Step-by-step
Step 1: Pair the clownfishBuy a smaller juvenile + a larger adult. Add to tank simultaneously. Allow 6-12 months for the larger to become female + smaller to remain male. Aggression normal during pairing - have backup tank ready.
Step 2: Condition the pairFeed varied diet 2-3x daily: frozen mysis, brine shrimp, pellets, with Selcon vitamin soak. Stable parameters (78-80°F, 1.025 SG). Reduce stress.
Step 3: Provide spawning surfacePlace a flat tile or inverted ceramic pot near a host (anemone or rockwork). Pair will clean a spot and lay 100-1,000 orange eggs. Male tends and fans them for 7-10 days.
Step 4: Time the egg removalWatch for "silver eyes" in eggs (visible 1 day before hatch). Move the tile to a separate rearing tank that evening. Hatching happens at lights-off.
Step 5: Set up rearing tank5-10g tank with sponge filter (NO mechanical impeller), small heater, dark walls. Add green water (live phytoplankton) for rotifer culture.
Step 6: Feed rotifers days 1-10Larvae are tiny pelagic floaters. Feed Brachionus plicatilis rotifers 4-6x daily. Maintain rotifer culture continuously - they crash if undermaintained.
Step 7: Transition to baby brine days 10-20Days 10-12: larvae metamorphose into mini-clownfish. Switch from rotifers to Artemia nauplii (baby brine shrimp). Continue 4-6x daily feeding.
Step 8: Add crushed pellet days 20-30Days 20+: introduce Otohime A1 or crushed flake. Wean off live food gradually over 7 days. By day 30, fry should accept dry food.
Step 9: Grow to sale size 6-8 weeksBy 6-8 weeks post-hatch, juveniles reach 0.5-0.75 inches and are sale-ready. Quarantine before adding to display tanks.