Odd Clown Behaviour

[Runner]

My clown pair (one is ~10+ years old, one I got from Matt last year) is starting to behave a little oddly. Since the little guy was added, the big female has become extremely protective and territorial (and "nippy"). The past three or four weeks, I have found her pushing rocks down to the glass and laying on her side. I didn't have a clue what was up until now -- now that I've rearranged the tank and added crushed coral substrate.

Anyway, she has industriously dug a hole down to bare glass in the front-center of my little tank. She goes and sits in it, then the little guy bumps her and pushes her over then wiggles on her. I come near the tank, he runs and hides and she jumps up and tries to attack me through the glass. Strange. But could this be some kind of mating ritual?

(Sorry for the poor picture - just snapped it for reference)

 

[Ding2daDong]

I think they may be getting ready to put on some Bob Marley if you know what I am saying. lol Hopefully they will lay some eggs. I would check all your parameters just in case.

Also how long do clownfish live?

hth

-Matthew

 

[imsqueak]

Sounds like you are INTERRUPTING something. Shame on you.

 

[Runner]

Hmm. What do you have to be searching on to find THIS thread from South Florida?

I think maroon clowns live 15+ years. Mine is so large she has got to be near the limit.

And over and hour later I see the same behaviour. Doesn't look like I interrupted much.

 

[Fishboy42]

Glad to hear the clowns are doing well Sometimes maroons get pretty territorial when breeding, so it may be a sign that she is getting ready to lay eggs but could also just be showing territorial behavior.

I was bitten by a male maroon the other day...I don't think he realized that he's only 2" long. If they got 6' long, I think I'd have to stay out of the ocean.