Breeding and raising Ocellaris clownfish fry.

When first trying to learn to raise clownfish fry we had a very hard time finding any detailed information any where online or anywhere else that made since to help us, so we thought we would take some time and describe in detail the process of raising these fish to adulthood. This decription is based on our experience and what we have read with False Perculas. Other clownfish breeding patterns will be different slightly from what I have read but not tried.

When you get ready to invest the time and money into the setup of a clownfish hatchery, you will first need to get a mated pair of clownfish or get them while they are young and let them pick who they will be and love. If you are going with a pair that is already paired it is better to introduce both fish to the tank at the same time, but a second clown can be introduced later into a tank. If the new is clown smaller than the first one. The larger fish will be the egg laying female and the smaller fish will be the male.

When the two Ocellaris clownfish are comfortable with each other they should begin mating. (Depending on the mood). lol. This will typically takes place in the evening a couple of hours before the lights go out. Once this has begun they will usually continue to mate every two weeks or so. You should notice that the female’s belly will be extended for a few days before she actually lays the eggs. Then you should also notice that both fish will be cleaning a nearby rock on which to lay their eggs.

If your tank is kept inbetween 78-82 degrees the eggs will hatch in about 8 days. When the eggs are initially laid they will first appear orange in color. Then they will change to and become more purple in color and then change to a more silver look. Once this happens hatching is usually imminent. Hatching usually will occur a couple of hours after the tank’s lights go out.

I have read that there are two different ways to collect the fry. The first method we have found does not work very well. Is to remove the rock that the clowns have laid their eggs on to another tank. Then you have to aerate the rock until hatch. The second method is a little harder if you have to bigger tank. Collect the fry from the main tank after they have hatched. We have used the second method with more success and greater inital survival rate. When collecting them in this manner and it doesn’t stress the mated pair of clownfish like the first method.

If you are trying to collect them in a larger tank. A good tip is to hold a flash light level of the tank. The fry are attracted to the light and this will cause them congregate around it. You can then collect the fry using a small bowl or cup. I was told not use a net because this can and will damage the fragile fry. Once they are collected you can move them to a nursery tank.