Large Clarkii Clown (What to do)

Hi Guys,

It has been a long time since I have made a post here. Things have been really busy and I haven't had much to to spend on the forum. My aquarium has been doing pretty well except for my large female Clarkii. She has always been a bully and bullied my blue tang and flame angel when I had them. She also bullied my midas blenny to jump out when I was feeding them (much more careful now). I decided to add a new fish after about 3 months and went with a firefish. It was doing great and swimming until the Clarkii went after it. I woke up the next day and part of her tail was missing. I didn't know if it was nipping or if she got caught in the PH. She hid in the rocks ad would not come out. The next day, more of her tail was missing and she would only stick her head out to be target fed (not a lot). I decided to take the Large Clarkii out of the tank yesterday. I had to move a lot of rocks and disturbed the sand a bit, so I hope things are going to be okay. I finally wore her out and got her and put her in the return section of my sump. She is still a little spooked but ate a little today. The firefish came out when it smelled the garlic form the sump and ate a little more today. It still hides when it see the smaller Clarkii. The six line and other Clarkii show no aggression at all. The firefish still hides 90% of the time and I hope that will change. My question is what do you think I should do with the female Clarkii? She has always been a spaz and made the other fish jumpy. I am hoping a few days in the sump will give her an attitude adjustment, but I fear that is a pipe dream. She is a beautiful fish and I have had her from the start (1 year this month). I really don't want to tear my tank apart again if it doesn't work as well. So, my question what would you do? I like having the pair but want other fish and would like a community tank and not one with a bully. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!!

Regards,
Ivy

 

Hey sorry i am probably the one that will give you the bad news. There is no changing that fish. I just sold back my ocel clown that developed that trait. It was ripping flesh off me and making me bleed. Your best thing you can do for the safty for your other fish is either sell him back or if you have another tank with no one in it put him there.

 

Thanks for the reply and please don't apologize. I was afraid that was going to be the answer but still had hope. She has never shown any aggression towards me, just other fish. Do you think the other clown will be fine without her? Thanks!!!!

 

its hard to say it would be something i try in a different tank and it would have to be probably a smaller clarki or more aggressive clown. From what i have ever seen and one of my lfs's in town clarki's tend to be one of the my aggressive clowns

 

I have a clarkii and recently I have been trying to decide whether to keep him or trade him in. He is aggressive and bother the gentler fish that I look for. I think I'd rather have some regular clowns...