Female clown is "biting" green star polyp rock

Discussion in 'Breeding Tropical Fish' started by Toallhisdoom, Jun 10, 2012.

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  1. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    So first off, she has ich bad. But is still eating, and i just watched her bite the purple base of the green star polyps. I read somewhere they do this to clean the rock when they are getting ready to lay eggs. Does this sound like that? I am going to try and get a video of it. I watched her do it a few times.
     
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    Clowns mouth corals all the time. Not sure why they do this, theory is that is may aid in production of the coating that protects a clown from the sting of an anemone.

    I would be really surprised it she was spawning.
     
  4. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    ohh ok. i have just never seen her do this before.
     
  5. Greg9MM

    Greg9MM Skunk Shrimp

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    As for the ich, try soaking food in garlic. if not do a fresh water dip. Its scary as hell but i saved 2 clowns by doing it once.
     
  6. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    They are funny fish and do a lot of weird things.

    Before a spawn the male will go into cleaning over load, he will pick a spot and clean it enthusiastically. Both clowns will become very protective of that spot and more aggressive than usual.

    :)
     
  7. Bustopher

    Bustopher Skunk Shrimp

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    Mine trim the mushrooms around the patch where she lays her eggs. I could imagine the GSP could be growing into their nest or she has picked her ideal spot and is clearing her area.
     
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  9. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    I am using both selcon and garlic guard. I am soaking their food in it for about 10 mins before i feed. Then dumping the whole solution in. The clown is still eating fine. And i have only seen the female "mouthing" the gsp. Is there anything i should do if she does lay eggs? I would love to be able to help the babies survive. But how? lol
     
  10. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    Raising the fry of clown fish is a huge undertaking that requires a good deal of research prior. It can be done with patience and practice, usually it takes a few batches of fry to get to what one might consider a small success.
     
  11. Servillius

    Servillius Montipora Digitata

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    IF you can teach her to eat it, the rest of us want training lessons!