Clownfish problems ;(

[saltwaternoober]

I have 2 clownfish that i have bought which are from different stores. I have read Alot now that they should be bought from the same store. I am just starting to get into saltwater i have always done freshwater so i have a few issues.
1. The clownfish are breathing really fast.
2. They are fighting
Now i would assume that it is a territorial problem the tank is only 6g. Is there anything i can do to fix this?

 

[bang guy]

What species of Clownfish?

Tell me more about the tank, how it was set up, cycled, water parameters, etc.

How long are the Clownfish?

 

[saltwaternoober]

I am positive one is an ocellaris and if the other one isnt then i believe it would be a percula. The tank is 20.5 x 7.5 x 11.6in. The filter is a 3 stage built in system. The setup i started with sand with freshwater and ran it for 2 weeks drained then added saltwater and 2 live rocks and the first clown. Then 2 weeks later (yesterday) i added a second clown along with a torch. Before i added the new fish i did take a water sample in and got it checked the tank had cycled so i did a water change and then i added. And as far as the clowns they are around an inch one is a little bigger than the other.

 

[bang guy]

My initial concern is that the fish could be different species or both female. Either of these are still on the table and there's no cure other than removing one and getting a male of the same species to replace it..

 

[saltwaternoober]

Is there a distinguishable marking between a male and female?

 

[bang guy]

The females are generally larger than males. Just an FYI - a male that is not in the presence of a female will turn into a female.

 

[zoidberg01]

When the cowfish get stressed or die they release a poison that will wipe out the whole tank

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by zoidberg01 http:///t/396903/clownfish-problems#post_3536311
When the cowfish get stressed or die they release a poison that will wipe out the whole tank

Hi,

You misunderstood....Clownfish, not cowfish. I do that all the time, read fast and my brain missed a letter or two.

 

[saltwaternoober]

Alright thanks alot i appreciate it!

 

[zoidberg01]

My bad if it is clownfish they are fighting to be alpha female

 

[saltwaternoober]

This morning they have stopped, regained color and slowed down their breathing. They are also swimming together.

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:Originally Posted by Saltwaternoober http:///t/396903/clownfish-problems#post_3536324
This morning they have stopped, regained color and slowed down their breathing. They are also swimming together.

sounds like they sorted it all out.

 

[zoidberg01]

Wow really when my three clowns started fighting for alpha female one almost died but maybe is because they lost color they will fight because they don't look the same