Clownfish Mating Behavior?

[justinmcleod]

I have one Oscellaris clown and just purchased another one, about twice the size of the first one, and immediately noticed unusual behavior. My smaller one would back against the big one and do these spastic shakes of the body. Sometimes the big one will do the same thing. Is this some kind of mating behavior? I know the big ones are usually female, but didn't know this kind of behavior could start immediately. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[jetfixr]

That is pretty normal behavior. There are 2 possible outcomes when you pair clowns. (1) The smaller fish does the submissive "seizure" and the female accepts him as her mate. Or (2) she beats the crap out of him until he finally dies. So you are off to a good start. I have seen the female do the clownfish shake too in return. After they become a bonded pair it is very possible that they will spawn given time, and a proper diet.