Tomato Clowns Breeding Already??

[TOYTEK]

I have a pair of WC Tomatoes, I've only had them about 2 and a half weeks now, not sure of their age, but there is an obvious size difference. The male is 1 1/2 -2 inches, female twice his size almost. Monday when I got home, I noticed some sand piled up at the front of the tank. When I looked behind the rock saw a low dug out spot, not a burrow, more of an indention like if I had scooped sand out with my hand. Later that night I noticed the female was the one doing this. Even saw her tote out a piece in her mouth and spit it and a mouthful of algae out. Noticed she was getting defensive of this spot. About an hour ago, I noticed a small sand storm, and had to move two frags from in front of the opening in the rocks before she buried them. She is fanning the sand out with her tail. Is it possible she is getting ready to spawn, or could this "nesting behavior" go on for a while? Right now she doesn't even seem to want the male coming down there, but she doesn't mind playing chase with him when she isn't cleaning up behind the rock.
I will Probably post this in the breeding &/or Clownfish forums too, just thought I'd start here first.

 

[NicoleC]

At that size, they are definitely mature and would not be out of the question that that are broody. But it would be very rare to have a wild pair lay eggs so soon. It seems more likely this is just nesting behavior.

If you want them to lay eggs and there's ever a chance you'd want to raise them, get a piece of unglazed ceramic tile, clean it well and place it near their chosen spot. Clowns seem to love nice flat pieces of tile for egg laying spots.

 

[Big Goose]

Be careful of what fish you add. I had to get rid of my two largest Tomatoes because they are so mean.

I have one small one left and I plan to trap him out. He is cute but a terror

 

[TOYTEK]

NicoleC, thanks for the reply. I didn't think it was a definite sign of spawning, but wasn't sure. I was planning on putting a tile in there, but didn't want to disturb her if she was getting ready to lay eggs.

Goose, thanks for the advise, so far the only fish I have are the clowns, a lawnmower blenny which they don't seem to be picking on, and just added a Sixline Wrasse. I'll keep an eye on the Wrasse.