Signs of spawning?

[velvetelvis]

I recently decided to overhaul the aquascape in my 34 Solana, and added a large piece of live rock to the tank tonight. My pair of black ocellaris apparently approve, because they've been spending a lot of time hovering around the same spot on top of the new rock, pecking at it and "quivering" at each other, while periodically making passes over the top of it.

Is this a sign that they're getting ready to spawn? They're still pretty young (only about 2" long, and they've just settled on who's going to be the female). Thanks!

 

[clowns101]

It sounds like they are begining to make a "nest".They may not spawn for days,weeks,months and even years.At their size I would say they are just becomeing sexually mature if even that!

 

[velvetelvis]

That's OK. I'm not ready to become a grandma just yet! One thing about clownfish: they're never boring.

 

[clowns101]

This is true!

 

[jt_milstead]

Sounds a little young still to be mating but it would be possible.It is a good sign though.My mated female only lays eggs in hidden spots not out in the open.

 

[SPARTAN VI]

It's very interesting behavior to observe. My pair spawn regularly, but usually change the location of their nest when I do a PWC. I suppose water rushing in scares them.

Two out of the four nests I've had the joy of watching their behavior. The male will vigorously peck a clearing on the side of a rock until it's immaculate and do a silly looking dance. Never got to see the actual spawning or laying eggs.

 

[velvetelvis]

It's very interesting behavior to observe. My pair spawn regularly, but usually change the location of their nest when I do a PWC. I suppose water rushing in scares them.

Mine have quit obsessing over that spot on the rock, but they did spend the rest of the evening yesterday and part of the day today squabbling. The (emerging) female had to exact a few "Yes, dear!" submissive quivers from the male before it was all over...now they seem to have calmed down and are spending a lot of time hovering around and darting in and out of the little cave that the new rock has created (which doesn't make my peppermint shrimp very happy!).

I wonder if they're like cichlids, and need to re-establish territories and hierarchy when their surroundings change--or maybe at least during this phase of their development, when they're not sexually mature or a bonded pair yet. It's very entertaining to watch.