Female Ocelaris Clown Beating Up on Mate

[coffeeisforclosers]

I have had a mated pair of tank raised Ocelaris clowns for about 10 years. (They spawned once about 4 yrs ago but the fry didn't make it.) I moved them into a 15g Nanocube Deluxe about 1 year ago and everything has been fine... until last week. The larger female began beating up on her mate. She has become very territorial (especially at feeding). The male's fins are pretty damaged, he is losing color, he shows signs of distress and he now tries to stay "out of her way." My feeding routine has not changed, nor has anything else (to my knowledge). No new fish, now new life introductions to the tank. Any advice why this may be happening? What can I do to relieve the situation? Very odd. Does anyone suspect an changes in the female (doesn't appear to be carrying eggs).

Cheers,
Dennis

 

[Anonymous]

At 10 years old she is prolly just a bit senile and cranky :lol: Can you seperate them?

 

[coffeeisforclosers]

I do not have a separate tank... and splitting a 15g nano with a partition would be a little toughon the fish (each are full adults 2-3 inches ea). I would prefer not to separate them... they've been "dating" for 10 years!

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

15 would be fine for Percs but it's a bit small for Ocellaris. Put an animal in a cramped environment and they rarely act normal. My suggestion is to upgrade the tank to a 20L or so and I'll bet the behaviour goes away.