Male Clownfish laying on top of sandbed

[tcwoodrn]

So for about the last month my male clown has been acting different, I'm not sure if this is typical behavior, or if its a cause for concern.

For background info, I have a pair of b/w misbar occys that have been paired for about 8 months (very large size difference). A few months ago they began hosting in my GBTA. About a month ago they dug out a bed directly below the anemone.

For the past few weeks my male (smaller one) has been laying perfectly still in the sandbed. His belly is on the sand and he is leaning against the glass. When the female swims by him, or when I come up to the tank, he starts to swim around like normal. While he lays there the female is swimming in the anemone.

At first I thought he may be protecting eggs, but I have looked during the day and at night and don't see any. They have been wiggling up and down the rock under the anemone (almost like they're cleaning it), but it looks different from spawning behavior I have seen on youtube.

Anyone know what's going on? Other than this he has no signs of being sick, and the female seems unaffected.

 

[tcwoodrn]

nothing anyone can think of?

 

[sedor]

Clownfish are strange fish... The behavior sounds normal to me, as long as you don't notice a loss in appetite or any visible symptoms of a disease I wouldn't pay much attention.

 

[fstlane4me]

Mine has been doing the same thing lately.The first time I saw him sitting on the bottom motionless I thought for sure he was a goner,but when I went over he started swimming normal.I think he's just tired from trying to get the female to spawn.He's always cleaning spots like he's ready and she doesn't even notice....poor guy.

 

[MarineFlake]

My clowns have cleared a space, almost to the glass, directly below their 'nem. When they get ready to lay eggs, you'll see them 'cleaning' a spot. will basically strip a spot bare if it isn't already and thats where I have seen mine lay their eggs. As for the laying in the sand, I can't say that I have seen that myself, but as stated, clowns are way goofy and they do some strange things at times. As long as its eating and otherwise happy, chalk it up to 'clowning around'. ; )

 

[tcwoodrn]

thank you for the responses. I hope that they are preparing to spawn, that was my goal for the pair since day one.