My clownfish broke up.....

[ScubaSteve]

There is a book called "Clownfishes" by Joyce Wilkerson. I don't have my copy at home right now as a friend is borrowing it but I recall in there somewhere she discusses this a bit in terms of causes and solutions. I believe it is this book, though I may be wrong...

In my view, a female will reject a male clownfish if he is not doing his "job" and living up to her ridiculous expectations (not too different from people ). Part of the issue is that he is weak now because she is bullying him, so to her he looks weak and thus there is more reason to keep picking on him.

Personally I would give them some time apart, a trial separation if you will. Move the male out to a quarantine, feed him and get him back to help, let her chill the frig out about whatever set her off and reintroduce him like you would a new mate. She'll beat up on him again for a few days to establish dominance but they may pair again.

[Timbits]

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve

Personally I would give them some time apart, a trial separation if you will. Move the male out to a quarantine, feed him and get him back to help, let her chill the frig out about whatever set her off and reintroduce him like you would a new mate. She'll beat up on him again for a few days to establish dominance but they may pair again.

+1 on this. what i would do is put the male in a breeder net or another tank if you have one for a few days to a week to let the female calm down and then reintroduce him to her. i found that this usually works with my clowns.

[Lance]

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve

Personally I would give them some time apart, a trial separation if you will. Move the male out to a quarantine, feed him and get him back to help, let her chill the frig out about whatever set her off and reintroduce him like you would a new mate. She'll beat up on him again for a few days to establish dominance but they may pair again.

Maybe removing the female for a time out would work better.

[Funky_Fish14]

Lol Lance and kevNnic


I think what the folks said makes sense. Your male 'stands the best chance' if he is healthy. Also, it may do some good to change some of the rocks around again before the re-introduction.

Good luck!

Chris

[patman]

She probably caught him in the anenome with a Tang. Send him off to spend some time with Tiger and Arnold.

[mike31154]

Hmm, makes me wonder if there will be issues when I do the planned upgrade to larger tank and move my Maroon pair. They've been spawning quite regularly for more than a year, but have apparently taken some time off from that activity. 3 weeks now since the last spawn. I suspect it may have something to do with the fact that I made a mess of trying to remove one of the BTA clones from the cluster they are hosting in. At least Mama isn't beating up the little guy, they still get along. I actually have a copy of the Clownfishes book by Joyce Wilkerson, I'll have to take some time to leaf through it again. Best of luck with your situation, I think the advice so far about a trial separation is a good bet.