My chromis are breeding!?

[DownByTheReef]

I noticed my chromis behaving weirdly this morning rubbing against the rock. As the behavior persisted I begin to worry enough to look it up. I read it could be ich in many forums and I thought to myself here we go again something new. As I’m just defeating Dino as expected in a new aquarium using Vibrant. I kept digging for more information and I stumbled on breeding behavior. Someone said to look close where they are rubbing on the rock. Sure enough were little white eggs floating back in forth. Maybe this is a reward. Lol

 

[01xp]

It's possible flashing is usually a sign of ich but it could also be a itch I would watch and see what else happens.

How old is the chromis?
Did you quarantine the fish?
How many fish?
Last fish added how long ago?

 

[DownByTheReef]

What is flashing?

They were tiny when I bought them in Dec. last year. They were also the first additions to the tank. The biggest one out of the three is the one guarding the eggs mostly. The second largest chromis takes on the task too, so I’m guessing this is the mate. The third which is the smallest hangs off to the side, and if it gets a little too friendly one of the two chase him off quickly. Mind you they were all the same size when I got them. The smallest one bearly grew while the others hit a growth spurt.

I didn’t quarantine the fish that’s why I entertained the thought. I did wait periods in between adding each fish. Pouring in some fritz 9 I had leftover in the fridge from cycling the tank. I read on the bottle it was good to use when introducing new fish and I had a lot leftover.

Livestock

3 chromis
2 clowns
1 Midas Blenny
1 diamond goby
1 hi-fin goby/shrimp pair
1 mandarin


I posted a video on my IG @DownByTheReef you can see the eggs clearly.

 

[TheDragonsReef]

This is how a damsel lays eggs so if it looks similar to this then shes laying.

 

[DownByTheReef]

Watch this story by Kirk’s Reef on Instagram before it disappears.

instagram.com

 

[DownByTheReef]

This is how a damsel lays eggs so if it looks similar to this then shes laying.

Looks like the exact same behavior.

 

[TheDragonsReef]

Well you might be a proud fishy grandparent lol odds of any surviving however are nearly zero. The eggs will typically get eaten before they hatch and if any do hatch theyll get eaten shortly after.

 

[DownByTheReef]

I just looked back at the tank and the amount of eggs doubled or more. This is crazy I thought they were done.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

Here are a pair I had a while back. Laying eggs on the back glass.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Mine have spawned too. Male guards them relentlessly. Mom is no where near the eggs. :) Mine are captive bred lemon damsels.

 

[DownByTheReef]

 

[DownByTheReef]

I shined a light on the tank to check on the eggs and all I saw was fry swimming everywhere. I thought they were pods at first but nope, it’s little babies. This soon?

I watched a few videos on breeding clowns and their babies take 6 or 7 days I think to hatch.