Newly Aggressive Clowns

[jstlsn]

My Ocellaris Clown Fish have become very aggressive. They have lived peacefully for over two years. The first Ocellaris Clown was added on 01/06/2007. The second one was added on 08/10/2007. They host in their RBTA that was added on 03/02/2008. Recently they have become very aggressive to the other fish and the emerald crabs. Two of my fish have died in the last two days. I actually saw the clowns biting the fins off the Green Chromis that died. They are always chasing the other two Green Chromis and going after the Emerald Crabs.

Anyone know why they have become so aggressive?

Thanks
Brad

 

[rkelman]

They are becoming mature and possibly exhibiting breeding behavior. They are defending their territory. Mine hate Chromis. The Chromis irritate them. Emerald Crabs could be a predator to a nest of Clown eggs so that doesn't surprise me that they are aggressive toward them either. Mine will tail whip any snail / crab that comes near. They will bite / chase fish 4X their size.