Mixed species Clown group question

[andrek787]

So, I have a group of 4 clowns in a 150 gallon tank, two Perculas, two darwin B\W ocellaries that have recently started spawning. They used to be two separate "bonded" pairs. When ocellaries were added the the percula pair split and female started to hangout with percs. Until recently the trio lived in the same BTA, but now the male percula joined the group. A few days ago, I found a clutch of eggs after moving a piece of LR. Clutch was being protected by the perc female but she allowed the ocellaris to eat at the eggs and shortly there were none left.

Is it normal for eggs to be eaten?

P.S I know I shouldnt have 4 clowns in a 150 gallon tank, but it worked out that way.

 

[phender]

It is not unusual for the first spawn of any pair to be infertile. In that case, the parents will eat the infertile eggs. That may be the case here, or the other fish couldn't pass up a free meal.
They should spawn again in 10-14 days. Try to see who is the acting female and acting male in the group. It may not solve your problem, but it will be interesting.

 

[andrek787]

Thanks. I will try and catch them in act next time. I think I only have one female in the group as rest of them are the same smaller size.

I saw a wrasse try to take a bite of the eggs and she tore him a new one.

Also, is there a name for Perc x. B\W ocellaris variant?