Tropical Fish Forums

[Funky Fish]

Hi,

I recently purchased two Fire Clowns on Saturday last, which was the 21st. I really don't have any idea on how long it might take for the clowns to pair - providing they actually accept each other.
At the moment there is a lot of chasing between. It is clear to see the bigger one swimming around more than the other.

They are both feeding well, I'm making sure the submissive one does not fade away.

One is slightly bigger than the other, in hope that it might take a little less time for the dominant female to be decided amongst them as the other is slightly smaller.

I don't know if these affect it, but for your information : 140L Tank
1 Pjyama Cardinal
1 Algae Blenny
1 Cleaner Shrimp.

An array of soft corals.
I consider it fully stocked now for fish and inverts.

Nitrates 5ppm
Po4 : 0
Calcium : 410ppm
KH: 8 ( dosing buffer to get it up higher)

If you have any advice on maybe helping the pairing or even if there are some signs as to whether they might pair well - or not. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Funky Fish

[FloridaBoy]

Spawnings are quite common, rasing the fry requires another level of commitment...

a few links that may interest you,
also be sure to look to the works by Joyce Wilkerson...

Breeding Clarkii Clownfish - Part 1 and 2
By Hennie Landman
and Elizabeth M. Lukan 4/28/02

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fishnchips/April02/fnc0402.html#critter

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fishnchips/May02/fnc0502.html#critter

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=100887

http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:-sw0o550LU0J:www.marshreef.com/files/raising_clownfish.doc+raising+clownfish+young&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us

http://umainetoday.umaine.edu/issues/v7i5/clowns.html

http://members.tripod.com/mark26/clownfish2.html

Clown Fishes
A Guide to Their Captive Care, Breeding and Natural History
Author: Joyce Wilkerson, T.F.H. Publications (2003)
http://www.fishlore.com/clownfishesbook-wilkerson.htm
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[Funky Fish]

Thank you for those! A good read!

Well it's two weeks on and still no happy couple. It's clear to see the bigger one now though. Maybe they still need a little more time. The female is very dominant and the male has been ripped to shreds. However I think if they weren't to pair then she would of killed him. So him being alive I'm taking as a good sign, he's seems to be allowed to feed but then shoved back into his corner.

Any further advice appreciated. Thanks again FloridaBoy.
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Funky Fish

[FloridaBoy]

Ripped to shreds? Well a little fin damage is one thing, but you may need to split them up if it's going really badly. They may not be a compatible pair. Please note from the first link I provided:

"given enough time any two fish could become a pair, if they're agreeable.
It does help to start off with young fish, though."

Pairs are obtained in three methods:
1. Buying a pre-mated pair
2. Combining a tiny specimen with a much larger one (risky)
3. Group method

The pairing process can range from a few days to several weeks. You could try separating them with a glass panel until the male recovers. Keep in mind, pairing clowns is not an exact science. There are some cases where certain males will NEVER be accepted by an established, dominant female; so you need to be vigilant and make sure you provide plenty of hiding places for the little male to escape or he may be killed. There are also cases where a mated pair that has been compatible for years will suddenly turn on each other and start fighting like a middle aged couple with marital problems
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[Funky Fish]

Yes you're right, "ripped to shreds" is a bit over the top. But his fins have plenty of damage. His torso itself though is fine. Not trying to seem defensive but he doesn't look lethargic, breathing rate is relaxed and swimming patterns are normal, no struggling.

But yes I agree, that secondary infection is possible so I will feed brineshrimp with garlic. I know its no silver bullet, but garlic does help the immune system. So it's no harm.
The glass panel is good in theory but I really would prefer to leave the rockwork alone as it could get very messy trying to rearrange it in order to fit it in.
He does dart in and out off little caves in the rock, so I think he's got a good few escape routes.
It really is just a waiting a game. It is good to read though from what you've said that it can take much longer, so there's still hope. However of course if the male suddenly takes a turn for the worst, I'll bring him back and well try again!


Thanks again!
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Funky Fish

[FloridaBoy]

My pleasure, best wishes for your success...
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years