Single yellowtail chromis laying eggs?

[exnisstech]

I just noticed my yellow tail chromis acts like it's laying eggs or at least it looks like my clowns when they have spawned. Funny thing is I only have one of the species in the tank. It has been in for over 1½ years and never done this before. I did add 10 green chromis 3 days ago and wondering if they've triggered the behaviour but the green chromis have mostly been hiding and i have not seen any interaction between the yellow tail and any of them. Looking with a light I don't see any eggs. I'm more curious than concerned and wondering if anyone has seen this behaviour before.

 

[exnisstech]

Have you seen this type of behavior @Jay Hemdal

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Have you seen this type of behavior @Jay Hemdal

Sorry no. I’ve seen angelfish and discus lay eggs on surfaces without a male, but not damsels.

 

[twentyleagues]

I just noticed my yellow tail chromis acts like it's laying eggs or at least it looks like my clowns when they have spawned. Funny thing is I only have one of the species in the tank. It has been in for over 1½ years and never done this before. I did add 10 green chromis 3 days ago and wondering if they've triggered the behaviour but the green chromis have mostly been hiding and i have not seen any interaction between the yellow tail and any of them. Looking with a light I don't see any eggs. I'm more curious than concerned and wondering if anyone has seen this behaviour before.

Like Jay I have only seen this with a few freshwater fish. Reptiles will sometimes do it as well as some birds from time to time. Mammalians do this on a regular basis...... I think like in reptiles the fish may recycle the eggs within the body more often than laying them, but it does happen sometimes. I am not a biologist so my take on it could be incorrect.

 

[exnisstech]

Like Jay I have only seen this with a few freshwater fish. Reptiles will sometimes do it as well as some birds from time to time. Mammalians do this on a regular basis...... I think like in reptiles the fish may recycle the eggs within the body more often than laying them, but it does happen sometimes. I am not a biologist so my take on it could be incorrect.

It was strange. I never saw eggs just her going through the act of laying them so your explanation is very possible. She's back to her normal self and eating so I'll just observe.