Clown pairing question & Split Nem

[Bernie21]

I recently added 2 A. Ocellaris to my tank, one (the larger one), I had for a while in another tank, then I added a smaller, younger one to go w it at the same time to this tank. Theyve been together for about a month. Now, recently, an RBTA I've had for years split in 2. The older clown decided to take notice and began hosting them after the split. Seeing this behavior, the younger, smaller clown followed suit. However, the larger clown runs it off the nems, regardless of which nem the older one is in. So she wont share the one she is in and she wont share the one she's not in. At night she sleeps in one nem, so the little clown sneaks into the other and the sleep in seperate nems. This has been going on for about a week. Is this normal behavior, or should I be concerned and try to catch them & keep them together in isolation for a lil bit, w out the nems?

Thanks

 

[Bernie21]

The little one, is always close to the larger one, but not too close and not in the nems. Also they both keep to the front right side of the tank, hardly venturing from there.

 

[clorox]

From personal observation, I think this is normal, especially since they have been together not for long. My 2 year percula pair sleep separately at night The female takes the Magnifica (which is homebase for both during the day) while the male either stays under the overhang on the oral disk or moves to one of the many bta's nearby.

I think this behavior is also related to the size of the anemone. If it is large enough for one, then it is very likely that the female will nudge away the male.
On a large nem they would likely both be inside sharing.

Similarly to humans, if for some reason you had to share a small twin-size bed with your GF or wife, guess who would have to sleep on the couch or floor?

 

[Bernie21]

lol... thanks. So I should just leave them alone??

I've had clowns before, but they paired up instantly and never hosted anything in 9 years... so this is new to me.

 

[clorox]

lol... thanks. So I should just leave them alone??

I've had clowns before, but they paired up instantly and never hosted anything in 9 years... so this is new to me.

I would give them some time, as you know clownfishes form a long lasting bond once paired. Most times it's a matter of luck and patience

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Completely normal. My snowflake/black ice pair did the same thing for a month and eventually the female started sharing the anemone. Shortly after they began to lay eggs. It was awesome!

 

[Bernie21]

thank you for your answers, I'll leave them alone then. I was about to put them together in one of those clear hang in the tank breeder boxes. I didn't want to have some nem boundary warfare going on & losing the little one.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Clown pairing question & Split Nem

thank you for your answers, I'll leave them alone then. I was about to put them together in one of those clear hang in the tank breeder boxes. I didn't want to have some nem boundary warfare going on & losing the little one.

Oh no don't do it. It's awful when I see people on forums or YouTube doing it. Believe me it will all work out without stressing the clowns or the anemone.