Clownfish Bullying

[Mikemont1991]

Hello! I started with two tiny Ocellaris Clownfish about the same size, maybe one a little bigger, about 3 months ago. Since then, One has definitely gotten larger and I'm assuming will be the female of the two. They are far from full grown (large one still about 2cm), but the big one has started really bullying the smaller. I thought this was just dominant behavior, and often consisted of some chasing and bumping during feed time--no harm--but it's evolved into the smaller one having to hide in a cave at all times and super aggression during feeding--I had to spot-feed the small one today to make sure he ate.

Is this just normal clown dominance and will resolve itself when they get older and are paired, or do I need to worry about the little one - he seems shook?

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

You might want to consider an enclosure, maybe like this: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...Jv1Pq0k7NqJsSuXHHq9bcZMbEts3Sh8RoCfjUQAvD_BwE

This enclosure should allow the smaller clown to be protected as the enclosure moves around the tank. Unless the flow in your tank flow is high. If you have a sump setup, you could isolate the smaller one until things get worked out.

wannabee

 

[Milkmonster]

I think they are like most fish all depends on personality and seen a few that a aggressive.