Mated pair of maroons?

[trido]

Ive had a small maroon clown (1.5") for about 4 months now and for 3.5 it has been hosting in a condy. About three weeks a go I added a slightly larger clown in an attempt to get them to pair up. Within two seconds of introduction the fight was on. I must say, after near twenty years of FW I have never seen such a violent fight for territory. Torn fins were flying. 8O . After a few minutes my old clown was the loser and has been booted from his host since. The two clowns are still not hosting in the condy but the more dominant one is becoming far more tolerant of the smaller one in its territory. Any thoughts as to the outcome? I am surely hoping that in a couple more months they will be even better friends. Are they now a mated pair or do they have to be truely married and living in the same house so to speak?

 

[Anonymous]

Not sure if they will pair off. I think you should have added a smaller one. The females are larger in maroon clowns and are more aggressive. You may have added a second female.

 

[Anonymous]

Not sure if they will pair off. I think you should have added a smaller one. The females are larger in maroon clowns and are more aggressive. You may have added a second female.

Ditto. I'd bet your resident clown was a female, and there's no changing back. If you can return one, do it. IMHO.

I've paired a few before. Seems like the best way is to add a very large female first, then add a very small juvenile. Add it in a clear container first for a few days before releasing it. Should work out.

 

[trido]

Thank you for the clear answers. I surely can and will return one of the clowns if i need too. Shortly after first posting this the two were almost getting along. I laughed as the smaller one was able to touch its old anenome for just a second. Poor thing . I have seen mated pairs and have noted the much larger females. the males looked to be about the size of my two.. Do they typically turn female at a very young age? I am wondering if I should give them another month or so.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a mated pair. The female is vastly bigger than the male.

 

[WRASSER]

If he waits long enough wont one turn into a male?

 

[Anonymous]

The metamorphosis is one-way. Males can develop into females but not the other way around.

 

[WRASSER]

Gotcha, so that is why it is why it was so easy to mate mine up :wink: