Question about adding a clown to an existing clown

[redwingrob40]

I currently have a approx 1.5 inch occ. clown in my tank, and it has been in the tank by itself for about 5.5 months. I have the opportunity to get a 2-2.5 perc, and would like to add it to the tank. Is it possible that the smaller clown has already turned female? I got it when it was just shy of an inch. Just wanting to know if anyone has had success adding a clown in this manner? Or do you think this would be trouble? or is there no way tell tell until the fish is added? Sorry I know its a lot of questions. Thanks

 

[redwingrob40]

Bump, anyone have advice on this?

 

[reefstew]

The only way to know is to go ahead & add it. If it was the other way around where the bigger fish was in the tank first then it might be a problem. Just plan on being around when you put it in so if their is a problem you can remove it.

 

[Higgy2010]

I twice added a clown to an existing one, and neither time worked. Both new additions either died or disappeared. The existing one would fight and nipped the new addition almost non-stop. Your plan may work due to the size difference, but be observant of their behaviors to save yourself money and heartache.

 

[redwingrob40]

Thanks for the responses! Guess I will try and see what happens, my biggest worry is that the smaller existing clown has already turned female, think I will try and add in a container first and see how they react to one another...

 

[jbowen]

I added a 1.5" occie clown to my tank with a 2.5" occie clown and they paired up immediately.

 

[elegance coral]

There is a very good possibility that both fish are female. You may get lucky, and your resident clown is a slow bloomer??????? If you try this, I would suggest using an acclimation chamber so you can observe their behavior without them killing each other.

 

[redwingrob40]

There is a very good possibility that both fish are female. You may get lucky, and your resident clown is a slow bloomer??????? If you try this, I would suggest using an acclimation chamber so you can observe their behavior without them killing each other.

Yeah that is what I am worried about, I don't want to kill any fish.... Thanks for the response.

 

[RandyReefer]

Don't add them if the occy has been alone for 5 months it's a good chance it's a female and if the other clown is 2. 5 inches then that one is obviosly a female to so if you put them together you will end up with the smaller one dead


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- Current tank info: 22 gallon, with mated pair onyx percula clownfish

 

[sneeze]

IME, i doubt the little existing 1.5" fish is female. Easy way to find out though. Once you put the new fish in, if both are female, they will likely lock jaws within minutes. Some aggression is to be expected. Also, watch for the "submission" dance in the little one. If the little one does the twitch, then he's definitly male. Should also happen within minutes.