Clownfish hosting in SPS

[Fliger]

Of course this happens right before I'm supposed to leave for 4 days. A couple days ago I put a decent sized stag colony into my 37G cube that has a pair of clownfish. Well this morning I realized they have decided to host in it. Worst, I think they're going to spawn in it. One is flapping his tail right at the part where the main "trunk" branches out and the other is going all over the colony - kinda nipping at it.

Is this usual? It is my favorite colony (of course) and will it stress the colony to death? Would they really lay eggs on a living SPS colony? The colony has lost its color, but is still definitely very healthy.

I can't believe this is happening this morning.

Any advice (in a hurry!) would be greatly appreciated!

David

 

[ClownReef®]

I dont know, never seen that happen before. I dont see them laying eggs on the stag..Have you tried moving the coral?

 

[AcroSteve]

I do know that clown gobies will exibit similar behavior before laying eggs in the coral. This results in coral death in the vecinity of the eggs. Mine never killed a whole colony. But they were probably smaller than your colwns.

Sorry for the bad news, but I would not trust it. Especially if you highly value the coral.