Creating Clownfish Pairs - Ocellaris mostly

[GregDoug]

I have been out of breeding clowns for a good number of years but I have begun the desire to do it again. I have no established pairs in my display tanks but I am thinking about making another small system using 10 gallon tanks (for the Ocellaris), 20s for anything else. Locally, pair prices are much higher than I remember and breeding pairs are very difficult to find and when found, really expensive.

How is the best way for me to create spawning pairs, with initial cost and then waiting time put into as factors? My thought is to setup about 8 tanks, throw in 2 medium Ocellaris per tank, and let time pass. Dr. F&S seems to have them in stock most of the time for about $17 each and since they are CB, I assume they are about 6-12 months old. While time is not really a factor, I also do not want to wait 2 years before any pair spawns. It seems like maybe another option would be to get 8 medium and 8 small, and pair them that way... Anyone have experience with this? Anyone know how fast it is likely to take... for lets say half of the pairs to be spawning?

 

[GregDoug]

No, trying to create some for myself...

 

[10galclowns]

Oh okay

 

[billsreef]

Throw one medium or large in a tank with one small to create a pair. Feed well, and wait. Expect to wait up to year or so for any spawning activity, anything earlier is a bonus. Only sure fire way to do it quicker is to spend $$$ on established broodstock.

 

[Timfish]

. . . wait up to year or so for any spawning activity, anything earlier is a bonus. Only sure fire way to do it quicker is to spend $$$ on established broodstock.

+1 I've had quite a few pairs form over the years an only once had eggs in less than a year.