Clowns need advice!!

[thommo75]

Guys,
Well after my Hawkfish killed one of my ocellaris clowns he was taken back to the LFS. I swapped him for another ocellaris. They only had one left so i took that one. The issue is it is the same size as my other one. The old clown keeps chasing the new one. Will they sort it out and become a happy couple or kill each other and in that case I'll take the new one back.

Thanks
Neil

 

[Crooked Reef]

Depends on the size. If they are both small they will fight until one submits and stays male while the winner will turn female. If they are both mature and big females there will be at least one death in the end. Keep inmind there is always a chance that even if small one will kill the other but i think this rarely happens as their survval instinct will kick in and the weaker one will just stay male rather than perish.

 

[thommo75]

Thanks for the reply. The are both very small and definitely still males.

 

[Marishka]

Usually they can figure it out on their own.How big is your tank though? If they are not agreeing -they need have room to be able to get away.
Also,if you have anyway to separate the clown that was in the tank first,and give the new clown a chance to settle, you chance of success is much higher. There are different hang-on breeder baskets and nets you can use-I've done it with all of my clowns ( I currently have several pairs).

 

[amber3k]

Wow! I wasn't aware clownfish can change gender.

 

[Marishka]

Yes-they all start as males-and as they mature some will change to females