clownfish mating help

[Ryan Davis]

So here is the situation.

Currently have 3 clownfish in a 18 gallon nanocube. for the sake of fast typing..... 2 orange and a black and white one.
The black and one orange seem to swim together alot. they dont seem to pick on the other.

Im moving them to a 35 gallon thats 40 inch by 10 by 20.

I have read that its not good to have 3 together if your trying to breed. I have read that its ok to have 2 or 4 or more.

My gf has grown attached to all 3 . bless her heart ahaha. anywho.....

Should i get another one or two. or since they have been ok will they continue to be.

I have added 2 very small neon velvet damsels and all 3 clowns gainged up on one and i dont see him in there anymore. Thinking star fish had a snack.

Also is it a bad idea to have shrimp in the tank or will they eat the eggs?

Thanks ya'll

[Darbex]

Not sure about the quantity but if they are doing fine then I wouldnt mess with it. Clowns are very aggressive especially when they have mated so I wouldnt worry about the shrimp. They will attack fish several times larger than them if they come in there chosen spot. I have had a pair that almost killed a large blue headed wrasse for swimming near their area.

[Ryan Davis]

well they have not mated yet that is the goal.

[Ryan Davis]

also there is a starfish in the tank if thats gonna be a problem

[Darbex]

As long as it stays away from their area

[Ryan Davis]

is there anywhere to get rotiflers in houston?

[Ryan Davis]

well i removed any possible threats.


Im curious as to how large they have to get to actually mate

[Tetranerd]

Females are usually 2 inches or better. Males are about 2/3 the size. If the clowns don't fight the leave them be.
As a general rule don't mix species of clowns, like occelarus and clarkii clowns, or pink skunks and maroons. These different species can and will fight.
Clowns usually spawn when they have a host coral or anemone, and have a heavy amount of feeding of varied foods. Fresher the better.

Once spawned they will fan and guard eggs.

Raising fry is a whole task by itself. You have to raise free water or buy rotifer food.
Have to keep Rotifers happy and keep your colony thinned out.
Feeding fry isn't too hard, but when they are 20 days old or so and are getting their second stripe you tend to lose more than survive.
This is some of my experience with occelarus, Darwin, and percula clowns.

I know the thread is old, but giving my 2 cents