Clown Knife Aggression!!!

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OSCARLOVER

OSCARLOVER

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 6, 2006
341
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Omaha, Ne.
So today I look around in my tank and find myself looking at my 15"-16" CK. I bought him last weekend for $53. He seemed very intrested in me, infact I have even petted him a few times before. When I was looking at him he slamed into the tank where my face was and made a crazy sound.:WHOA: It was like a snake striking. Needless to say it made me jump and I almosed pissed my pants!
:ROFL: I come back a minute later and look at him and Bam! He did it again! Why would he do this? Has anyone ever been bit by one before and are they capable of biting their owner? He gets along with his tankmates just didnt like me being in his face! I would love some answers if anyone knows what the deal is. Thanks!!
 
Mine trys to bite me when my hand is near the tank but he has not got me yet.
mine just wants food..
 
Do you think it would draw blood or hurt pretty bad if a large one bit you? I thaught they were very docile fish. I have seen mine yawn and his mouth his huge! Do they have teeth?
 
I have gotten bit by my gold clown. The only time she drew blood, she got my finger and it was the action of pulling it out of her mouth which caused a large straight cut along the finger. It was not very deep, but I did stop hand feeding her after that. They have powerful jaws but their teeth are more for grinding. When they yawn you can see the bottom ones easily.

The action of your clown is very strange. I have had all of my knives since they were babies so they are very friendly. They come over to the side when I talk to them or tap on the side. I have never observed an aggressive attacking action that you describe. I suppose he could be hungry or maybe just mad that you are in his face?

Although I have been bit a few times, it was always at feeding time and not in a generally aggressive way. I was trying to replant an uprooted plant and was not paying attention when I was bit on my knuckle. I was surprised and dropped the plant, but my clown just looked at me funny and swam away like 'oh sorry about that'.
Give your guy a little time to get used to you. It is very strange however:)
 
OSCARLOVER;501477; said:
Do you think it would draw blood or hurt pretty bad if a large one bit you? I thaught they were very docile fish. I have seen mine yawn and his mouth his huge! Do they have teeth?
Click to expand...

I remember working at a lfs when we had a 2" CK. Every week I would give it some feeders and I would here it's mouth suck in the feeders and clamp shut. To be honest...if someone's finger was in there...there's no doubt in my mind that it would break a finger bone. I've heard of CKs attacking people before in the wild, but that's to protect their nesting site.
Maybe it's just trying to get your attention so you would feed it.
 
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