Clownfish Couple?

[Scubaman]

I have 2 Percula Clowns that are usually swimming together. One is larger and a brighter shade of orange than the other, which is smaller and much darker (almost maroon) in color. Is it possible that they are a male and female and how likely are they to breed. There is no anemone. If you don't suspect they are a couple, why is one much darker?
Thanks.

[crlkeep]

It is very possible that they are a mated pair.

The color difference could be sex related, or it may be that fish caught were from different areas.

[Scubaman]

They are captive bred, but I didn't buy them both at the same time, I bought them two day apart. How likely are they to breed. They are still under 2 inches long

[crlkeep]

I have not tried to breed them yet, but from customers of mine that have done this, I would say as long as they get along until they get older they will most likely breed. If they are going to breed, you will see a size difference that is very noticable between them. The female will be the larger of the two.

[MJC]

... larger and a brighter shade of orange than the other, ... smaller and much darker (almost maroon)

It's possible you have two varities, a percula/false percula and a white band maroon.

With regards to the orange specimen, does it have a pronounced black band that shadows it's white bands? If there are black bands, its a true percula. If there aren't any, it's a false percula. Another way of telling is counting the dorsal spines. 10 will get you a true percula, 11 will be false.

Perculas will grow much larger, I had a pair in which the female was 3", and the male was an 1.5" or so. I currently have a gold stripe maroon with a 4.5" female and a 2 - 2.5" male. The female is out and about, while the male stays with the anemone.