How can I encourage my two Ocellaris clownfish to breed?

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CARM

Aquarium Advice Regular
Joined
Feb 4, 2011
Messages
55
Location
Canada
I've had these guys for just under a year now and I have not seen any signs of... "intimacy".
Why? Are they too young still? Is it because I don't have an anenome in my tank? Is an anenome absolutely necessary aren't there other ways to encourage breeding?
If an anenome is what they want I am more than happy to give them their very own personal 10G tank! But don't anenomes get very big...?
Hmm and while I'm at this question spree, how long does it take O. clownfish to reach maximum size?
If someone could take the time to answer all or any of my questions I would really appreciate it! Thanks! :)
 
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I would also like to know, I have a pair of clowns that are about 1.5 inches long and they have started doing the mating dance with each other (the male goes next to the female and shakes on his side) and seem to follow each other everywhere, I'm hoping they will breed once they hit maturity though I'm not sure when that is. From what I have read, an anemone will not increase the chances. Anyone?

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i have heard folks having luck by playing some romantic music, and putting a little crushed up viagra in the water...
spongebobdance.gif









sorry..i just couldn't help myself
 
anemones can help but are not as important the only way they will help is by making the clowns feel alot safer. if ur clowns are mature and a mated pair in an evironment that they feel safe and happy in then they will mate. however if your clowns are in a tank or there own then there would be no need for an anemone. i no that most fish will spawn on a full moon. however i do not no if this is the same for clowns as they lay eggs and dont spawn like most fish do. it can sometimes take about 3 years before your clowns mate and then there first batch may not be successfull so be patient and it may happen one day. :D hope this helps
 
Sometimes feeding more can help. I believe fish are usually less likely to breed if they feel that their nutrition is not enough to support the high energy cost of continutally spawning. Also like aaron said they need to be in an environment where they feel safe/comfortable. No threatening tank mates.
 
You can also look at the marine ornamental fish and invert breeding forums. There are a ton of people who breed clowns there and they may have some other ideas. They have a few experts on the subject there as well as a lot of good information you willl need to make a serious attempt at raising them.
 
Theirs a couple of things you can do to help start breeding
1 feed alot more than normal,whilst still keeping water quality good
2 drop salinity to about 1.020
3 stop cleaning 3 sides of the aquarium glass
4 raise the tank temp to 80

This is all done to try and mimic spring,more fresh water entering the sea,more food and warmer

Hope this helps
 
Keep in mind that even if you get them to breed, feeding fish that small presents a whole 'nother set of issues.... and likely a tank for that matter to raise the food.
 
Keep in mind that even if you get them to breed, feeding fish that small presents a whole 'nother set of issues.... and likely a tank for that matter to raise the food.

Yep
tank for fry
tank for rotifers
another for rotifers
more heaters
air pump
fry trap
glass funnel
theres plenty
 
Hmm great advice/suggestions, I am definately going to try some of these,
Thanks everyone!
 
This might be completely random but I've been told by a couple people in my lfs to put broken up clay pots in a tank. IMO that is really just a place she will give birth but maybe you can look into it
 
I know of a CF breeder here in IL that uses terra cotta pots and tiles. He swears by them; great surfaces for the eggsI was told.
 
Pots? Hmm that's really interesting I have never heard that before lol I will look into that for sure :)
 
The clay pots are there so the whole clutch of eggs can be easily removed to the fry tank just before hatching,I do the same.Its easier than trying to syphon the eggs off LR in hard to get to places or trying to catch the fry after hatching.just make sure to use terracotta plant pots as some other pots or tiles may seep metals into your tank.
 
I use it for
My freshwater blue rams. Have had way over 500 eggs in total so far from same pair.
 
i have heard folks having luck by playing some romantic music, and putting a little crushed up viagra in the water...
spongebobdance.gif









sorry..i just couldn't help myself

Hey you guys you forgot about the candles and the wine oh and don't leave out the Chocolate Covered Strawberries... LOL
Me TOO....
 
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