Baby Oscellaris Clownfish

I finally had a chance to photograph my baby Oscellaris Clownfish today. This is a photo of one of the fry at 6 days old.

In a round-about way this photo will save the lives of the rest of my Clownfish fry because when I removed the black plastic from around the tank to take photos, I saw that 6 of my Clownfish fry had gotten caught on top of my floating thermometer which was next to the glass! Sadly, those fry had died before I discovered them. I had been wondering where they were going. First there 20, then there were 12, and now I have 6 left. I just have to chalk this off to experience - because the things I'm learning are going to make it so much better for the next batch of baby Clowns. I'm grateful that I still have 6 on day #6!

The little specks in the water are live rotifers which are what baby Clowns eat.
I just love these little babies and I hope I can keep these 6 alive.

very cool pic!

Love the pic. At least you have found out what was causing the loss of the delicate little babies.

Yes, that's the "bright side" - although finding them like that was terrible. Live and learn...

Yes that is heartbreaking. Maybe that is why Barb uses the stick on temp gauge for her rearing tank?

I'm definitely going to get one of those stick on thermometers. Barbara's got it figured out really well. It never occurred to me that they could get on top of the floating glass thermometer.

I would not have thought that either. The thought crossed my mind as to why she used it back when I first read the thread but never again since. Now I know why.

No matter how much we prepare ourselves for this nothing can take the place of practical experience. It's going to take a lot of trial and error for us to get up to Chris and Barb's level of expertise and so much of it revolves around our own unique setups (type and brand of equipment play a huge role).

6 at day 6 is a great accomplishment. You'll probably see meta occurring in the next 4 days. Keep an eye out for tail-curling and good luck!

Originally Posted by RCA

No matter how much we prepare ourselves for this nothing can take the place of practical experience. It's going to take a lot of trial and error for us to get up to Chris and Barb's level of expertise and so much of it revolves around our own unique setups (type and brand of equipment play a huge role).

6 at day 6 is a great accomplishment. You'll probably see meta occurring in the next 4 days. Keep an eye out for tail-curling and good luck!

That is exactly why I am going to cheat and copy Barb's thread as closely as possible lol. That's also why I wanted some pics of Reefergals setup also. So I can cheat off of her too lol.

Cool little fish! Glad that 6 made it, that's not a bad number at all.

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. I really like a good challenge and this has certainly been one. I started out with 20 fry I should have better success next time - at least based on all I've learned this 2nd time around. When I see how hard the parents work I feel obligated to at least try to keep their babies alive.

I also like the idea of bringing more tank-raised Clowns into the hobby for so many reasons.

I like the way you think Reefergal. What is it they say "great minds think alike"

Congrats!!!! That baby has a nice full belly

@Barb: Thank you! That's great feedback. Guess what? 3 of my babies went into metamorphosis overnight on day #7!!! That seems early doesn't it? I'll post a photo later today.

Originally Posted by reefergal

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. I really like a good challenge and this has certainly been one. I started out with 20 fry I should have better success next time - at least based on all I've learned this 2nd time around. When I see how hard the parents work I feel obligated to at least try to keep their babies alive.

I also like the idea of bringing more tank-raised Clowns into the hobby for so many reasons.

the guilt - along with the sheer thrill of being a small part of reef conservation - is why I just HAD to do it too laurie! .....plus.....it's just an amazingly awesome experience through and through!!! GREAT job so far laurie (and jason) - - and as jason said, every experience is different and the best way of learning and mastering is to keep practicing!

Originally Posted by ccollins618

I like the way you think Reefergal. What is it they say "great minds think alike"

yeppers!!!!

Thanks Chris. I wasn't sure if that was you or Barbara. I'm trying to keep my fry well-fed without overdoing it...a delicate balance, but it's getting easier.

I guess Spring is in the air and water! Babies everywhere. I just discovered the 3rd batch of eggs which were laid last night. Just like you said, once they get going they don't want to stop! I hope I can keep up with them. They have more energy than I do

What happens when you decide not to harvest the babies? do they usually get eaten by the other fish or do they die and start polluting the water?

Good question. I don't know. I think this is a question for Chris & Barb...

I will ask in their thread also.