Caught in the Act: Cirrhilabrus johnsoni Spawning

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by evolved, May 22, 2013.

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  1. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    My johnsoni pair spawns several times a week. This has been going on for months now. It happens every evening; the male goes into nuptial display around 9:30. This is at the end of the ramp down of the whites, which shut off at 9:30 and then it's all blues until they ramp down and off at 10:30. The male will be in nuptial display for up to an hour. While he courts the female every night, she generally complies and does the dance with him, but she isn't able to produce eggs every day, and never on consecutive days. So some days are just a "dry run" it seems.

    However, last night I was finally watching AND recording at the right time. Take a look. :) You'll note the rhomboid come over and wait for the feast when the pair start their routine. Then him and the male johnsoni are clearly eating eggs from the water column. I don't think the male was quite ready for the female here; he usually swims right along side her when she releases, and you see a quick cloud behind them both.

    Click on the image for video:
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2013
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  3. Marty

    Marty Stylophora

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    I'm not exactly sure what I saw, but it was really cool to see the dance. Thanks for posting this. :)
     
  4. doylef4i

    doylef4i Bubble Tip Anemone

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    very cool. caught my hooded pair in the act the other day.
     
  5. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    Reported. Hunter, you can't show this smut here its a family site.
     
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  6. FatBastad

    FatBastad Zoanthid

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    HAHA

    I wanna eat her babies!
    I want my baby-back, ribs.
     
  7. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    Near the end, when the female (smaller one) skims the surface, she's letting her eggs go.

    Congrats.

    :party-smi :wink3:

    Wouldn't be nearly as funny coming from any other user name. :p
     
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  9. Leonard

    Leonard 3reef Sponsor

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    I have no choice but to share this tomorrow in Advanced Aquarist :) Really cool! I'll link back to your thread.
     
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  10. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    By all means, please go right ahead.
     
  11. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    Very very cool Hunter, thanks for posting!
     
  12. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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