My ocellaris couldn't be pregnant already?!?!?!

[lakwriter]

I've had this pair of ocellaris clowns about a month. Bought them very small - about 1.25" long each. In the last week or so, one has gotten considerably bigger and has developed a bulge in "her" tummy:

These fish are still fairly small...they can't be pregnant already, could they? Or could it be "she's" just gettin' fat?

 

[InvaderJim]

Pics don't work for me.

 

[lakwriter]

 

[lakwriter]

Heres another pic...

 

[Amphiprion]

I don't think it's gravid. Maybe it is because it has been getting more food and/or fed very well lately.

 

[JamesJR]

Clowns don't get pregnant. I am guessing that may be internal parasites.

 

[lakwriter]

feeding hasn't changed, unless "she's" stealing food from my freezer. I feed 1/2 cube mysis, 1/2 cube spirulina enriched brine shrimp, and a pinch of prime reef flakes, in rotation. 2 feedings per day. I only have the O. pair, 3 chromis and some snails and hermits.

 

[lakwriter]

how might i find out if its a parasite?

 

[Amphiprion]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9074711#post9074711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JamesJR
Clowns don't get pregnant. I am guessing that may be internal parasites.

The parasite is certainly possible, but females do indeed have distended bellies before a spawn.

 

[lakwriter]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9074780#post9074780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amphiprion
but females do indeed have distended bellies before a spawn.

I figured as much, too. Either way is there anything I should be on the lookout for? Warning signs that something might be wrong? SHe seems happy and swimming okay.

They just seem a little small to be spawning already.

 

[JamesJR]

I know the females get distended bellies but it looks like it is sticking out more from the side and a little bit unproportional. Maybe it is just the picture.

 

[lakwriter]

its pretty much even on both sides. Thats just the picture.

 

[lakwriter]

Just in case...how will she be like this before spawning?

 

[lakwriter]

I meant to write "how long will she be like this before spawning" fast fingers...

 

[Amphiprion]

Usually no longer than about 4 days or so.

James, it may be unproportional, it's hard to tell. The clowns are really too young to spawn, so it is either an overeating problem (which clowns will do) or a parasite. What do the feces look like?

 

[TOURKID]

if its an internal parasite, the first thing you'll notice is long white stringy poop that lingers on her body. she would eat alot but wouldent gain weight. its not hard to treat and can be done in the reef by putting the treatment in her food. you can pm me if you want medication details n such, but she may be constipated even. with there size / age i wouldent think they would be ready to lay eggs, but keep a look out. they sometimes eat theyre first batch so u may miss it even.

 

[lakwriter]

I'll keep an eye on her and let you know what transpires. Thanks, TOURKID, for the advice. I haven't noticed any change in feces, but now I know what to look for. I'll PM you if it looks like a parasite is the diagnosis. Somehow I think its not, since she seems to be gaining weight.