Clown aggression question

[daisybud]

Just today I bought 2 purple fire fish. I put them in with 2 clown fish and 2 green chromis I have had for about 8 months. The LFS said I could add the fire fish to my tank without a problem. I have a 24 gallon tank. The clowns, especially the female are attacking and nipping at the fire fish to the point that they have to hide in the rock. Will the clown fish calm down and except the firefish or did I make a huge expensive mistake?? Help please..

 

[Tang Salad]

They are probably too crowded in the 24.

 

[daisybud]

thanks for the input..

 

[CapitalO]

I agree the fish load is high.. but to answer your question: in my experience clowns tend to be aggressive towards new comers, but eventually accept new additions when they arent as foreign to them. This also depends on other factors.. like tank size, when they were added etc.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

My saddlebacks harass any newcomers. They usually end up chasing the fish right into the carpet. You might have a better chance if you had a bigger tank. IMO you are over stocked. I only have 4 fish in my 55g. I think there will be a lot of fighting to come over territory. Hopefully the clowns will calm down and except their new tankmates. What kind of clowns are they?