How long for clowns to pair?

[RaineyDays]

I am new to saltwater and recently purchased (1 week ago) 2 tank bred ocellaris clowns for my 30L FOWLR. They are the only fish in the tank. The LFS says they are about 8 months old. I bought one slightly larger than the other. The larger one is being very aggressive to the smaller one. I am wondering how long the smaller one is going to have to endure the constant attacks? I feel bad for the little guy and hope the pairing will happen soon.

Also, the little one is a much better eater than the larger one. Is there a chance the little one will overtake the bigger one and the tides will turn? Or is the dominant one already established and it is just a matter of time before the little one gives in?

 

[smtank]

The larger fish is most likely a female.

She will show aggression to a smaller male through out her life span. The smaller male should start to show signs of submission such as shaking, usually as long as he is displaying signs of submission she will let him live.

If the male is not eating (which it is), has badly tattered fins, is breathing at the surface or hiding in the corner than it's time to separate them. For some reason the female has chosen not to accept the male.

Female clowns may spawn at 2-2.5 years, male as early as 6 months.

Clowns like people will have spats but those should resolve. She will however continue to remind him of his place with fin slams and chasing.

 

[RaineyDays]

Thanks. Do you think there is any chance that the smaller one will become dominant? He is eating better than the other and I was wondering if would get bigger than the present bigger one? The bigger one is only marginally bigger than the other. The small one is pretty tough and is holding his own and nipping back on occassion.

Hoping they get the feud settled soon!

 

[smtank]

Once a clown becomes a female she remains so, this is the reason it's important to make sure you do not buy 2 females.

You have a dominate female, a male and the rest are subservient. If the female dies the dominate male becomes the female, if the dominate male dies another will takes it's place.

Two females in a small tank will usually kill one another.

Sounds as if they are working it out and he is holding his own which is good.

 

[RaineyDays]

Perfect. Thanks. Mother nature will sort this all out soon.

 

[searle832003]

larger one feamle, smaller male, the beatings will stop, mine only lasted 5 minutes give it time. they'll pair and make babies