New Clarkii

kmbyrnes

New member
The female of my Clarkii pair died last November. The male has been doing well since then. I am starting to build a 350 and would really like to move him over and get him a companion.
The problem is that he is pretty big - about 4" - so finding a larger one could be a challenge.
If I got a smaller one, what are the chances they will get along?
 
If yours hasn't already it will turn female. I would get a very small one in the 1" size to assure that you get a male, or purchase a known male but you should be fairly safe with any around an inch.
 
In a 350, you might actually have enough space to end up with (2) females.

Personally, I would attempt a pairing prior to the move and give them plenty of time to bond. If you have not done it before, be prepared for some intense aggression and hope for a easy-peasy event.

Good luck.
 
Extended QT might be possible, but I'd prefer not to have a new arrival go through pairing with an additional bug, itch, or bleed. QT first and before introducing to your healthy livestock.

I would prefer extended isolation of the pair after the new one has been QT'd, even if post QT pairing was in the existing tank.

In my experience, the newly added Clarkii will submit immediately and then the dominant specimen will remind junior frequently over the next few weeks. Could be vigorous, with torn fins, chasing junior. Make sure the tank is covered to avoid fishy jerky. After a few weeks they should be bonded well enough for a move to a new larger tank. Even then, I would prefer to divide a tank of 350gal size and keep them clustered together for a few weeks after acclimation. But that is just me being extremely cautious after many poor results over the years, most because I rushed things too fast.

Note: I had great pair conditioning results for breeding with a 300gal, not so great for pairing. Was too large and allowed a couple of stubborn specimens to stake out their own chunk of the reef and become females.
 
I really appreciate the advice.
Since I have plenty of time - and enough tank space - I guess regular QT for the new arrival then separate isolation to become bonded before introducing them as a pair to the DT?
 
I really appreciate the advice.
Since I have plenty of time - and enough tank space - I guess regular QT for the new arrival then separate isolation to become bonded before introducing them as a pair to the DT?
Given what you have shared that would be my plan.

Start hunting for a nice 1" specimen and get it into QT :)
 
Sounds like a plan. Just make sure it's a 1" fish and not a 1 1/2" don't want any chance of picking up a female.
 
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