Killer Clarki!

David · 08-27-2001, 03:50 PM

Hi guys! Eight days ago in an attempt to establish a breeding pair I bought two juvinile Clarks clowns and put them in 37 with only a goby and shrimp for company. For a week they skirmished (as I expected ) but yesterday the (slightly larger) clark went for the throat. In a matter of momments it savagely attacked and killed the smaller fish. I was stunned. I now wonder if I should introduce a much smaller fish? A much larger fish? Or maybe this fish is simply "bad to the bone" and not suitable for family life? Any ideas?

**Ninong** · 08-27-2001, 06:03 PM

You might try the same thing that is recommended for pairing Maroon Clowns, which are notoriously difficult to pair, and that is to make sure that there is a significant difference in the sizes of the two fish, not just a slight difference. The thinking here is that the one that is much smaller will immediately submit to the larger one and the larger one will not feel threatened. I think your best bet would be to try a new one that is only half the size of the present one, even if that means waiting a couple of months for the present one to get a little larger.

Ninong

Johnreb · 08-28-2001, 01:19 AM

Also, try and set up some sort of barrier in the tank so that the smaller fish can escape when things get too rough. The barrier must have holes large enough for the smaller fish to fit through but small enough to keep the aggressor at bay. This method is usually reserved for Maroons but this Clarki of yours sounds like a real b!tch.

chris · 08-29-2001, 01:23 PM

David,

I agree with Ninong. I have a VERY large Clarkii that is about 4" long. I put another Clarkii in that is about 2" long. They shouted at each other for a night, the next morning the small one had kicked the Large one out of the BTA. Then a week later the Large one moved back into the BTA with the small one. For probably a month after that every once in awhile one would chase the other for some reason or another, but now, I never see any battles. They live happily together.

It was a very interesting thing to watch!

HTH,

c

vtec si · 08-29-2001, 03:17 PM

I agree with the statements that have been made! But in MOE with clarkii clowns when pairing up is that if there are not enough hidding places for one or both to retreat to then one may be doomed! I have had a pair for over two years now. For the first year they would battle like teenagers! But are best of friends now!

Good Luck!

VTEC SI

08-27-2001, 03:50 PM	#1
David Citizen Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 210	Killer Clarki! Hi guys! Eight days ago in an attempt to establish a breeding pair I bought two juvinile Clarks clowns and put them in 37 with only a goby and shrimp for company. For a week they skirmished (as I expected ) but yesterday the (slightly larger) clark went for the throat. In a matter of momments it savagely attacked and killed the smaller fish. I was stunned. I now wonder if I should introduce a much smaller fish? A much larger fish? Or maybe this fish is simply "bad to the bone" and not suitable for family life? Any ideas?

08-27-2001, 06:03 PM	#2
Ninong Moderator Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Louisiana Posts: 20,335	You might try the same thing that is recommended for pairing Maroon Clowns, which are notoriously difficult to pair, and that is to make sure that there is a significant difference in the sizes of the two fish, not just a slight difference. The thinking here is that the one that is much smaller will immediately submit to the larger one and the larger one will not feel threatened. I think your best bet would be to try a new one that is only half the size of the present one, even if that means waiting a couple of months for the present one to get a little larger. Ninong __________________ Ninong

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08-28-2001, 01:19 AM	#3
Johnreb Just Moved In Join Date: May 2000 Location: Columbus,Ohio Posts: 9	Also, try and set up some sort of barrier in the tank so that the smaller fish can escape when things get too rough. The barrier must have holes large enough for the smaller fish to fit through but small enough to keep the aggressor at bay. This method is usually reserved for Maroons but this Clarki of yours sounds like a real b!tch.

08-29-2001, 01:23 PM	#4
chris Just Moved In Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Posts: 44	David, I agree with Ninong. I have a VERY large Clarkii that is about 4" long. I put another Clarkii in that is about 2" long. They shouted at each other for a night, the next morning the small one had kicked the Large one out of the BTA. Then a week later the Large one moved back into the BTA with the small one. For probably a month after that every once in awhile one would chase the other for some reason or another, but now, I never see any battles. They live happily together. It was a very interesting thing to watch! HTH, c

08-29-2001, 03:17 PM	#5
vtec si Governor Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Denver co, USA Posts: 1,017	I agree with the statements that have been made! But in MOE with clarkii clowns when pairing up is that if there are not enough hidding places for one or both to retreat to then one may be doomed! I have had a pair for over two years now. For the first year they would battle like teenagers! But are best of friends now! Good Luck! VTEC SI

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