Clown Fish Eggs

[FreakinReefin]

Okay I know this is a question that comes up a lot; however, searching around(briefly) has proven to not answer my questions. My clowns carpeted the rocks with eggs yesterday and I would really like to somehow successfully hatch and grow at least some of the little tykes. I constantly hear that all they are is just great food when they hatch, but is there any way to save some? Can I snag the rock and put it in a breeding net or something? Even better, can I scrape a few off and put them in another tank to hatch them?

 

[returnofsid]

You'd need a specialized tank, already set up, in order to successfully rear them. Keep in mind that when they eggs hatch, they aren't fish, but are a planktonic life form. At about 11 days, I think, they metamorphises into a true fish. Because of this, the initial planktonic stage needs specialized care. Otherwise, they'll get sucked into filters, skimmers powerheads and such.

You'll also need to have phytoplankton, zooplankton and rotifers cultured, ahead of time, in order to feed them.

Here's some good information.
http://www.breedclownfish.com/

I'd also recommend:
Clown Fish Guide
A Guide to Their Captive Care, Breeding and Natural History, by Joyce Wilkerson. It's a great book!!!

 

[FreakinReefin]

You'd need a specialized tank, already set up, in order to successfully rear them. Keep in mind that when they eggs hatch, they aren't fish, but are a planktonic life form. At about 11 days, I think, they metamorphises into a true fish. Because of this, the initial planktonic stage needs specialized care. Otherwise, they'll get sucked into filters, skimmers powerheads and such.

You'll also need to have phytoplankton, zooplankton and rotifers cultured, ahead of time, in order to feed them.

Here's some good information.
http://www.breedclownfish.com/

I'd also recommend:
Clown Fish Guide
A Guide to Their Captive Care, Breeding and Natural History, by Joyce Wilkerson. It's a great book!!!

Excellent site Sid thanks! Just curious...you are everywhere on RF; are you retired or something? You must spend all of your day on this site helping us peons!