Pairing Clownfish

[rdnyva]

Almost 2 years ago I bought 2 small Sebae Clowns. Breeding wasn't the goal but I thought it would be cool to have a pair. They grew up and like most clowns the larger one became the female and harassed the smaller male to no end, but finally they bonded and were a pair.

I recently lost the male and was wondering the best method for a replacement. Do I get a small one and hope she doesn't kill him, get a larger one that's already possible female? Either way I know a fight will ensue. What are your recommendations? What works and what doesn't?

 

[Apercula]

I would look for the smallest possible replacement.

With my perculas the female was close to 3 inches and had been the only clown in the tank for 2 years. I got a male about an inch long and when I added him she initially looked like she was going to attack him, but she realized he was no threat and they bonded really fast.

 

[rdnyva]

My female is 2 1/2+ inches, not quite 3. So what you’re saying is get a really small one, dump it in and hope for the best? No acclimation to each other, such as a small cage etc?

 

[ThRoewer]

My female is 2 1/2+ inches, not quite 3. So what you're saying is get a really small one, dump it in and hope for the best? No acclimation to each other, such as a small cage etc?

You can try to add the smaller directly to the tank but it might be better to use an acclimatization box.
Best would be to pair them in a neutral tank or in a tank where the smaller one has the home advantage. Since you should quarantine the new one it would be best to add the larger one to that tank once the smaller one has finished its 6 weeks an remained healthy. Then give them about a month to bond before putting them both (back) into the display.

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