Aggressive Ocellaris

[kvanwest]

Hello!

I currently have a pair of ocellaris clownfish that I've had together for over a year now, since they were very young and small. One is black (female) and the other is an orange male, which I have in a 20L tank. Just yesterday I noticed that the orange clown had shredded fins, and it appears that the female is picking and nipping at him. His scales also appear to have some damage and he's secluded himself in the corner of the tank.

I have never had the issue where the aggressiveness has turned to physical damage, and they were getting along famously before this. I'm not sure if the coloration difference is an issue, but I've heard that the black clowns can be more aggressive, or if there is another reason for this.

Any advice or solutions would be much appreciated

P.S. I am planning on upgrading my aquarium to a 37 gallon in the new year, so if space is an issue, that should help.

Thank you! :fish1:

 

[kvanwest]

Here's a larger image of his fins.

 

[ThRoewer]

20l (~5 gallon) is a bit tight. I would consider 40l to 60l the minimum.

Though if they are really a pair, tank size should only play a minor role in how they get along.

More likely is that they are not yet a pair.
There are also quite valid concerns that the "black ocellaris" are actually not just a color form of ocellaris, but rather a distinct species.

 

[kvanwest]

Oh my tank is a 20 gallon long, not five haha my bad. They were previously displaying some pairing behavior, but It may be that they're just maturing further.