sex!

[colby]

ok...not really just thought a title like that may jump out and grab some attention...anyway I have a question that I was hoping y'all could help me out with. My pair of Ocellaris (Primarily the female..) has been cleaning/ eating the algae off of the rock that is holding there tile up against the tank wall. I have noticed they(she) are/is eating the algae they are pulling off of the rock. It is primarily in a few inch area though it appears as if it is beggining to spread somewhat, they have reached the white base of the rock. The pair came to me as a retired ORA brrodstock pair with a good breeding history so I am wondering if they are getting ready to spawn or just snacking on some algae...what do you guys think?
thanx
Colby:rollface:

 

[stykthyn]

sounds like it wont be long until they are spawning for you. congrats

 

[dantodd]

pretty typical pre-spawning behavior.

 

[colby]

ok...so then it is normal for the fish to eat the algae in the spot they are cleaning? I was just wondering because I want to be clear that they are preparing a nest site not just eating algae..coincidentally they have been shoveling BS down as fast as they could the past few days but today the female is eating some but not as much nor is she eating it with as much gusto...she also seems to be sticking her face out of the water and glaring at me more as I come near the tank...what do those things indicate to you guys?
Thanx,
Colby

 

[dantodd]

They can do some pretty strange things when they're spawning.

You shouldn't be feeding them BS exclusively.

 

[colby]

gottcha...and I am not feeding them BS exclusively I am also feeding them Mysis, formula one and two as well as some krill...I am gong to try and get some fresh squid too...any idea on how till I can expect them to start breeding? they came straight from the broodstock room at ORA and so I they should be in a fairly good pattern, but they have only been in the tank for about two weeks sooo I am guessing it could still be a while....

 

[dantodd]

No idea. I've heard of fish cleaning and then almost immediately spawning or taking 3 months and occasionally cleaning for a short period and then stopping.

It is generally a good sign though.

 

[colby]

cool..I am excited then I have noticed their behavior changed a bit...the female always seems to keep guard right in front of the tile house whereas the male seems to be inside pretty consistently now...They also dont venture from the spot as much either...