Percula Clownfish Trouble.

[kingfisher62]

I have two Percula Clownfish in my 14g biocube which I have had for over two years. I got them when they were tiny , half inch or so. Now one is about 2" and the other 1.5" . They have always got along and seemed to have paired but have never spawned. Recently the larger has started to kick the smaller one's A$$.
The smaller one has no physical damage but has been cowaring in the back corner for the last two days. The tank may be getting too small for them. I would love to move them to my 55g but my seven year old Tomato clown would never allow it. If you know what I mean.

Has anyone ever experienced this before?
Any suggestions?

Here are a couple of pics ,with one recent one of them bedding on top of my powerhead at night.

<a href="http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r174/Kingfish62/?action=view&current=clwn2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r174/Kingfish62/clwn2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r174/Kingfish62/?action=view&current=DSCF0983.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r174/Kingfish62/DSCF0983.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[snorvich]

they are showing dominance and submission while bonding. However a mated pair of clownfish needs about 25 gallons so your tank is a bit too small.

 

[kingfisher62]

Thanks snorvich, I am pulling the tank apart this weekend to do a scheduled deep cleaning and will be changing the aquascaping. I am kinda hoping this disruption might slow down the harrassment. If it does I know it will most likely be temporary.
I would rather put them in my 55g if I could find a good home for my tomato clown but I have gotten pretty attached to him also. I guess i will have some decisions to make soon!

 

[Surfjnkie9]

I have a similar problem. I have two Percula Clownfish in a 16g FOWLR. It seems they are a mated pair as well. They haven't become aggressive towards each other, but they are very aggressive towards anything else I put in the tank. The larger clown tried to kill a firefish the other day. I plan on upgrading to a 30g tank soon. I can understand why they are territorial though, they have been living in the same tank for 6 years now with no other inhabitants.

 

[snorvich]

I have a similar problem. I have two Percula Clownfish in a 16g FOWLR. It seems they are a mated pair as well. They haven't become aggressive towards each other, but they are very aggressive towards anything else I put in the tank. The larger clown tried to kill a firefish the other day. I plan on upgrading to a 30g tank soon. I can understand why they are territorial though, they have been living in the same tank for 6 years now with no other inhabitants.

A pair of clowns will "capture" about 25 gallons of tank space and will defend it against all comers. Not surprising that the firefish are intimidated.

 

[jt_milstead]

First of all those do not look like Percula to me Occalaris. Second this is normal she is just puting him in his place.This is normal behavior for clownfish. Once he(the smaller of the two) starts doing the dance it will calm down.

 

[snorvich]

Yes, they are Amphiprion ocellaris not A. percula. I did not look at the picture.

 

[kingfisher62]

How do you tell the difference Guys?