How can you tell when clowns pair up?

[Deuce24]

Hey all, I've had a couple Ocellaris clowns now for a couple weeks. I bought one a little larger than the other, and the "hopefully male" I bought was submissive to her doing the clown shake in the tank at the LFS.

My question is how do I know when they pair up? Right now they swim together at times, but at other times, particularly feeding time, the bigger clown will nip at the smaller one, sometimes latching onto a fin for multiple seconds. I'm almost sure mated/paired clowns wouldn't do this to each other, but am just wondering what behavior paired clowns exhibit? Do they still "fight" a little? Will they swim together all the time, or will they usually swim seperate?

I know not all clowns pair up, but I'm really hoping mine do. I'm guessing there isn't anything else I can do to help the process? Thanks for your comments.

[yardboy]

You were lucky to catch that in the lfs. I bought two tomato clown's seperately and they lived at opposite ends of the tank for six months. Now they are living together in the same sarco after quite a while of sand throwing, tailshaking courtship. Are they paired? I guess it'll be definitive when I see eggs!

I've never seen one latch onto the fin of the other though! Does it do any damage?

[Rick O]

They are exhibiting pairing behavior. They female will whip the male into submission then eventually he will follow her around like a puppydog and everything will be fine.

[Boxster]

if the female starts *****ing at the male, they are a couple

[dkling]

i seem to recall , thats how i my wife and i meet.

Originally Posted by Rick O

They are exhibiting pairing behavior. They female will whip the male into submission then eventually he will follow her around like a puppydog and everything will be fine.

[Phishnoob]

Ours paired up right away but sort of coexist in the anenome. One of them has yet to be dominant after six months or so.

The good news is that both clowns can watch sports still and don't have to hold a handbag whilst the lady tries on new clothes. Also, they have not tried to redecorate the tank or make fancy appetizers which is a relief as well.

[Deuce24]

Good to know everyone, as I expected pretty much, just looking for reassurance.