clownfish aggression... any way to reduce it?

[Slick Fork]

Originally Posted by blueworm

Ive kept 4 clowns in there before all with no trouble. I know that clownfish are aggressive but i am asking if there is any way to reduce the aggression. I went to the pet store the guy told me adding more fish might be able to spread the aggression.

I think one of the most overlooked truisms in this hobby is "just because you can, doesn't mean you should"

You could add more fish and that probably would spread the aggression but it's not really the best solution for all of them. I would relocate either the black one or depending on how attached to him you are, relocate the new pair. 4 clowns is too many in a 33, they will end up fighting sooner or later and once they start...

The pet store guy is probably more interested in simply selling you more fish

[Zoaelite]

Yup 33g's would be to small for two pairs, I have territory problems with my 2 percs and my 1 saddleback in the 170g.

[Wayne]

With a 33G the clowns are going to consider the whole tank as there territory. Basically you should either remove some OR get a bigger tank

More hiding places and more hosting corals will help with the aggression but is not a long term solution. I really don't think more fish is the right additude. IMO thats just stressful to everything in the tank and the person watching it.