Percula with a belly

[swim]

So I got 4 nice perculas last week at my LFS and I was just watching one of them swimming around and I noticed he has a much bigger belly than all the others and he kind of swims in a downward motion, not all the time just every once in a while. I didnt know what was up. Looks normal, great colors and is always moving around. I dont know what a pregnant fish looks like? could that be it?? Just thought I would write this up and see if anyone had some feedback or advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[imurnamine]

Well, first of all, you're only supposed to have two clownfish per tank.
Perhaps they've been bullying that one.
Be sure to be careful.
...If the two-per-tank weren't a rule...
I'd have about 50!
Of different species, TOO!

 

[swim]

No I havent seen any bullieing going, there is no evidence of that either, fins look good, no nips out of them. they all just swim in the current together. I didnt know that rule, but Ill keep it in mind. Thanks

 

[renogaw]

one clown will become dominant, and pick a mate.
the other 2 won't become full adults, and may get picked on by the pair
if the mate dies, the female will pick from the other 2 if they are around.
if the female dies, one will become dominant again and become female and start it all over.

 

[renogaw]

also, percs lay eggs.

 

[swim]

Interesting, thanks alot for the info, Ill keep an eye out for some eggs. Where do they usually lay them, and I am assuming that crabs will eat them right? Thanks again for the info I really appreciate it!

 

[renogaw]

they will lay the eggs on rock, on glass, etc. yea, they will most likely be crab or fish food if you cant get them out. they look like little orange balls.

 

[reefiness]

well first off you wont have any eggs until the fish mature and if you just got urs they are not mature. When they get mature the female will be about 2-3" and the male will be about 5/8-3/4 the size of the female okus they will always be hanging out together.

 

[reefiness]

Originally Posted by renogaw
they will lay the eggs on rock, on glass, etc. yea, they will most likely be crab or fish food if you cant get them out. they look like little orange balls.
This is very wrong. when clowns lay eggs they dont let ANYTHING near their eggs, i just had my clowns lay their first batch of eggs on friday. And today im watching them and my female clown is about 2" and my male about 1 1/2" and when my blue tang got near which is about 6" long got near the eggs the female went out and attacked it multiple times and the tang had outlines of the bites on his skin for a little while. So i dont think any little fish or any crab is gona stand a chance against a proud clownfish mother.

 

[swim]

WOW! thanks alot everyone for all the help, Ill keep an eye out on my clowns. If I had an anenome would they put the eggs there or not? If I were to get an anenome which would be the best chance for them to host? any Ideas. Thanks again for all the info on these facinating animals.

 

[imurnamine]

Having an anemone would make them even more territorial.
That is when all hell would break loose to your other two clowns.

 

[swim]

really probably wont go with the anenome, thanks

 

[xdave]

I think it's sick. I have had Percs lay eggs and they never got fat first. Fish swimming "off balance" such as facing down is not good. You should post in the disease section.

 

[swim]

I really dont think its sick, Its swimming around fine, its appetite is really good, color is really good, maybe its just fatter than usual? I dont know what to think. Ive watched it for a couple days and there is nothing that would lead me to a sickness issue at this point. thanks for the thoughts I will watch it closely

 

[reefiness]

actually u know what i would post it in the disease too because now that dave mentioned disease i remember i had an angel that got big like a baloon and it died in about 2 weeks. also dave is right the clowns dont get fat before laying eggs.