clowns + spawning

[ryanpal]

hey guys,

i have a pair of clown fish that have been with the reef tank for quite some time (a few years with the previous owner). i wanted to know when clowns spawn. is it a yearly thing? a random thing? and a crap shoot if they ever will.

ryan

 

[JohnS_323]

Our pair of maroon clowns spawn continuously. When one clutch hatches, a new one follows right behind it. I would say the pattern is that new eggs are laid every 3 to 4 weeks. It used to be easier to gauge because they laid their eggs out in a visible area. They have since moved to behind a rock in a cave so I can't really keep track of it quite so easily.

 

[ryanpal]

well then...i guess my next question would be: can you entice them into spawning? i wouldn't mind a few little clowns, maybe they would actually host my BTA ;]

 

[JohnS_323]

There's the rub . . . catching and raising fry is not that easy. The way we look at it, every spawing event is a nice boost of live food for the tank. We were going to try to remove the fry from the tank and raise them but it never panned out. Just as we got prepared, they relocated to their hidden area (figures, right!).

I also don't think you can inspire them to spawn. You could try a little Kenny G and some candlelight feedings but I don't think it'll work! It really depends on their comfort level and your systems parameters.

 

[mladencovic]

hey guys,

i have a pair of clown fish that have been with the reef tank for quite some time (a few years with the previous owner). i wanted to know when clowns spawn. is it a yearly thing? a random thing? and a crap shoot if they ever will.

ryan

In order for them to spawn they have to have both right enviromental conditions and sexual conditions (one of them maturing/morfing into male and the other into female and well establishing that relationship AND being attracted to each other to spawn). In nature, clowns spawn all year around and it seems that their spawning is related to lunar cycle. In aquaria it is hit or miss. If they find their environment and partner OK, they will spawn regularly, but, on the other hand, they very well might not spawn ever.

 

[ryanpal]

that is interesting.

as i understand it these clowns have been a pair for a while. the one is quite larger (the female). the previous owner never mentioned anthing about them spawning.

i guess they are like an old couple then. just together for the sake of being together ::sarcasm::