Strange Clownfish Behavior

[wagatlng]

I have 2 ocellaris clownfish in my tank. I have had them both for over a year. Yesterday, I had to rescue one of them because the other beat the crap out of the other. Is this normal and why would one suddenly attack the other after they have been together for so long? Please help!

 

[Ovuel]

I would assume that you may have bought a pair of Juvy Oscellaris at the same time, and now that they are reaching sexual maturity they are having trouble deciding who will be the momma and who will be the poppa. From what I have read, when you do raise two clowns together of similar size, this can be a potential problem.

Has anything at all recently changed that may have affected your fish..ie change in landscaping, introduction of friends, large water change...etc?

 

[Kanicky]

Three different posts and I think you'll find the same answers in all

It's just like what has already been said: they're establishing dominance. The female will always win

 

[wagatlng]

No recent changes have been made. Everything was going well until Sunday, when I noticed that one fish had taken a serious beating. I guess I have no choice but to sepearate them. ANd the three post hasppen b/c the site had problems at the time I posted.