Unusual spawning behaviour of Amphiprion ephippium

[Fishy_Clown]

An interesting observation I made the other day when watching my fire clowns spawn. The female was laying eggs and 2 males were fertilizing them. Really strange seeing that and wondered if anyone else had noticed similar behaviour with their clowns when spawning.

The 3 have been together since purchasing them about a year ago - was hoping to get a pair - but they all just got on really well. Suspected the dominant male would be the only one doing the fertilizing, but it was definately a case of them 'sharing' the responsibility.

Is this a commone occurance - its the first I have seen, especially with Amphiprion ephippium.

Thanks

 

[Fishy_Clown]

Pics

Pics

Pics - not great sorry but give a rough indication....

 

[ilvfsh]

That seems very strange. Ive always been taught that only 2 clowns would reach sexual maturity at any one time.

 

[Moonstream]

I was always under the impression that two fish would reach sexual maturity (one female, one male), and the rest would remain asexual drones. regardless, those are gorgeous fish!

 

[Fishy_Clown]

I was always under the impression that two fish would reach sexual maturity (one female, one male), and the rest would remain asexual drones. regardless, those are gorgeous fish!

Thank you - their heads have just grown an inch

Yeah, I am also puzzled by this one. It goes against everyting I have read. Guess its not too common else others would be sharing their stories. Will make a vid of the next spawn...

 

[Winwood]

Sooo cool! Just goes to show you that mother nature does not always listen to what we say about her. Fascinating example. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Fishy_Clown]

Caught them in the act again the other night - yup, definately each taking a turn :love2:

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Still not heard anyone else seeing the same with any of theirs. Guess these clowns are a bit tricurios :love1:

 

[BonsaiNut]

Very cool. I have never heard of this. Thanks for sharing!

 

[mbdave]

The only explanation is the female is a ****.

 

[WaffleWalffle22]

That trio is probably worth a lot more now that they are the only known clowns ever to do that.

 

[Enyo]

What.
The.
@#$%.

In a way they are using diverse genetics as a redundancy/contingency plan. If the offspring fertilized by one male is genetically inferior, the other male's might fare a bit better.

I foresee a jerry springer episode on the horizon.

 

[WaffleWalffle22]

Name the female Charlie (short for Charlotte) Sheen.

 

[davocean]

LOl, is that take on Maidens Charlotte the harlott?
Yeah, I've never seen that either, very cool, but you say only one year so far, so may or may not last long term, but curious to see how it goes down the line.

 

[alexandernewell]

That is... Amazing. Did I see another species of clown in your video?

 

[Fishy_Clown]

Yes, I do have a few other species of clowns in my tank.....