odd clownfish behavior

[adamt]

my female perc has been acting kinda funny for the last two days. Shes been constantly sweeping the sand around her anenome. The result is an area around the anenome that looks like the nests that sunnies make in local ponds. Is what shes doing just normal care of her host anenome? it almost looks liek shes trying to clean the area. She picked up a hermit crab that got to close and moved him away. Im hoping that this might be a prelude to spawning behavior. Im not concerned about it or anything I've just never seen a clown act like this before.

 

[Lenny718]

Probably getting ready to lay her eggs

 

[adamt]

I thought they prefer smooth surfaces close to the anenome? hmmm maybe ill add a tile close to the lta and see if she does the deed.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Lenny is right... aswell as you are. Anything that will get close to her comfort level she will remove and will exhibit aggressive behaviour towards it. She will usually lay her eggs opposite of the host anemone and the male will stick around and protect the eggs while she goes off and wander about. Hmm... doesn't that sound familar with us at times!! GL and congrats grandpa!!

 

[charliethetuna88]

They are def gonna lay eggs they are gonna clean a rock with there mouth for 2 days then she will lay her eggs they always move the sand under the eggs for some reason I think they do that to create more flow almost like a upcurrent cause that's were my current hits from my powerheads they are always looking to keep the eggs clean and have good flow over them . My eggs should be hatching tonight

 

[RARECLOWNSNJ]

All clowns

All clownfish do this. It has to do with territory that is why she moved the crab.

It is keeping its area clean and looking good. This is called mating behavior but eggs are still a ways off.

They will not lay eggs in sand or on it. As tuna said on a smooth surface of a rock near their anemone.

 

[Killerdrgn]

what kind of cheap tile is good for this purpose? and will it leach anything into the water?

I've had a clownfish that has been doing this for a long while now.

 

[KathyC]

Ceramic tile or some folks use a piece of slate. Lean is standing up on the side of the tank.

 

[Killerdrgn]

Just any ole piece of ceramic tile from home depot will do? like a small bathroom square tile?

 

[KathyC]

yep, any ole

The longer tiles are better if you have the space as the little square ones are kind of short.

One thing to remember - if you plan on rearing the fry in a different tank - you must take care to NOT allow the tile to come in contact with air when you move it - it must stay submerged.

 

[Master Shake]

thats just normal clowns, my tomato does it in my fowlr and my perc does it in my reef, no egg laying in either.