[RudeBoy]

My Clown was the first fish that I added to my tank after it cycled. After about 2 weeks, I added another very small Clown and the two hit it off fine. I've noticed that my bigger Clown has become a lot more agressive towards the smaller one and sometimes the smaller one fights back, but, he mostly runs. Has my bigger Clown changed sexes on me? I've read a few places that once a Clown finds a mate, it will change sexes if it's the larger of the two and will become more agressive of the two. They've ben together for about 3-4 months and are the only Clowns in the tank. Has anyone had any experience with this and can confirm this for me?

[Steve]

I do believe clowns can change sexes. I had a mated pair. After the third batch of eggs, the female became really aggresive and killed the male. I believe the females are usually larger than the males.

[Ninong]

It's all part of the process of sexual determination. Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites that go through a process of social aggression to determine which one will get to be the female. Naturally the larger fish could be expected to prevail. If you start out with two clownfish (as long as they are not both mature females), you will end up with one male and one female eventually. Once female, a clownfish cannot change back to male.

Ninong

[RudeBoy]

Wow. I haven't noticed any eggs or 'extra curricular activity' between the two clowns, other than the bigger one bossing the smaller one around. Not to mention, my hand whenever I put it in the tank. I have to net the larger clown and quarantine it until I'm doine doing what I have to do now because it constantly strikes my hand and sometimes draws blood. (smile) It's amazing because the two got along fine until about 3 weeks ago. I noticed that the aggression started around then. Not to mention, I added a Yellow Tail Damsel to the tank today and the large clown will not leave it alone. It's harassing it completely. I added the Damsel last because of their known agression and bullying... hoping that I could avoid those problems. And now, the clown has become the agressor in my tank.

[PerryinCA]

Rudeboy,

I recommend Wilkersons book titled "Clownfishes" Good reading for clown-lovers. As for getting a couple to pair up, it can take upto and even longer than a year for the two clown's to really mate.

Clowns are part of the damsel family and can be highly territorial. I have the same agressive nature in two of the fish in my 55. I won't stick my hand in there without one of those thick coralife gloves on.

-Perry

[RudeBoy]

Sounds like I need to invest in one of those... where do I find them?

[Ninong]

Originally posted by RudeBoy
Sounds like I need to invest in one of those... where do I find them?

Here: http://www.petwarehouse.com/webstore...E?OpenDocument

Ninong

[RudeBoy]

SWEET! Just ordered a pair. Is it me or does PetWarehouse have the greatest prices? I actually got my CPR Bak Pak for $75 cheaper than my LFS was selling it. Mind you, I'm loyal to my LFS, but, I ain't crazy either!

[bogart]

I have had two clowns for a few months. They are pretty much the same size and stay togeather most of the time. Sometimes one will swim up to the other and start shaking real quick and fast. I told my LFS how they were actting and was told that's what they do when they change sexes.

[Firefish]

I've had my clarkie clowns for about 2 years now, bought them as a pair only 1/2" big. One of them grew quick and would always chase the other one away from the food so I assume this is the female. They always sleep together at night and chase each other at day.It's great to watch...the smaller male gets chased by the female, when he escapes her chase, he goes back and rubs her again and she'll chase him all over the tank again I die laughing because they act so married....

[RudeBoy]

I went out today and bought Joyce Wilkerson's book "Clownfishes". I have to tell you, I was impressed after the first 3-5 pages. This book is a must have for all those who have been discouraged by the thought of not being able t understand how and why your Clown acts the way it does. It even touches on breeding of the Clownfish and makes even the most novice aquarist feel that their attempts at it will be successful. EXTREMELY informative!