I added another pair of clowns!!? What Next?

[reefrf]

Hello,

Here is the situation. I asked many people whether or not I could add my true percula (from another tank) & another orange ocellaris to my already housed pair of Black Ocellaris clowns to my 130g reef. Everyone I spoke with said more than likely they should be ok.

I expected some fighting due to the pairs getting established. What I didn't expect was the True Perc kicking the _ _ _ _ out of both black occelaris clowns, basically swicthing back & forth between the two of them, almost as though he's keeping them seperated. The small regular ocellaris is kind of keeping his distance.

My hope was that the black Ocellaris would stay together like they have been for months & the True Perc & the younger smaller ocellaris would pair up on the other side of the tank. Is this behaviour pretty typical so far?

Thanks, Ron

 

[Toddrtrex]

I am surprised that people told you that it is a good idea.

Suggest removing one of the pairs, it is only going to get worse. It may calm down for a while, but once one of the pairs starts to spawn, the other pair will most likely be killed.

 

[Slakker]

+1, ticking time bomb waiting to explode and leave you with a pair of dead clowns.

 

[Sk8r]

What next? Another tank, I hope.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

People on here told you this was a good idea?

 

[kimsie]

I too am very surprised anyone told you this would be a good idea and that it would go ok. If you seriously want to keep both pairs I would suggest it's time for another tank.

Otherwise pick your favorite of the pairs and let the other go to a friend or back to the LFS. At least for now separate them by putting 2 in a breeders basket or something - the fighting should only get worse.

 

[myreefcentral]

who's next up for your true perc...a maroon? bring on the next clown...you should sign that clown up for UFC (ultimate fighting clowns)...haha!

the only chance you can get it to work is if they're all small juvi clowns...1" and under...

 

[Atticus]

Mixing clowns is never a good idea and I do not know who would have told you that it was ok besides a LFS or someone looking to make a buck. Even juv. clowns only stay small for a limited time then a pair forms and they start to pick off the competition.

 

[dalilgriffith]

Plan a clownfish funeral?