Since you are the Clown breeding guru, I'd like to bug you...
What exactly does the male clown's courtship "dance" look like? Also, if they lay eggs in a crevice, he stands guard, right?
Thanks- I'll explain my reason for asking soon.

Come out with it Barry, I can't stand the suspence!!

Well, it all has to do with my male's behavior. I first thought my pH spike had hurt him, but the more I observe the less it seems like there's anything wrong with him. He was staying in a tight corner between a rock and the glass, and the tight area meant he wouldn't even fit horizontally, so he was staying nose-down or nose-up. Every time the female would go back there, he'd get in front of her, sideways, and every so often kind of "shudder". Looked like a heavy shiver, really. I can't see what's in or on the rock back there because of the position, so I was looking for possible explanations.

The clowns are still pretty young. They were the same size when purchased, and only pretty recently has one gotten bigger and more dominant. I don't know when they assume their genders, but it seems like it is "right about now". The female is only maybe 10% larger than the male if that.

Since you are the Clown breeding guru, I'd like to bug you...
What exactly does the male clown's courtship "dance" look like? Also, if they lay eggs in a crevice, he stands guard, right?
Thanks- I'll explain my reason for asking soon.

I'm no guru so maybe John or others will jump in here, but in my experience the only times I can tell for sure that my pair has layed eggs is when I see both the male and female cleaning an area of rock. They usually do that for about a day before she lays any eggs. The next day after the cleaning, the female will deposit eggs on the surface and the male will follow her and fertilize them. They do this for about two hours or more,until the female is done. They the male will fan and defend the egg site. My Ocellaris eggs usually hatch around day 7. Sometime sooner, sometimes a day later, depending on environmental factors.

The only dancing I see them do is some courtship displays that seem to just be normal pairing behavior. I know there are other with a lot more experience who may have more to add. Hope that helps!
Bob

Well, that makes things more puzzling. I never saw the female over there, and the egg thing was just a hunch. I AM really curious about his "shiver dance". He did it several times, always in front of her, and it looked just like a cartoon version of getting electrocuted, for about one second each time.

Also related, as I alluded to earlier, is it safe to say that based on one becoming larger and more aggressive, when they were the same size and age, the presumed female has assumed her role?

Possibly trying to entice her to a spot he thinks would make a good egg laying spot? I always figured the female picked the spot, but I may be wrong. I don't have enough experience to say for sure!
Bob

And, to top it off, I think my RBTA is going to split. :)

Oooh you think I could possibly buy the split Barry???
I know I said I never would own an anemone, and may still not. But I've fallen in love with the RBTA. My tank may still be too new anyway.

And I have no idea about your clowns. That would be amazing if they were already making babies though!

I kind of doubt they're spawning, the more I think about what Bob said.

If the 'nem splits (and that's a big "if"), the split is taken... I plan to keep it until Mark gets home, since this 'nem was a split from the one he had. I plan to make it a "welcome back to the hobby" present with the added benefit that it's on of his RBTA's "children".

If it splits again, though, you'll get the first PM.

Oh god that's a great idea!!!! Definitely going to a good cause! Do we know how long he is over there for? I missed that if it was said.
Sorry to make your thread get off track!

He's scheduled for a year, which should put him home late February or so. I've been trying to "feel out" Dana to see if she is hoping he gets back into the hobby or or hoping he doesn't. I'm sure he will, though, so I plan to have some stuff to get him kickstarted.