Crazy Clowns

[rickh]

My "pair" of Ocellaris have suddenly started fighting. The smaller fish (2.5") is now living behind a rock thanks to the larger (3") fish. They were purchased at least 2 years ago when they measured about 1" and a 1.5". Until last week they happily co-existed in a mat of Zoas.
Shouldn't fish this large have sexually developed long ago??
I separated them, but now I am worried that they might have mated and the larger fish is protecting the eggs from the smaller.
Ideas??
Thanks
R

 

[dalilgriffith]

they are getting ready to mate, most likely.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

my big clown is always beating on my smaller one..a lot younger though..

 

[inachu]

I am new at salt water tanks and have researched a lot and learning a lot everyday. Yes it seems it is protecting the eggs but you should move the eggs unless you do not want them intoa hatching container otherwise both the mom and dad will eat the eggs.

 

[rickh]

So it's been almost 2 weeks since my previously happy clown "pair" turned into monsters. The larger one is making the smaller one live behind a return tube. The clowns have lived in this tank for over 2 years, but now I think the bigger one is on crack!
If they are mating, shouldn't something have happed by now??
Ideas?

 

[Anemone]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12201124#post12201124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by inachu
Yes it seems it is protecting the eggs but you should move the eggs unless you do not want them intoa hatching container otherwise both the mom and dad will eat the eggs.

IME, one clown parent will not "protect" the eggs from the other parent. And, the only time I've heard of clowns consuming their own eggs is when they were infertile.

With my clowns, it's the male who does the nest protection, while the female ranges further around the tank.

Kevin

 

[rickh]

Bump