aggressive clowns

[NirvanaFan]

I've had a pair of false percs for about a year now. They have been excellent, and very docile until today. This evening when I was feeding the corals after lights out, the female clown kept trying to bite my hand. I tried to chase her away, but she kept coming back for more. They haven't been doing anything too out of the ordinary lately. Is it possible that they are getting ready to spawn? I think I've heard that they will start to get more aggressive when they are ready.

They've been hosting in their BTA for about 3 months now if that makes any difference. Should I try throwing a clay tile near their anemone?

 

[Titus77]

I would rather have you set the tile down gently, not throw it. You might hurt/break something! So yah, you can do that.

 

[Slakker]

Perhaps getting ready to spawn, but sometimes they just get more protective of their homes as time goes on. My female has started to get a lot more violent recently as well, and I've had my pair of Ocellaris for a bit over a year now.

 

[my hobbies]

my female cinnamon tomatoe clown has been very agressive and bite my hands when i reach in ever since her first spawning. so i would say you may be right.......

 

[Titus77]

She is probably on her period. (Do fish even have periods?)

 

[BristlewormKing]

If they are getting ready to spawn, odds are she has already picked a site and the male has been cleaning it. I have noticed that clowns can get much more aggressive if an anemone is introduced and they decide to host in it. I made the mistake with the most interesting pair I have - kept them in the kitchen for the last two years and finally gave them an anemone two months ago. Hardly ever see the little guys anymore - I think I am going to move the red saddleback into the kitchen (he is freaking hilarious!!)

 

[NirvanaFan]

They have cleaned sites many times. They will pick at rocks near the anemone, dig a hole in the sand, etc.

Usually they barely notice my hand when it comes in the water. It was just a little surprising. I think I'll introduce a tile just in case they feel like using it.