Fighting - Help me decide if I should separate the clowns

[deneed4spd]

I have a juvi onyx clown that is approx 1.25 inches. Just starting to get its 2nd strip. This clown has been in the 20g QT for approx 4 wks and has been hanging around it a 3 inch PVC pipe.

Two days ago, I added a 2nd rod's onyx clown that is approx 1.5 yrs old and is about 1.5 inches big. Has all 3 strips. Initially the two started bickering in the PVC pipe but would hand in there together.

Last night, i saw them in the PVC pipe together but every couple mins, the large one would start poking his head into the little one. They will tussle for couple secs and then separate. The Juvi clown still hangs out in or around the PVC pipe. Its not like one is chasing the other one into the corners of the tank. The big one just picks at the Juvi which the Juvi picks back. This morning they are still inside the same PVC pipe or around it. Are they fighting to figure out dominance or will I end up with a dead clown, if so should I separate them?

 

[TurtleSoup2]

how bigger is the older clown compared to the juvi clown? It is normal for 2 young clowns to fight for dominance, then the dominate will turn into the female and the will become a pair. Becarfull though, watch the 2 clowns and make sure they dont get too agressive.

 

[Rippinfrags]

Everything sounds fine, continue to monitor and watch for signs of declining health in either fish. However you paired them up incorrectly. Most likely when you had the juvi in quarantine he turned into a female and the bigger clown you got is most likely a female as well. In saying this they probably will kill each other eventually. next time I would suggest getting two juvenile clowns to start with!

 

[deneed4spd]

No fins have been torn nor am I seeing any damage. The first juvi is pretty darn young. Less than 8 months. I dont think it has changed into a female yet since its so young. It literally just staring its 2nd strip.

The juvi is only 1.25 inches an the bigger one is 1.5 The bigger one was in a tank with another larger clown so it probably is still a male.

Ill keep monitoring. Looks like the bigger one is showing dominance. Small one tries to scurry away but still stays pretty close.

 

[Rippinfrags]

That's true I didn't see that the juvi was so young, he/she might not of changed into a female. You should be fine then because there behavior sounds normal.

 

[nemoboy1]

From the sounds of it your fine... Bickering is normal for young clowns... I'm 90% sure your smaller clown isn't a female yet... I personally don't think clowns can change so fast from juvi to male then female... If that was the case people would easily have tons of breeding pairs... And breeding pairs wouldn't be so pricey. If you want you can revamp things a little and keep an eye on them... Again you should be fine. Good luck