Clownfish territorial to same species

[Frost_Hydra]

Yesterday I acclimated a Midnight Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris var.) to my tank which has peaceful residents including a Teardrop Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). The Teardrop has been in my tank for about a month and has grown from the size of a quarter to a half dollar coin, and started hosting a BTA I added a week ago. The Midnight is about 1.5x times the size as the Teardrop. These are both the same species of fish, with just different coloration, so I was hoping that they would pair up; as they are both young. Though shortly after adding the Midnight, the Teardrop started nipping its tail and fin, till it swam all the way to the corner, where it has been for the past two days. I know clownfish are territorial, But I didn't think the teardrop would go at it so aggressively as it itself is decently smaller than the new arrival. I've noticed no signs of aggression coming from the Midnight. I was just curious if anyone knew if this is normal, and that they would eventually warm up to each other, or should I remove the Midnight. I have a 55g long, and if the Midnight goes about 3 inches off the wall the Teardrop will go after it. Thank you in advance

 

[Small Heavens]

The "dominant" will mark a place "she" likes and for the first time, the sub will have to hang out in "second-best" territory.

What you describe sound safe so far, like their normal getting to know each other.

If they decide to fight, they would kinda lock jaws and keep going at it, never stopping as long as they have energy and can see eachother, they would continue to fight. And then they would need help to separate.

The fin nipping should stop if the bigger new fish accepts the sub role. Then the established female will make sure the new male eats less than her and begin to outgrow him.

Just keep an eye on the new fish, and if it continues to accept being the sub despite having some size on your established fish, there is no trouble.

The sub will make the shakes for the dominant, but, sometimes the dominant can be alittle distrusting and use a little longer to convince herself that it's really submitting to her.

I hope you enjoy, and remember, if you think sounds are coming from your aquarium, it is just the clownfish talking with eachother or otherwise marking their turf

 

[Small Heavens]

Oh, also, they often tend to stand guard at each side of their turf during the daytime. I always spend most time watching them when the daytime light goes out, because then they dance all over their territory and do most of their social activities.