Clowns possibly spawning

[tecsavi]

I have a pair of Ocellaris clowns that I have had for a few years now. The long ago paired up and the female dominates the entire tank. The first signs I saw that they might be spawning happen after an accident in my tank. While removing a pump in my tank I accidentally knocked over a acro colony onto my plating montipora. Even though I reacted as quick as I could it caused a quarter sized patch of monti to die. The male started hovering over this spot relentlessly and fanning his tail on it. He was always there taking care of his little patch of dead coral. The female would frequently come by to check out his work.

 

I just moved them to a new tank and now he is using he his tail to make a bowl impression in the sandbed. This bowl is easily 10 times the size of his body and is located in a cave that the now protected by both of my clowns. I am assuming that they are getting ready to spawn with all of this strange behavior. At this point I don't have an extra tank or the time needed to try and raise the fry but still am very excited about the possiblities. I just have a few questions for those in the know.

 

Is this behavior a preclude to spawning? If so, how long after this behavior do they usually spawn. Once they spawn, how frequently will they spawn?

[Coral Hind]

My clowns would lay eggs about twice per month. The clearing of a spot is a behavior displayed but it can be seen some times long before the actual spawning happens. It may happen soon or never at all, but we'll hope for soon.