tomato clown behaviour

[Adam El Kasaby]

Hi guys

I am new to saltwater and have only previously had community and african cichlid tanks. I have got a good understanding of how things work and my fish seem to be doing well after their first month in my tank.

My question today is my female tomato clown keeps going to the bottom corner of my tank and "vibrating" and clearing sand. Her mated pair is in the tank with her too, although they have never bred. Is this behavior normal and could someone tell me what the reason may be for it. Its is always the same corner that she has been doing it.

Thanks

Adam

 

[pegasus]

She may be getting ready to spawn, and prepping a "bed". It's not completely uncommon for clowns to display this behavior. I have a single clown that has swept the back of the tank (behind the rocks) completely clear of sand. It has moved over 20lbs of sand, and for what reason, I don't know. Perhaps it's just trying to claim that area as it's own. As long as she's acting fairly normal the rest of the time, I wouldn't worry about her making a bed...

 

[bang guy]

I agree with everything Pegasus mentioned. I would add some semantics - if they have never bred then they are not a mated pair. Sounds like they are a bonded pair though.

 

[Adam El Kasaby]

I agree with everything Pegasus mentioned. I would add some semantics - if they have never bred then they are not a mated pair. Sounds like they are a bonded pair though.

got myself mixed up lol. yeah they're definitely bonded. Big size difference.

 

[Adam El Kasaby]

She may be getting ready to spawn, and prepping a "bed". It's not completely uncommon for clowns to display this behavior. I have a single clown that has swept the back of the tank (behind the rocks) completely clear of sand. It has moved over 20lbs of sand, and for what reason, I don't know. Perhaps it's just trying to claim that area as it's own. As long as she's acting fairly normal the rest of the time, I wouldn't worry about her making a bed...

Thanks for the advice. all other aspects of her behavior are normal. shes probably making herself at home...only had her for a couple of weeks.

 

[Adam El Kasaby]

She may be getting ready to spawn, and prepping a "bed". It's not completely uncommon for clowns to display this behavior. I have a single clown that has swept the back of the tank (behind the rocks) completely clear of sand. It has moved over 20lbs of sand, and for what reason, I don't know. Perhaps it's just trying to claim that area as it's own. As long as she's acting fairly normal the rest of the time, I wouldn't worry about her making a bed...

What other spawning behavior should i be looking out for if spawning was potentially the reason for clearing sand?

 

[pegasus]

What other spawning behavior should i be looking out for if spawning was potentially the reason for clearing sand?

Clownfish spawn on a full moon, so if that scenario isn't simulated, they may not mate. If they should, prepping a bed is the first step. This typically happens 3-5 days prior to mating. The day before mating, they will grow very aggressive towards other fish, and chase them from the nesting area. When they are ready to spawn, there will be a brief courtship which includes various forms of posturing, and then the female will lay her eggs. The male will stand guard and chase away any intruders, and fertilize the eggs when the coast is clear... so to speak. LOL!

 

[Adam El Kasaby]

Clownfish spawn on a full moon, so if that scenario isn't simulated, they may not mate. If they should, prepping a bed is the first step. This typically happens 3-5 days prior to mating. The day before mating, they will grow very aggressive towards other fish, and chase them from the nesting area. When they are ready to spawn, there will be a brief courtship which includes various forms of posturing, and then the female will lay her eggs. The male will stand guard and chase away any intruders, and fertilize the eggs when the coast is clear... so to speak. LOL!

Is there a way i should create a full moon simulation?