Clown fish eggs?

So I went to feed my fish today and noticed that a frag of candy coral was completely missing from my tank. After some searching I found it buried in the sand near where the black ocellaris clown fish hang out. I pulled it out of the sand and placed it back where I normally keep it. However, now there are these little green bubbles inside a coral skeleton. So I snap this picture, and about 30 seconds later, they were both tag teaming this frag and putting it right back in the sand. I add that they seemed very mad that I had moved it to begin with.

So my question is are these eggs? There are only a few, and the shapes seem irregular. I am just confused why they would be so concerned about keeping it in a safe spot if it wasnt something important. And really, what else is important in a clown fish's life? All of your expert opinions would be highly appreciated.

 

That's definitely some nuisance bubble algae. There are safe removal methods and an emerald crab will help you get what you miss. The clowns are probably rearranging to spawn.

 

I beliieve what you are seeing is green bubble algae. Clownfish eggs appear orange at first and then turn somewhat silver. A clownfish would never allow their eggs to get buried either.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. The clowns are completely obsessed with this frag and since I posted it is again buried in the sand. This is all within a 30 minute time frame. What is this behavior all about. They are def. going to kill this frag if they keep burying it. Should I put it somewhere else in the tank?

 

Yes move it, and they may still try to bury it. You can try putting it on some rubble as well.

 

haha silly clowns

 

YUP, classic bubble algae. i would take the frag out and pluck each of those bubbles off the skeleton. DONT pop them in your tank or they will surely spread.

 

Clowns are insane sometimes. I often see my maroon pick small frags up and throw them. He's lucky I really like him.lol