Male Clown Not Eating

[jeanheckle]

I have a pair of black ocellaris. The female has laid eggs and the male is guarding them. He isn't eating and I am wondering if this is normal behavior. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, Dori

 

[chasar]

I am not sure if this is normal. My male does venture away from the eggs in order to eat, but will quikly return if need be. Not sure what the other tank mates are, but I would try to feed all of your fish on the oposite side of the tank as the male. As soon as the other fish are away and eating, try and spot feed the male. If you can get food close enough to him and he has limited distractions I think it will eat. JMO

 

[spiderwoman]

My male is currently guarding their second set of eggs and he does very quick trips to get food. Female is constantly out looking for food

 

[lexluethar]

I wouldn't worry about it. They are healthy clowns if they are reproducing - which usually means that they will be fine. He will eat when he gets hungry or feels safe. Let nature take its course in this instance since you know he's already healthy.

 

[jeanheckle]

Thanks for your responses, last night when I went ot bed they each had a tube hanging out from underneath, so the deed was done. He is tending the eggs although I can't really see them. My only question is there is a brain maze in front of the cave they are in and she keeps biting it, do you think I should move it?
dori

 

[chasar]

I am not sure about Corals. The eggs will hatch in about 7 days so if you think the Brain can take a beating for a few more days leave it. The Brain may be the reason that the male is not eating. If he feels threaetened by the Brain enough to nip at it, he will not leave the eggs in fear that they will be hurt by the Brain. Moving it away my be beneficial for both parties. Your fish will lay eggs about every two weeks and they generally use the same area. You may have these same issues with every batch unless the Brain is moved.? JMO

 

[jeanheckle]

I was just reading your thread on trying to raise your fry. I am not even going to attempt with the first couple of batches, but I will definately try at some point.

 

[chasar]

I am trying to keep a daily post going as far as what I am doing. I am having a rough go at it witht this second batch. I figure if I can do it anyone can, so I am posting my questions and what I learns and doing my best to describe my daily activities. I hope that you have ggod luck with your pair. It is rewarding to know that you are providing them with a good place to live that makes them comfortable enought to spawn. It is nature in the home.