Mad Clown

[Surf&turf]

I've had an occi clown in my tank by it self for a while, and added a perc tank mate last week. The old clown isn't taken to kindly to its new guest.

Any idea how long it will take for her to come around, or should I add another to make a trio?

 

[Toddrtrex]

Do not add a 3rd, it will only make things worse.

How big is the clown that you added?

How long is "a while" ?

There are odds that you now have 2 females --- depending the answers to the above questions. If that is the case, it won't ever work out. But, if you have a male/female it just might take some time for them to sort it out.

 

[Surf&turf]

The clown I added is just slightly smaller than the original.

The one had been by itself for about 6 months. Were 2 until one choked on a pellet. The survivor was the smaller of the 2.

If they are 2 females won't one change?

 

[Toddrtrex]

Slightly smaller might not be a big enough size difference. I would assume that your existing clown is a female.

99.9% of the time a female will stay female. (( I read an account of a female Clarkii turning back to male, but that is the only case I have ever heard of )).

For now, I would see if they can work it out. Could even put the new clown in a breeder box so they can get used to each other.

 

[Surf&turf]

The one I added was alone in a tank for about 3 or 4 months as well.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Arizonah13]

Personally, I would see if you could take back the 2nd/slightly smaller clown and try to get one that's significantly smaller. When I added my first occy, s/he was alone for a while, when I introduced the male, he was tiny - easily half her size. There was some intense chasing and nose bumping, but it literally lasted about 5 min. Now, occasionally, my female will do a quick chase just to show the little guy who's boss, but never rams or bumps him any more - just enough to get him to do his little subservient shimmy.

Now they hang out and sleep together.

Thats just my opinion based on the only two clowns I've got.

 

[Surf&turf]

The new one is doing the subservient shimmy some, but it still gets scared and run/swims away, with the other one in hot pursuit.

 

[Arizonah13]

The new one is doing the subservient shimmy some, but it still gets scared and run/swims away, with the other one in hot pursuit.

Is the smaller one getting any damage? Fins still look intact? The new clown may still be okay. I'd like to see of the clown-expert folks chime in some more on this since my clown experience was fairly uneventful save for the first few minutes.

P.S. I *love* that you repeated subservient shimmy :lolspin:

 

[Surf&turf]

Fins are ok, fish is eating good. Still some chasing going on but has slacked off a bit.

 

[Surf&turf]

Just an update.

Still some chasing going on, still some fighting, but getting a little better.

 

[Surf&turf]

Update, had to remove one. guess I'll be looking for a male.