Unpaired Gladiator Clownfish

[xdiep23]

I have had a pair of ocellaris gladiator clownfish's that I picked up at LFS about 2 months ago. They were in separate tanks but right next to each other so therefore they appeared to have been paired up already. Took both home, one being smaller than the other. Really noticed smaller one submissing to the bigger one and they have been fine together until just two days ago. I am seeing the bigger one religiously the little guy around. Little guy is hiding all the time now and I can see he is getting bit by the markings on his tail, etc.

Question is what could cause this type of behavior in the clowns after being fine together this entire time? Any advice on what I can do to resolve this?

I have to note I took the big clown out and put her into a container for a little bit to give the little guy a break and after putting her back in, it did help with her not chasing him around as much.

 

[Tmoriarty]

It is possible she is going through the sex change and is reasserting her dominance over the male. If it does not look like she will kill the smaller one perhaps it may be best to let them work it out. Are you sure they were both juves when you bought them, or if not are you sure they were not both females?

 

[slosht]

Give the little guy the run of the tank for a week and keep the female in an isolation box in the same tank if possible.

 

[Whip316]

I wouldn't give it a week apart. Males can start turning into female in as little as 7 to 10 days. I would let them be. She is asserting her dominance and a few nipped fins is normal. If he has a nice place to hide from her than he will be fine. Longer you prolong the processes the worse it might be for him. Sooner or later he has to submit. And women don't like melt waiting. Hehe. If you csn get a breeder net thing you see in pet stores that are netting and not plastic. It might help putting him in there if it gets worse. This was she can see and smell him so she knows he is there. Also I used a pond basket. It's big like 6x6x4 and I clipped it to the side of the tank and put both on there. Since its so strange it might helps them bond being scared together. Good time to add a nem while in the basket too. I do this for all my clowns I want to pair up.


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[xdiep23]

Well the chasing has almost stopped now. She will still go and chase him here and there from what I can see. They have their moments when they will be close to each other without her chasing him away. I will keep those suggestions in mind after I observe them a little more after I get off work today. Thanks again.