Is this the ovipositor on my perc?

["Umm fish?"]

Hi, sorry about the blurry photos, but she won't stay still. My anemonefish have not spawned yet, but this one picked out a euphyllia for a host ~4-6 weeks ago. The male is a lot younger than she, but he has bulk up a lot in the last couple of weeks and has started tentatively hosting a turbinaria near the female. Anyway, I'm looking for signs of impending whoopie from the two. Thanks! FWIW, the male is a black-and-white.

 

[mwp]

HMMMM...kinda looks like it to me. You didn't mention any nest cleaning activity...on my percs both are vigorously cleaning during the day in advance of the spawn.

FWIW,

Matt

 

["Umm fish?"]

Thanks, Matt. They have not started cleaning yet. But, she starting to spend more and more time in and around the hammer coral she's chosen. I'll keep an eye out.

I honestly think the female's really been jonesing a spawn. She hasn't seemed to appreciate having to wait for junior to grow up. I wonder if this is how the _Star Wars_ romance went? Princess Amidala just waiting around for Anikin to grow up?

 

[DivaMan]

Hahaha, from what I have read, they should boithe be cleaning teh nest site, so no, that may not be the ovipositor.

 

["Umm fish?"]

Okay, thanks! Although, it was there last night as well. I'll keep looking.

 

[tmays]

It looks like an ovipositer to me.

 

["Umm fish?"]

A quick update--The male and female have been much closer lately and the male's size seems to have changed really quickly. I've also caught the female making a couple of quick passes over the terracotta plate I put next to her euphyllia. Maybe soon....

 

[DivaMan]

In that case it may be the ovipositor.