Clarkii clown pair behavior?

[seafansar]

I have two clarkii clowns that I'm hoping will pair or maybe have already. I bought them separately and one is much larger than the other. I've had them for 3 months now. At first the bigger one chased the smaller one around a lot, but never actually hurt the little guy. At night they would sleep in different spots. This went on for about 2 months. Now the larger one still seems to not like the smaller one (chases occasionally, but never bites), but they now sleep side by side, actually touching. The smaller one has always shown an interest in being near the larger one during the day, but the big one just won't have it.

My question is, is this normal clarkii behavior? I know they are a more aggressive clown. Or do they just feel safer at night being next to one another and won't necessarily pair up? They spend the day on opposite sides of the tank, with the larger one chasing the smaller one if it gets too close. At night they're little buds. Is the smaller one just waiting for the larger one to fall asleep before snuggling up?

 

[marie]

I have a 8 yr old clarkii that I just recently paired up with a tiny one. The chasing and dominant/submissive behaviour went on for 6 months before the little clown proved himself worthy of being a mate.
Now they're laying eggs every 10 days like clockwork

 

[Toddrtrex]

Wish I could offer more insight...

My mated pair has been together for 9+ years now, so how they acted in the beginning is a bit foggy. I do remember that I made the mistake of getting 3 of them, after about 2 months I only had two. After that they were pretty much together all the time.

There was a period ( while regularly spawning ) that they would sleep in separate anemones, but after I sold one of the anemones they slept together. All that time they would be together during the day. Sure there are times during the course of the day that one or the other will go around the tank alone. But, most of the time they are in the corner near their anemone ( and eggs when they are there )

 

[seafansar]

Wow 6 months! I guess I will just have to be more patient. Thanks you two!