Snowflake clowns how old

[shane reef]

I am wanting to try breeding clownfish, but have a lot of questions. First thing is how old do the fish need to be? I have had these 2 for a year and nothing. They came from a local guy that breeds them. They were only about 1/2in and 3/4in big when I got them. I was told that the bigger one will turn into a female and they would pair up. How do I tell if they have? And when will they mate? Any help will be great. Thanks

 

[ClownfishSushi]

Can you take a video of the them? It shouldn't be too hard to tell if I can see them in action.

I had two pairs of perculas that both spawned around 1.5 years old. It sounds like yours are just getting to that age range now...

 

[shane reef]

So eventually they will spawn? As long as they are a pair?

 

[Tmoriarty]

Nope, age will not force a spawn, some people own clownfish for many years and they never spawn for them. Tank conditions are the second factor, everything from feeding to temperature to light cycle can make a difference.

If you got your clowns that small they were most likely not even 6 months old yet (kinda sad to hear, most breeders wait that long to sell the babies) so they are most likely still under or around 1.5 years old. The time is getting close thought as females can spawn anywhere from around 1.5 years old to 2.5 years old. Males can fertilize as early as 6 months old (as reported by Doni).

Conditions in the tank will matter though, they need a suitable spot to spawn (sometimes its the glass, others a good flat rock or surface). Higher temps (82-84) will help induce spawning as well. Increased feeding will help push for spawns as well as make stronger spawns (if you intend to raise them), so a variety of food often is best if that is what you wish to do.

Another thing is a longer light cycle, increasing your light cycle up to 10-14 hours can help induce spawning as well. (has to be consistent though).

If you see your fish cleaning a spot on the rocks or glass pretty constant then they are usually close to getting ready to spawn. Hope that helps.

 

[ClownfishSushi]

Nope, age will not force a spawn, some people own clownfish for many years and they never spawn for them. Tank conditions are the second factor, everything from feeding to temperature to light cycle can make a difference.

If you got your clowns that small they were most likely not even 6 months old yet (kinda sad to hear, most breeders wait that long to sell the babies) so they are most likely still under or around 1.5 years old. The time is getting close thought as females can spawn anywhere from around 1.5 years old to 2.5 years old. Males can fertilize as early as 6 months old (as reported by Doni).

Conditions in the tank will matter though, they need a suitable spot to spawn (sometimes its the glass, others a good flat rock or surface). Higher temps (82-84) will help induce spawning as well. Increased feeding will help push for spawns as well as make stronger spawns (if you intend to raise them), so a variety of food often is best if that is what you wish to do.

Another thing is a longer light cycle, increasing your light cycle up to 10-14 hours can help induce spawning as well. (has to be consistent though).

If you see your fish cleaning a spot on the rocks or glass pretty constant then they are usually close to getting ready to spawn. Hope that helps.

Doni's "snowcasso" male was 9 months when he fertilized his first clutch. Six months seems really, really young. Which one of her male's did that?

And back to the OP. The other factor not mentioned was competition and territory. What other livestock do you have? Do the clowns have a defined territory? A quick video will make it pretty easy for us.

 

[shane reef]

 

[shane reef]

Did that work? They are the only fish in tank.

 

[shane reef]

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[shane reef]

http://s1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/doodlebugreef/?action=view&current=VIDEO0011.mp4

 

[Tmoriarty]

Doni's "snowcasso" male was 9 months when he fertilized his first clutch. Six months seems really, really young. Which one of her male's did that?

I do not believe it was her Snowcasso male, I would have to ask Pickle exactly which one of hers it was but I trust him as a source of information.

And I agree with clownfishsushi that to many other fish in the system (especially more aggressive ones) can decrease the chance for a spawn, but if your clowns are the only ones in the tank the chances are better for them.

 

[ClownfishSushi]

http://s1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/doodlebugreef/?action=view&current=VIDEO0011.mp4

Nice video and beautiful clowns. So based on that little snipet of information here is what I saw. And please take this with a grain of salt because I was just looking at 1 minute of their behavior.

They didn't appear to have a territory. The were swimming to all four corners of the tank, almost like they were looking for an exit. Not a great sign of them taking ownership.

The "male" wasn't afraid to go off on his own and certainly wasn't looking to the larger female for protection. That's not a good sign of a strongly bonded pair. He should get nervous when she isn't around and chase after her like a frightened puppy.

The female is still too small to physically lay a nest at this point.

Tmoriarty gave you a bunch of good advice. Pick up the feeding schedule. Lots of smaller feedings and make them as predictable as possible. Minimum 12 hour light cycle. Increase the temperature, try dropping or raising the salinity a bit. I've had success with dropping, others have success with raising.

They could pair for you, this isn't remotely a lost cause. But I don't see a bonded pair in that video yet. They need some time and a change in their routine.

 

[shane reef]

Well they were looking to be feed. They both favor one bottom corner together. The smaller one does venture out on his own at times. What salinity level do you guys suggest? Temp should be 80 or higher?

 

[Spyderturbo007]

Mine act pretty much the same was as yours. Is there a way to get them to bond? I'm not worried about breeding like shane reef, but don't want them to take over the tank or start fighting.

Mine sleep together and do hang out about half the time, but other than that, they will go exploring separately.

 

[Tmoriarty]

Well they were looking to be feed. They both favor one bottom corner together. The smaller one does venture out on his own at times. What salinity level do you guys suggest? Temp should be 80 or higher?

Yes, 80 or higher. But like stated above, if they are not bonded and are still semi independant, then that is more of an issue than the paramters. You can try introducing a host (anemone or a clay pot) to give them "territory". The female may not want to let the male in it right away, but should calm down eventually.

The set territory will help them develop a stronger bond. When you see your female or male cleaning an area, then you know you are getting closer to having a breeding pair.