When one clownfish dies

[ReefTron5000]

What are the options when one clownfish dies? I recently had to shut down and move my 130 gallon tank that had been up for several years and had a horrible accident where the female died. I've had the clowns for 6+ years. They never laid eggs but they were definitely a pair.

Once their sexes are set, will they ever change again or is there no going back? If I set the male I have up with a very small clown, what will happen? Is the poor guy destined to be a bachelor at this point? I'm really bummed about the whole matter. In the new tank, I definitely want another pair of clowns but I would hate to have to get rid of my boy.

 

[humphreyhh]

You can get a smaller one to pair with your current one. Your male clownfish will turn into a female after they figure out the new relationship.


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[ThRoewer]

Just add a smaller one.

As for the changing back from female to male - a year ago I would have said that it's impossible, but after some more research I would now say it is highly unlikely to happen. It may be technically possible, but if you put two females together the outcome is generally that one of them will be dead by the end of the day. To actually having a chance to get one to change back you would have to keep them in a tank with a clear divider so that they can see each other, but not fight (or at least not get into physical contact).

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[ReefTron5000]

Ok great that is good news. I'll pick up a smaller fish.

How much smaller does the second clown actually have to be? Are we talking 75% of the size of the other, 50%? Smaller than that?

 

[ThRoewer]

How big is the survivor? Which species?
I would usually recommend one tailfin length of the larger as difference, but less can work as well as long as both are still males.
The one thing you don't want is to pair a large male with a smaller female. While that can work as well - I had an A. melanopus pair where the male was the larger one - it can also backfire badly.

 

[d0ughb0y]

Always add a smaller one. Initially the small clown will be harassed by the larger clown and will sooner or later get along. I think I read in an faq somewhere that a clown is not a pair until it lays eggs.

 

[ReefTron5000]

How big is the survivor? Which species?
I would usually recommend one tailfin length of the larger as difference, but less can work as well as long as both are still males.
The one thing you don't want is to pair a large male with a smaller female. While that can work as well - I had an A. melanopus pair where the male was the larger one - it can also backfire badly.

The surviving male is about 2.5". I guess I'll just look for something in the 1.5 to 2" range.

 

[Brock0019]

The surviving male is about 2.5". I guess I'll just look for something in the 1.5 to 2" range.

If you're going To add for certain go smaller and you may as well get something unique that you may have wanted before

 

[ThRoewer]

... I think I read in an faq somewhere that a clown is not a pair until it lays eggs.

I would strongly disagree with that notion. I have 4 percula pairs and only one is spawning so far, yet all four are clearly bonded pairs judging by their behavior.
Research has shown that fish form pairs not necessarily for reproduction (alone) but to an equal part for mutual support and protection.


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[d0ughb0y]

maybe that was referring to a mated pair for breeding. not all your clown pairs are mated pair.

my mated pair
https://youtu.be/nE5Mi-JEsVc


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