Clowns truly are damsels

[Oscarr19]

My pair is really starting to annoy me they're fat, healthy, and have a heck of a personality. Unfortunately, they're a pain. I can't feed my corals without them picking at the mysis, even from closed duncan heads. They even torment inverts. I had added a peppermint shrimp yesterday and they swam right for it, haven't seen it since. I swear I don't know if I'm dealing with clowns or oscars. I mean, I could trade the pair for a brand new younger pair but I love my 4" clowns. I just wish they were a little nicer

 

[aadair22]

What type of clowns are they?

 

[Oscarr19]

Oh, just ocellaris clowns. I probably should have mentioned that haha

 

[aadair22]

Wow.. And they're 4"? Fish are all different.. You may have just gotten some bullies, which wouldn't surprise me at that size

 

[Oscarr19]

Practically, I mean they're not under 3" that's for sure. I had bought them from a feller reefer who had them given to him. They've got to be at least 3-4 years old. I don't think I'd have the heart to give them away. I think they're even hosting my hairy mushrooms.

 

[aadair22]

Sure they aren't clarkii's? Clarkii's get big and I've seen them be a little more aggressive

 

[aadair22]

Pic would be good if you can

 

[Oscarr19]

110% sure they're not clarkiis.

 

[Oscarr19]

Here's an old picture.

 

[aadair22]

Deff not a clarkii.. Idk, maybe you just got some mean clowns then

 

[Oscarr19]

Probably, they are damsels anyway.

 

[Gregcoyote]

All clowns are aggressive, some more than others. I had a big tomato clown once that packed quite a punch when he hit you. I have been attacked by over a hundred at a time when trying to photograph a wild group of them inhabiting a 3' wide anemone. It's like being pecked to death by ducks.

 

[aadair22]

Death by clownfish school attack.. Not as cool as death by great white shark attack, but I guess its unique?

 

[Oscarr19]

All clowns are aggressive, some more than others. I had a big tomato clown once that packed quite a punch when he hit you. I have been attacked by over a hundred at a time when trying to photograph a wild group of them inhabiting a 3' wide anemone. It's like being pecked to death by ducks.

As unpleasant as that sounds, I'd love to have been there.

 

[nickwhite]

You could try moving live rock around to give them something to think about. Just like you do with damsels. I now have an anemone for my clowns and they rarely stray far from it now but will defend the immediate area. My clowns are now laying eggs and very happy. I have damsel fish which are really annoying and i wish i had never bought them

 

[Oscarr19]

I think I'm going to wait for my upgrade to rescape. I could live with their aggression for now. If it gets worse I'll try rescaping.

 

[Leetch]

And this is why people fear clowns... Oj wait wrong type.

Anyway, moving rock always helps since they need to get re-acquainted with their surroundings. Clowns are very aggressive and territorial.

I still get upset whenever I have to take care of something in the tank and they bite me. Dirty little clowns!

 

[Oscarr19]

Just part of the joys of the saltwater hobby