two clownfish sleeping in the same anemone = pair?

[d0ughb0y]

a few months ago I added a small clown to my tank, and the older/larger one would not let the smaller one anywhere near the anemone. after a few months, now both sleep in the same anemone (not quite next to each other, but definitely both are in the anemone). does that mean they paired up? or can two unpaired clowns still sleep in the same anemone.

 

[jefathome]

Depends on how you define "Paired up".

Overall pair, YES... Mated pair? NO

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

can two unpaired clowns still sleep in the same anemone.

yes.

This doesn't sound like a mated pair.

 

[d0ughb0y]

thanks for the replies.
so short of actually seeing them lay eggs etc, there really is no way to tell if two clowns are "mated" pair? (FAQ is not quite clear on this) the two clowns do generally stay in the same area majority of the time.

 

[Toddrtrex]

This is how I use the following terms,

pair -- 2 clowns that have been together for 6 months or less that haven't killed each other.

Bonded pair -- 2 clowns that have been together for 6 or more months and act like a mated pair, but haven't spawned yet.

Mated pair -- a pair that has spawned more then once.

For a mated pair --- if you are buying them, would either have to take the sellers word, or see photos/video of the pair laying eggs, or at least guarding them.

 

[d0ughb0y]

it is now paired and spawning = mated pair

http://youtu.be/nE5Mi-JEsVc

 

[MarineFlake]

If they are hanging out together, they are paired up but you will have to wait and see if they actually lay eggs. Very cool thing to see, have high hopes for ya.

 

[jt_milstead]

Very nice.I like the soft music.....lol

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

it is now paired and spawning = mated pair

http://youtu.be/nE5Mi-JEsVc

Congratulations!