Feaher Duster And Clownfish

Question
Hi, I have a 55.gallon aquarium with 20 pounds of live rock 2 feather dusters and 2 clownfish my feather duster was realesing some mist was she spreading eggs. Also my male clownfish was laying back flapping his fins really fast to the female was he mating.

Answer
Hi Seth. Your feather duster was either releasing eggs or sperm into the water depending on weather it is male or female. These worms mate by the female spreading eggs and the male spreading sperm into the water column. This will often look like smoke coming out of the top of the feather duster and usually happens early in the morning and can cloud up the entire tank for a few hours. After mating the feather dusters will typically shed their crowns to protect their offspring from getting trapped in their own tentacles so don't be surprised if this happens. As for your clowns it sounds like the male is simply showing the female that he is interested. Before mating the male clown will dig out a hole in the substrate under an anemone or under the overhang of a rock. If the female finds this a suitable place she will lay her eggs in that spot to then be fertilized by the male who will watch over the nest spot until the fry hatches. If she does not find this place suitable she simply will not lay her eggs there and the male will have to try the courtship all over again. Sounds like love is in the air in your tank. What are you feeding them? Raw oysters? :)