Clownfish not pairing

[Jeremiahinsc]

I could really use some advise. My tank is 9 weeks old, and the clownfish have been in for 7 weeks. After maybe 2 weeks one began growing faster than the other and quickly became the dominant female bullying the little guy. He keeps showing attempts to quiver and submit but mostly runs and hides. He's still eating, but I'm beginning to wonder if this relationship is going to work. At what point do I throw in the towel and separate the two? Then if I do decide it's a lost cause what's next? I've debated buying a Nuvo 10 or 20 for the office for one of them, but which one and then should I attempt another in the main tank? Or just keep one in each???? Again, help is greatly appreciated. If it helps, this is a 75 gallon with a goby, and two bangai Cardinals. I'm scheduled to get 4-6 green chromis this weekend. All parameters are in check. Thanks for any help!

 

[Capt.Nemo]

Kind of fighting same battle right now, I'm about 5 weeks in. From what I understand, we could just have a couple that just won't bond. Locking their jaws together I think is the harshest fight. If seen, may consider separating.
I would say, don't give up. Split them up maybe, but try another. Separate with little hang on breeder tank for couple days. Take smaller one to your office.

 

[Cheebs]

Unless the male is getting a beating to the point wher eit is affecting his health, I would be patient. When I paired my Maroons almost 10 years ago (still have them today!), the male chose to live in a gonipora away from the female + anemone. They would sometimes interact and fight, but would always separate. Then one day - a couple months later - I came home and they were writhing around together in the anemone and haven't been apart since.

I'd say that you should bother stick it out for a good while longer, again unless the male is being badly torn up.

 

[lifeoffaith]

They should get there no problem. I agree with only separating if the male is in real danger.

 

[Rudimenta]

What they said, can take months to become a really bonded pair! And after that up to a year to lay eggs, more patience required

 

[Jeremiahinsc]

Thanks for the responses. Ill keep holding out hope, as hes not getting beat up too bad and is still eating well. I really dont want to split them up and really dont have the time and money to invest in a second tank at this moment either.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I had a pair that didn't work out after 5 months. The larger clown beat up the smaller one so bad he had to be isolated and never recovered. They never acted like a true pair. The smaller clown always submitted but the larger one didn't care. She rejected him. I wish I had read her better and didn't wait for 5 months for things to improve. Now I'm starting with a new pair from ground 0. I got her a new mate.