Clowns killed him!

[scubachris]

Ok about a week ago I posted that for some reason my two clowns had become very aggressive toward the blue/green chromie that I also had in the tank. This struck me strange, as they had been in the same tank together for over 5 months with no problems. It was also strange that while they were attacking the chromie, they never bothered the foxface I have. I figured this was he is larger then they are. Well I went out to dinner the other night, and over the course of an hour they ripped the chromie to pieces, and he died later that night. Want to get another fish, but affriad he awaits the same fate. Any ideas? Any suggestions on the sudden aggression? Thanks in advance.
I posted pics of the two bullies!

 

[small triggers]

unfortuantly, chromis' are still damsels as are clownfish, in a huge tank they still sometimes attack them, just depends on the 'living arrangements' and then again, sometimes they dont ever bother them. Its kinda hit or miss when mixing clowns and other damsels.

 

[scubachris]

I understand that, but what doesn't make sense to me is the timeline. They were fine together for over 6-6 months, then one day they go nuts.

 

[jerryatrick]

Have you changed the amount that you are feeding as of late?

 

[cabin7882]

i have a clown that I've had for years along with 2 green chromis and those are the only fish my clown picks on I have 4 other fish in there I don't get it either my clown is a bullie and sometimes I think about bringing him back and getting a new one lol

 

[scubachris]

well about 2-3 months ago I went from 2x daily feeding to once daily feeding, but that was months ago, this problem only started a week ago. Now that the chromie is dead they seem just fine.

 

[calvertbill]

Since it's the timeline that's bothering you here's a guess. Since clowns all start out as drone males and one dominant fish doing the sexx change to becoming the lone female courted by the 2nd most dominant fish, the Alpha male. Maybe the five months of harmony occurred while your clown's sexual assignment was incomplete. Once they had sorted out their roles the agression started.

 

[lmecher]

Originally Posted by Calvertbill
http:///forum/post/2989106
Since it's the timeline that's bothering you here's a guess. Since clowns all start out as drone males and one dominant fish doing the sexx change to becoming the lone female courted by the 2nd most dominant fish, the Alpha male. Maybe the five months of harmony occurred while your clown's sexual assignment was incomplete. Once they had sorted out their roles the agression started.

Clowns start out as adolescents, neither male or female. They will mature only when the social setting dictates. Lacking specific sensory stimuli, adolescent clownfish can remain small until thier reproductive services are needed. When kept in a large group, they can stay adolescents indefinately, and like Peter Pan, never grow up.

 

[scubachris]

so would that suggest they may be mating or laying eggs soon?

 

[spanko]

Or they are going through the hormonal change that will determine whether they are male or female. And we all know what hormonal changes can do!!!!!

 

[hlcroghan]

lol..........that is awesome.....