Mated Pair?

[gthorpe2]

How do I know if I have a mated pair of perc clowns? They follow eachother around everywhere in my tank. Has anyone had success breeding there clowns in a reef tank? I have a LTA that they host to, should I expect baby clowns?

 

[rssjsb]

If they're swimming around together all the time the are a bonded pair. You'll know that they're a true mated pair when they spawn. My b/w ocellaris clowns spawn every few weeks in my reef tank, but there is virtually no chance of growing baby clowns out in a reef tank with other fish in it.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Like "rssjsb" said, they are only considered a mated pair when they actually spawn and lay eggs. Most clowns (( once they settle into spawning )) will spawn every 2 weeks or so. My Clarkii pair and my pink skunk pair both are on 2 week schedules.

Getting them to spawn can take time, took my pink skunk pair about 2 years, whereas my Clarkii pair took about a year. Depends on the individual fish, their age and what species.

Raising the fry in a main tank isn't going to happen, if they don't get eaten when they hatch, they will starve to death. Would need to set up a rearing tank and raise food for the fry.

 

[gthorpe2]

Ok thanks!!