How does clownfish breeding really happen?

[newbie676767]

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to start a small reef tank (around 15 gallons) and want to eventually try breeding clownfish. I’m wondering — if I just buy 2 clownfish, will they eventually pair up and breed on their own?

I’ve heard that one becomes female and the other stays male, but I’m not sure how reliable that is if I’m just picking two from a tank at random. Should I do anything specific to help them pair? Also, how long does it usually take for them to start showing breeding behavior? How do they breed how does it happen and how do I get them to lay eggs and raise them up.

Appreciate any advice or experience — especially from anyone who started with just a pair. Thanks!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome relatively new R2R member

I'm not a Clowfish expert and I've never tried to breed them, but I have a few thoughts, and certainly more knowledgable members will be able to help you further.

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to start a small reef tank (around 15 gallons) and want to eventually try breeding clownfish. I’m wondering — if I just buy 2 clownfish, will they eventually pair up and breed on their own?

Typically, yes, but nothing is 100%

I’ve heard that one becomes female and the other stays male, but I’m not sure how reliable that is if I’m just picking two from a tank at random.

This is true, and I don't think it matters what fish you get (assuming they are of the same species). Absolutely all Clownfish do start life as male, and typically the largest and most dominate fish in a group will become a (the) female.

Should I do anything specific to help them pair?

I believe you should choose two Clownfish of noticeably dissimilar sizes, meaning, get one larger fish and one smaller fish. The larger one will almost certainly become the dominate fish and become a female, the smaller one will remain a subdominant male. I don't believe you can prevent this, or be left with two males or two females. However, there's no guarantee that you will get a breeder pair that lays eggs for you.

Also, how long does it usually take for them to start showing breeding behavior?

Again, I've never tried to breed them, but I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest anywhere from a few months to never. Although many, many Clownfish routinely spawn in many tanks, there's not necessarily a guarantee that yours will. Perhaps the guys who do breed them can help more here.

How do they breed how does it happen and how do I get them to lay eggs and raise them up.

I'm unsure of the nitty-gritty, but I am honestly all ears to learn too

What I can say is that it is not uncommon to see Clownfish pairs lay eggs in tanks, though it is quite the challenge to raise the fry. Please look into this a bit, at the very least I know you need to culture and raise rotifers to feed the tiny fry. They require timely feedings throughout the day, and will be very sensitive to polluted water, so feeding and maintenance can be a full time job.

Appreciate any advice or experience — especially from anyone who started with just a pair. Thanks!

Reef2Reef has a whole sub-forum discussing fish breeding, and I think if you check out some "stickies" (threads pined to the top of the sub-forum) or ask further questions in that sub-forum, you may get more and certainly better help than I'm able to offer

Fish Breeding Forum

This is the place to discuss and share about saltwater fish breeding. Got a question or want to talk about your experience? Please join in!

www.reef2reef.com

I hope I've helped, but please double check anything I've said here with other more knowledgeable R2R members or other fish breeding experts.

Best of luck with your project!

 

[Rocks reef]

Spot on @Fish Fan
Side note, I would probably get two smaller clowns the same size and let nature decide on which one becomes the female.

 

[bluemon]

Not sure if it’s also mentioned on that thread @Fish Fan linked, but if you want to breed them, I wouldn’t do it in a reef tank.

You want the tank to be devoid of any rocks you can’t take out easily as you have to separate the eggs in order to gather fry.

That means you will rarely have success in a typical reef where the clowns will lay wherever.

People usually go for a half broken terracotta pot.

Also, clownfish may never breed and then just start laying eggs once every 2-3 weeks. My clownfish were duds for a good three four years and now they churn out eggs frequently.

 

[Uncle99]

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to start a small reef tank (around 15 gallons) and want to eventually try breeding clownfish. I’m wondering — if I just buy 2 clownfish, will they eventually pair up and breed on their own?

I’ve heard that one becomes female and the other stays male, but I’m not sure how reliable that is if I’m just picking two from a tank at random. Should I do anything specific to help them pair? Also, how long does it usually take for them to start showing breeding behavior? How do they breed how does it happen and how do I get them to lay eggs and raise them up.

Appreciate any advice or experience — especially from anyone who started with just a pair. Thanks!

No guarantee that any juveniles will pair.

You can buy a mated pair but this does not guarantee a breeding pair. Bigger $

You can buy a breeding pair for even bigger $

Or, you can buy to small juveniles (1/2-3/4”) and let nature take its course.

I’ve waited up to 9 months for breeding to start, and in a few cases, nothing.

If you’re thinking of breeding, you gotta get good at making and maintaining rotifers (a first food) for at least 7-10 days from hatch.

And if your going to make rotifers, then you need to make their food, phytoplankton.

If you do get them to breed, the first clutches are a bit small.

Enjoy….its a ton of fun.