Perc's fighting time???

[schnell76]

Posted this over in the clownfish forum, but did not get any responses over there....

I have a reg. orange false perc and a black/white perc as well. They are both ora tank bred and came from the same aquarium where I bought them so they were getting along fine. They have been in my nano for 2 weeks and the black one looked as if it was establishing dominance. A little chase here and there, nothing bad. Now the orange one has become very aggressive towards the black one and is trying to establish dominance. The orange one is chasing the black one around and keeps pecking at him even when he hides behind a coral or rock. I know there is nothing I can do (other than shut off the lights when it gets too bad) but anyone have experience out there on how long it takes for them to work this out? The black on is starting to show a frayed tail and I don't want this to get bad and one of them end up dead or diseased.

[starmanres]

You have to remember that Clowns are just overgrown Damsels. Damsels are EXTREMELY territorial. When you put them in a new tank, especially one that small, they are both fighting for their "spot."

Eventually one of three things will happen with them:

1) The weaker one dies from stress or injuries

2) They find acceptable "spots" and live in somewhat harmony.

3) You take one out and give it to a friend or your LFS.

You could take the dominant one out to your QT for a week or so while the other recovers, but as soon as you put them back in, a fight will ensue. Unless you have a mated pair, two or more clowns are always iffy.

HTH

Robert