Clownfish: sick or gravid?

[Reef Biologist]

Dear members,

I have a mated pair of A. ocellaris that have been with me for the past 2 1/2 years. In the past two months, my female clown's abdominal region became plump. This happened suddenly in the course of just a few days. I know that this is a sign that the fish is about to lay eggs, but it turns out that she never did it. Furthermore, literature says that a clown is expected to lay eggs in a few days (~ 5 days) after the abdomen became plump (please see attached pictures).
Another hypothesis that crossed my mind was the presence of internal parasites. However, my male had no change in physical appearance; his abdomen is still lean. Another important information is that I observed no change in feeding behavior. The male became more aggressive, and this is particular true for the last couple of days. He keeps swimming in front of the female in a fast jerking way.
My water parameters are fine as usual.
Does any one have an idea of what could be happening? I greatly appreciate any feedback.


Best,

Lucas

 

[Reefing Newbie]

The fast jerking in front of the female is not aggression. It is the opposite, he is showing that he is submissive. IME, internal parasites will do the opposite to a fish. The fish will become quite thin (not plump) because the internal parasites (parasitic worms) are taking the food and nutrients from the food eaten before the fish is able to fully digest its food.

I don't have experience with gravid clowns so I cannot say. Maybe bloat?

 

[nicodim55]

Your clowns look pretty healthy to me

 

[mr9iron]

My guess is that she is full of eggs. Possibly, in the past, they could have eaten the eggs before you ever get a chance to see them. Do they have a particular area that they stay near? I would watch them closely and see if they are "cleaning" that area vigorously. That should be the spot where the female lays the eggs.

 

[Reef Biologist]

My clowns stay on a corner of my tank most of the time, and are pretty protective of that place - they usually bite my hand when I try to clean the place. They love the mag-float that sits there! I have seen they cleaning the mag-float a number of times, and my guess is that they would lay the eggs around it. I will watch them closely.
I just wanted to rule out the possibility of any illness.
Thank all for the feedback!