do clowns shudder? Mine are by the corals... is this a "pre host" ritual by chance?

lorifish · #1 04/18/2004, 09:39 PM

We have a couple of clowns and finally put in some live corals, some hairy mushrooms and differnt things. The clowns are getting closer to the mushrooms and "shuddering" a bit... is this normal. Do they shudder when or if they are about to host, or before they host?

Froggy · #2 04/18/2004, 10:08 PM

Are the 2 clowns an established mated pair? The male will commonly shake and shudder like he is having a siezure as a sign of submission to the dominant female clown. If they have not become a pair yet then it sounds like they are well on their way.

lorifish · #3 04/19/2004, 08:04 AM

I bought them together but they were not a mated pair. Although they had lived together in a show tank in the store's front for a bit.
The funny thing is the are both shuddering. But it is primarily around the hairy mushrooms. If this is a mating sign, what will happen next?!

J-birdj · #4 04/19/2004, 01:43 PM

Clownfish are (IMHO) one of the coolest fish we can observe in our tanks. Besides having the personality of a golden retriever, they have an amazing physiology and behaviour. My explanation as to their maturation process would be woefully inadequate. Check out the clownfish FAQ that's stickied on this board, and be prepared for an amazing journey with your clowns.

Good luck and have fun!