Bully?

[fixedpoint]

I have a 30 gallon tank. My first fish was a single ocellaris clownfish. The second a helfrichi firefish. Now, the third is a blue green reef chromis. (I added a yasha goby as well, but he lives in his own little world at the bottom)

The firefish and the clownfish get along swimmingly after one or two minor incidents at feeding time initially. However, the clownfish charges the chromis when the chromis get too close. Again, it seems to happen more when he expects feeding time. Fortunately, the chromis is a lot faster than the clownfish and so there have not been any contact but it is probably stressful to the chromis.

It has been four days now. I'm just wondering if I should just wait it out until they settle things or possibly isolate the clownfish for a few days. Also, does the fact that it happens around feeding time indicate that I'm not feeding enough?

 

[billdogg]

The chromis and the clown are very similar. Same or similar family and temperaments. The clown (clowns in general) are very territorial especially in that small of a tank. IMHO the chromis is doomed and should be removed.

 

[AquaFrenzy]

From what I have read and experienced in my own tank with the occ clown fish, they are very territorial at times but have a peaceful personality in general. Mine will not bother any of my fish unless they get to close to "his area" of the tank that he has clamed as his own. if they get in his area and he feels like his home is being invaded he will charge and nip fins, he even does it to my puffer who is 7" , and she is usually chasing a small piece of food that is floating in his direction lol, however there are times she can swim by him with no problems. I have yet to see him bother with my lawnmower blenny even when eating off glass next to him or my parrotfish or purple tang, but has taken a shot at banana wrasse and my porcupine puffer from time to time, both 7"

 

[fixedpoint]

From what I have read and experienced in my own tank with the occ clown fish, they are very territorial at times but have a peaceful personality in general. Mine will not bother any of my fish unless they get to close to "his area" of the tank that he has clamed as his own. if they get in his area and he feels like his home is being invaded he will charge and nip fins

Yes, I should have noted that the clownfish will leave the chromis alone if the chromis doesn't come to his corner and it's not feeding time. However, the chromis seems to love to come hang out by the clownfish only to provoke him. Right now, while I'm watching, the chromis is happily swimming all around the tank and the clownfish is in his corner. Perhaps, the chromis will figure out that if he leaves the clownfish alone that his life is better?