Clown Spawning/Mating Behavior?

[Chelsey]

Since the search function is currently out of order, could someone point me in the direction of some reading on the behavior of mating/spawning in clownfish? I've been seeing some different behavior in my clownfish lately and I don't know whether they're just adapting to a new tank or if they're starting to display to one another. Thanks in advance for any help!


Chelsey

 

[kimsie]

I'll have to think for a good site... but the book Clownfishes by Joyce Wlikensen is a great book to read about it!

If I can think of a good site - I'll let you know.

 

[Toddrtrex]

One thing that you will for sure notice is them ( both male and female ) cleaning off a spawning site. It could be a rock, back of the glass, or even a ceramic tile ( if you have one in the tank )

 

[Chelsey]

I spent a little bit of time observing my clowns from a distance tonight. The smaller one, I think the male was swimming around the female and "shivering." Also, I believe the female might be doing a little bit of sand excavating in a small cave. Anyone care to explain this behavior? Thanks!


Chelsey

 

[Toddrtrex]

To me it sounds like PRE spawning behavior, at least least pairing up behavior.

When they find a site that they like, you will notice them cleaning it -- scrapping it with their mouths.

 

[fishkid6692]

my B&W ocellaris cleaned off a spot a few days ago but it seems like they just forgot about it. can anyone explain that? they are showing diff. behavior.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12233285#post12233285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishkid6692
my B&W ocellaris cleaned off a spot a few days ago but it seems like they just forgot about it. can anyone explain that? they are showing diff. behavior.

First time they have done this? Is yes, that is no big deal that nothing happened yet. It is like they are cleaning the house for the first date, just getting things ready. Might take a couple more "cleaning sessions" before they actually lay eggs. And don't expect the first couple of spawns to be all that large.

 

[fishkid6692]

yeah it was there first time doing it. and the spot was pretty small. about an inch wide and 2 1/2 inches tall. but they just left it and the algae grew back over it. is that normal? with those signs about how long before they lay eggs?

 

[Toddrtrex]

It can really vary with each pair. Nothing seems to interrupt my pair, where as others have had issues just re-arranging something in the tank.

But, overall I would say that is normal, it could happen in the next 10-14 days, or it could take a couple more months.

 

[Chelsey]

Good, I am happy with pairing up behavior I got these clowns last fall, I think in October (of 2006) but I'm not sure how old they were when I got them. Definitely young but not little bitty and they already had all of their bars.

 

[sk8rreefgeek]

my blk/white swishes around in the sand while the male stays closeby. almost everyday for prob 2 months, but it's slowed down recently. is there a certain 'mature' age that needs to be met before the eggs start coming?