My clowns have had a falling out

[Martini5788]

So for the past week, my clowns have been fighting, a lot. Everything was going really great, they were bonding and developing territory and appeared to be preparing to get busy. And then I wake up one morning and everything has changed. The male stays as far away as he can from the female, but if she sees him she just starts chasing him and this continues for awhile, like 15 minutes to an hour. He has almost jumped out of the tank a few times. Should I separate them for a few days? She is out for blood, crazy fish

 

[addictedreefer]

What kind of clowns? How long have they been together? What is the size of each?

 

[Martini5788]

Onyx perculas. They have been together for about 4 months. The female is 2 3/4 inches and the male is around 3/4 inch smaller

 

[addictedreefer]

That's odd. It is possible that they have been sexless juveniles until now and that the larger clown is finally beginning to mature into an adult female and is now rejecting the cohabitant. If they are being very rough I would suggest removing the aggressor for a while and reintroduce in a couple days.

 

[Martini5788]

Is it normal for the sexless juveniles to swim on the side and shake?

 

[Martini5788]

Food appears to appease her for a short time. I tried to catch her a little while ago and was unsuccessful

 

[addictedreefer]

Is it normal for the sexless juveniles to swim on the side and shake?

Yes. Although it can be a sign of pairing, it is really just how clowns show submission, regardless of sexual maturity.

 

[Martini5788]

Ok good to know, thanks. I will keep an eye on them. Currently they are together in the corner, acting normal. Hmmmm. I assume that them sleeping separately is bad?

 

[Martini5788]

The aggression has continued throughout the day, but not as long each time so that's good. Should I keep an eye on them but let them try to work it out? Or just lock her up? I don't want to interfere with the process if I don't have to

 

[addictedreefer]

Key factor is the condition of the bullied clown. If he exhibits significant wounds or shows other signs of health distress, you will need to pull one of them.

 

[Kaydubya]

My ocellaris did the same thing for a couple of weeks but eventually stopped. The two are now inseparable. My Clarkiis are starting to do that somewhat now but he doesn't seem to be too afraid of her, just gives it right back to her. After a while they calm down and sleep together at night.

 

[OrionN]

What you see is the maturation process of un-sexed juvi to female. She is establishing dominant over him. They should be OK in a week or so.

 

[Martini5788]

He is doing fine, no obvious wounds yet. I'll just try to wait it out so I don't prolong it