Pairing Tomato Clown Juveniles

Hello!

I am in the process of trying to pair two Tomato Clowns...one approx. 1-1/2" and the other 3/4". The 1-1/2" clown has been established in my 75 gallon tank (48" x 18" x 21") for about a month - he has three (3) white bands still but I'm unsure of the exact age or sex. The smaller (3/4") clown was added on Wednesday this week (November 9)...he has only two white bands and I'm unsure of age or sex. I thought it was love at first bite but the smaller clown was subjected to nips and dart attacks for the last few days. Today, things are looking better but still some dart attacks by the largest and established clown.

I want to confirm I've done everything I can to facilitate the process without killing a beautiful fish!

Anyone have any experience with pairing Tomato's? Is what's happening "normal" and safe for the new addition?

I have over 100lbs of live and base rock (lots of hiding spots) but of course the little clown stays close to the largest regardless of the attacks. I only have a watchman goby and pistol shrimp along with many other inverts in the tank so I suspect that could also be an issue...WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Thanks for the help!

 

Just keep a close eye on them. Pairing clowns almost always involves some degree of violence while the female gains dominance over the male. It may be somewhat worse since they were not placed in the tank together. As long as the smaller one is content to stay close together and the larger one allows it, they should be fine.

 

Yep, that's about it. +K to Mr. Bill

 

Thanks Mr. Bill, inwall75...exactly what I wanted to hear