2 saddleback clownfish fighting.

[pinetreex]

So I picked up 2 saddlebacks from a lfs 2 days ago, 1 slightly bigger than the other one and it seemed like they werent fighting so I got both of them (There was only 2 of them).

So I placed them in the 90 gallon(they are the only ones in the tank) and now the bigger one chases the smaller one out of the carpet nem and nips him while the smaller one shakes vertically, assuming hes trying to give in to the bigger one but still gets picked on.*

I tried to look up some info online but seems like not much is out there about saddlebacks, so what should I do? Is this natural and will the bigger one mellow out or seperate them? Any advice is welcome.*

 

[joshkirkland83]

Probably establishing territory.

 

[ginpang]

The shaking is submission . The big one has to feel confident about its dominant role and territory. The little one needs to keep shaking like he really means it.

In my experience it usually sorts itself out within a few days never took more than a week in my aquariums over the years.
If they were many it would be different .
But being only two, with one who submits right away shouldn't give you too much trouble.
If you are really concerned on account that the little one starts showing missing pieces from actual nipping then you could put a splitter or a hatchery until they settle down . But if it's just a lot of "posturing" it should be all well soon.

 

[pinetreex]

Thanks for the advice. As of now some of his fins are torn but nothing too major.

 

[joshkirkland83]

BTW, the one that submits will be the male.
..lol.

 

[raybyrne67]

My 2 Percs have been together for 2 years and have been establishing territory constantly for the past 3 months. They are both eating well and stop brawling as soon as the light go out. I guess the smaller one refuses to be male.

 

[joshkirkland83]

My 2 Percs have been together for 2 years and have been establishing territory constantly for the past 3 months. They are both eating well and stop brawling as soon as the light go out. I guess the smaller one refuses to be male.

Haha. Whats crazy is they are hermaphrodites, so whichever ends up being the male the other will be female and usually get twice as big if not more.

 

[pinetreex]

Just got home from work and found the smaller one totally beat up in the corner breathing heavily. Gonna try to put him in the sump for now.

 

[ginpang]

So sorry that happened [emoji20]!