt very much.
I researched about the acclimation box, I do not believe they have one in my area, but can I setup my own? If so, what material would be safer in my aquarium and not leak bad substance in my aquarium? Would the clown survive for a long time in the acclimation box in my 75g? Im sorry if I have so much questions. Thanks again.

 

Not really an answer, buy my clown recent got sucked into a power head and lost his fin. He had a nub for a coupe weeks but grew His fin back last week.

 

Hello everyone! Just want to give update on situation. So far, they are no longer picking on the smaller clownfish. When they swim to him, he start shaking and twitching and then they leave. He can even eat at feeding time again. He just stays apart from the group though. Mostly staying near the back, with all the decoration. His fins have also regained black trim. Thank you for the advice!

 

Excellent, thanks for the follow up. The clown is still at risk. Clown fish establish dominance continually. As long as the smaller clown is showing the appropriate submissive behaviors the female is currently ok with the additional clown, but one day for no reason the relationship/dynamics stand a good chance of changing.

 

yes, I'm thinking you may still want to remove the clown. I know this may sound weird but think about its quality of life, if it's got to hide and always be submissive or be tortured, it's not living the best life in your current set up. You could return it to the LFS and at least it would have a chance of going into a better situation. Just my .02.