Help! Attack of the OC Clown!

[JR8999]

Over the past few months my 2year old female OC clown has become more aggressive toward me! A few months back I noticed her coming up to my hand and taking a nibble when I put it in the tank to do some maintenance. Over time she has become more aggressive. It's now to the point where I can't even put my hand in the tank without her darting over from across the tank and biting repeatedly until I take it out. Today I was just about to put my hand in and she charged from the bottom of the tank and jumped out to take a bite! ***??? Luckily she landed back in the DT. Has anyone experienced this? Any ideas on how I can change the behavior so I can use my hand instead of a utility grabber to clean algae?? It's pretty damn funny I guess when a 200lb guy is being bullied by a 2oz fish. Lol

 

[cloak]

You could always wear gloves, but ultimately I think your just going to have to get used to it.

I have a breeding pair in my 20 gallon tank and this happens to me all the time. At first it would kind of startle me, but now I'm prepared for it..

 

[jmm]

It doesn't hurt.

 

[adambom]

Love bites

 

[karimwassef]

you've been wimpy... pulling back when she bites. Now she knows you're going to run away when she attacks. So you need to retrain her by taking her bites and not backing off. Maybe even go on the offensive if she attacks. chase her back into her anemone and flick like a fish. wear gloves if it hurts.

once she respects you again, then maybe reward her for not biting you by giving her a treat. maybe flake food just for her?

 

[Xxero]

I say bite her back. :bigeyes:

 

[shifty51008]

Mine has drawn blood a few times, ive learned to wear gloves now.