Clown fish nipping

the river reef

the river reef

New Member
I have a 56g column style tank (30"x18"x24"). It has been running for almost 2 months now. About 75lbs of live rock, 2-3" of crushed coral sub, fluval canister filter, 2-150w heaters, etc..
Stock: Cleaner crew - 2- scarlet hermits, blue leg hermit, Halloween hermit, 2 astrea snails, parasite cleaner shrimp. The only fish I have are 2 black and white clown fish. When I bought them at my LFS the guy told me that they all pair up when placed together in a tank without other fish. This brings me to my question... One is slightly larger than the other, I have noticed that the larger fish is bullying the smaller fish and has started nipping at his pectoral fins. Now the small guys fins are a mess. I first thought it was a bacterial disease, but after observing them the last few nights, I strongly feel that it is due to nipping. I got my QT ready and was going to separate the smaller fish. But then I started thinking and need help with these questions.
If I separate the smaller fish, how will I ever re-introduce him to the tank? Will these guys ever actually pair up, or was the guy at my LFS wrong? I just don't know what to do and can't bare to watch this poor fish being tormented, please help!
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
They may not pair up, it is not automatic. From what I read the larger one is rejecting the other and may kill it. Yes if you remove the smaller one you should not reintroduce it later, it will surly be killed. I suggest trying to return both fish to LFS and try again with different pair.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
They might still pair up, but probably not without intervention.
How much larger is the one than the other?
If you can't return them and start with a new pair, remove the larger one. Let the smaller set up territory and heal on his own and then try reintroducing the larger in a few weeks (2-4 depending on how the fins heal). This has worked for me, but it's not always a guarantee, sometimes the aggressive fish will just go right back to attacking.
If you can return them and start over, make sure you get two small ones that are about the same size. If the store has a tank with a few together, observe them for awhile, you can usually see some of them submitting and already turning male. If you watch closely, you'll see some of them shake, almost like they're having a little seizure. I will usually take one that is doing that and then one that is not. It's the best method that has worked for me. Before putting them in your main tank, try to get them to pair up in the QT (you should QT them before they enter your main system anyways).
**Please don't post multiple threads on the same topic**
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
+1 on the shaking one, that is the mating dance. If you see which one is causing the other one shake, you may have a winner. Good Luck
 
the river reef

the river reef

New Member
Thank you for the help. I will contact the store and see what my options are. Sorry about the double post. Saw the specific clown fish category and wasn't sure I placed it in the correct forum.
 
the river reef

the river reef

New Member
I called the store and they can give me 10% back on the price of the fish towards a new one. I removed the aggressive fish into my QT. Left the smaller injured fish in my display tank. Now I need to decide my next move. I can return either the small or the large fish and try to pair up a new set. Which one is better to keep? Or I can return the injured small guy and stay with a single clown in my system. Suggestions please?!
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I'd return the aggressor. Get another small one, and QT it while the other ones is still healing. Then introduce them. If possible to catch the other guy in your DT, introduce them in the QT and let them start to pair up there, then toss them in the DT together.
 
njbillyv

njbillyv

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreef http:///t/390993/clown-fish-nipping#post_3465505
I'd return the aggressor. Get another small one, and QT it while the other ones is still healing. Then introduce them. If possible to catch the other guy in your DT, introduce them in the QT and let them start to pair up there, then toss them in the DT together.
Totally agree. Send the agressive one packing and let the little guy heal, then add another one the same size. Clowns are always better in pairs IMO.
 
the river reef

the river reef

New Member
Thank you for the advice... I returned the aggressive clown and left the small guy in my DT to heal up. There are no other fish in there so he will be left alone. When I returned the clown they traded me a "Blue Devil Damselfish", a male so he has yellow under his belly. He was in my QT for a few days and looked healthy. Plus my clown was healing and look really bored, so I took a risk and put them together. I didn't want to wait three weeks to find out I have another incompatible pair. They get along just fine and everything is going well! I know the QT was much too short and will try to be more disciplined with my into in the future :)
 
the river reef

the river reef

New Member
I had done research and the kid at my LFS said that this particular one was very calm compared to the yellow tail and all blue ones. I took his word for it and hopefully he will work out. If not, I will be moving him into my next setup to kick start it anyway. I guess you live and learn. I have to say this hobby has me totally hooked! Thanks again for the advice.
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
I had done research and the kid at my LFS said that this particular one was very calm compared to the yellow tail and all blue ones. I took his word for it and hopefully he will work out. If not, I will be moving him into my next setup to kick start it anyway. I guess you live and learn. I have to say this hobby has me totally hooked! Thanks again for the advice.
As much as they are little devils, please don't use fish to cycle your tank. Use a piece of raw shrimp or fish, much more human.
 
2tangcrazy

2tangcrazy

Member
Hi,
welcome to the forum. I have received lots of good advice from this place. It's a shame the LFS didn't recommend Chromis. I saw on your other post that they were on your list. They are Very HARDY. and in my experience much friendlier than the damsels. They may pick on each other occasionally
but pretty much keep to themselves. Love the color changing they do too. You didn't have a lawn mower blenny on your list. They are a hoot to watch.
The goby and shrimp pair up was one I thought would be really neat to watch, but unless it came out to eat I never saw the watchman goby. These were in my sons 55 gallon and he was very disappointed. Just trying to give you info I wish I had had before actually putting them in the tank. Good luck with your new fish. It's so exciting getting a tank up and running
 
the river reef

the river reef

New Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/390993/clown-fish-nipping#post_3465932
As much as they are little devils, please don't use fish to cycle your tank. Use a piece of raw shrimp or fish, much more human.
I wasn't aware that having a fish in the beginning actually hurts the fish... but I guess that makes sense seeing how you need to use "hardy" fish. It is rather sad then, that all the books and references as well as every LFS I talked with suggested using damsel fish to get your tank started! I was just going on what I was told... but if it hurts the animals then I will stay away from the method.
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by The River Reef http:///t/390993/clown-fish-nipping#post_3466032
I wasn't aware that having a fish in the beginning actually hurts the fish... but I guess that makes sense seeing how you need to use "hardy" fish. It is rather sad then, that all the books and references as well as every LFS I talked with suggested using damsel fish to get your tank started! I was just going on what I was told... but if it hurts the animals then I will stay away from the method.
It is cheaper and then you are not stuck with a damsel (unles you want one). Put a raw shrimp in a panty hose for a couple of days, then just pull the bag out. If you don't put in a bag it will be a mess to get out.
 
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