Has anyone had experience with clownfish eating their own spawn? My breeding pair of tomato clowns have eaten the last three spawns and have not spawned at all recently. What could be the reason? I am thinking they don't feel safe enough, since I moved them to a higher traffic area, or maybe they may have overgrown their tank. I'd love to hear some opinions and advice.
Thanks,
Dana

I know someone who has a maroon pair that does this occasionally. He read that if the environment is not conducive to the developing fry, the clowns instinctively know it and eat them.

I don't know if anyone else has heard this.

Clowns will always eat their spawn unless you seperate the clowns from the fry as soon as they hatch. Most likely they are not spawning right now because of the move. I doubt there is much chance that they have "outgrown their tank".

Dana,
The pair you gave me are doing great! How is the runt? I think the pair will start spawning again for you, they may just need to settle down again.

Bob

Hi Bob,
I am glad the babies are doing good. The three I had left, including the runt, went to skleve (Scott), so now I am babyless. It feels wierd, I can't wait for my tomatoes to spawn again.I moved them to a lower traffic area, although the mama isn't looking too happy right now, and I am preparing a larger tank for them. Maybe that'll do the trick.
I bought some more tanks and I am going to try and expand.
Congrats again on being chosen TOTM.
Thanks,
Dana

My fathers ocell clowns are spawning pretty regularly in alpharetta, I dont know how easy it would be to collect the fry but Ill be in Alpharetta alot soon and could let you know when they do and are getting close to hatching.

Just an update on the babies, they are doing great including the runt. I believe he is the most active and fearless of the bunch. Feeding time is his favorite time of the day. As soon as my gold stripe resumes laying I'll let you know.
Scott

Thanks, Scott, I really appreciate it.

Hi dawgdude, thanks for the offer. I have never raised ocellaris, but only tomato clowns. However, I would love to give it a try. The easiest way would be if the eggs were laid on a removable piece of rock or tile. I could then just take it, place it in my tank and let them hatch, and then bring the piece back to your dad. Collecting the fry would involve being there at night when they hatch, which is not very convenient.
Let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Dana

Clowns will always eat their spawn unless you seperate the clowns from the fry as soon as they hatch. Most likely they are not spawning right now because of the move. I doubt there is much chance that they have "outgrown their tank".

Wouldn't that be the end of the species? :eek: