New Clown Sparring

[julesreef]

Hoping someone can help. I'm new to this group, but have checked the archives recently for help with various things, such as water chemistry issues, using kalkwasser, oceanic salt, and so forth.
I started reefing with a table top tank about 4 years ago, then stepped up to a 20 gallon, then a couple of months ago, moved up to a 29 gallon. Water chemistry has been very good and consistent, all soft coral looks great (includes five green fuzzy elephant ear or giant mushrooms, toadstool leather, flower leather, another bubble mushroom rock (2 mushrooms on it), green star polyps, and an anthelia).
I had problems with green hairy algae with the 20 gallon because had a quarter sized Koran that grew to about 3 inches in diameter (I know, too much feeding required). Finally got the courage to part with the Koran and swapped him out for two clowns, and also had neon dottyback from the original tank.
All was wonderful until yesterday, when my largest clown suddenly dissapeared. Fed fish at 5:30pm night before, but she was gone by 7:30am yesterday morning. No sign of body or any of the crabs or snails congregating on a feast. I bought new clown replacement and now the two clowns are SPARRING RELENTLESSLY!!
When the original clown goes back to his selected host (elephant ear mushroom), the new clown investigages rest of tank, but the neon dottyback puts the new guy in his place pretty quickly. Then of course the sparring between the two clowns continues.
Called my LFS, and they said give it a couple days. Then possibly take back and try another one.
Any advice on what to do?
Sorry for long post. Just wanted to give introduction and set up.
Thanks
julesreef

 

[crazy4reefs]

i have a couple of questions... what kind of clowns do you have ? also when you bought the new clown was it the same kind as you already had in the tank.. if they are both the same kind of clowns are they about the same size. if they are then they could be fighting for dominance. you said you lost the larger clown so that clown was the female.. so you have a male left, if the new clown is the same size than they are probably fighting to prove who is more donminate and that one will become femal.. i hope this helped you some

 

[julesreef]

Thanks for replying Crazy4Reefs!!
I have Ocellaris Clowns. The sparring went on for couple of days, and then yesterday morning I found the lost larger clown in my black box for the BakPak pump in the tank!!!!!! YEA!!!!
I swear I checked that box 50 times or more with a flashlight and never saw a sign of her. Then when I adjusted the sponge yesterday, there she was!!! CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!
Anyway, I'm certain the new clown was also an Ocellaris, but you are right in that they were too close to the same size. Once the larger female reappeared, the sparring between the two smaller ones continued, so I spent at least 1-1/2 hours trying to catch the new guy and take back to the LFS. Got some yellow polyps and snails in exchange.
All is wonderful again, and I really appreciate your reply!!
Thanks,
Julesreef

 

[crazy4reefs]

i am glad everything worked out ok !! also i know it sucks to have to tear your tank apart to catch a fish.. you might want to put some kind of mesh or something so she doesnt get caught in it again.. good luck