Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Paradise Fish (Macropodus)Spawning 'redux'
Paradise Fish (Macropodus)
Spawning 'redux'
Male Paradise Fish paced in 7 gallon Eclipse tank alone. After about a month, a female (held in a cool water tank with smaller goldfish) was introduced.
Aquarium has plants for hiding and a small partly broken flower pot for a female's refuge.
On first female introduction -- at first a parry and mild charge .. then a mild receptive waltz. They get along rather like a mixed experience with Betta.
As mentioned below -- there were a few nests -- and have since affirmed that a water change (they are hardy - but one wants the tank cycled unless a sterilized breeder tank) induces abubble nest building. The female observes and helps with a few bubbles as she may with a successful spawning and 'egg-saving'.
Tried a leaf, which was avoided, (have used begonia or other green plant leaves .. mild tannic (partly browning) tree leaves may work - or 'tea' leaves as with 'betta' Cup lids or styrofoam peices didn't do it either. Nests were built alongside them. Floating plants like hornwort; or cabomba with feathery needles on the surface -give them privacy and a nest hiding place. Also, the nests were favored in the still water half of the tank ( a slow fliter roil or current does not dispel nest building ) & in my case the dark of the filter box (an Eclipse tank has an overhanging or water-touching filter box at water surface attracted most bubble nests- -partly away from the light).
Waltzes will be observed --actually a swirl and embrace -- sometimes no eggs -- she appeared fat when first introduced (stomach behind the pectoral fins). Twice as if a night fight or thrash around -no inuries -the nest was broken up ..and the female used the flower plot as a preferred sitting place .. and the male sulked. Once again, the weekly or ten days to two weeks partial water change did induce new bubble nest building - -and the pair which worked were never separated until the female was removed almost two days after spawning. I have the one female -- but two or more in a larger tank can be offered (as I've read) but the male aggression against egg or fry devourment may be riskier with two females to watch. With one - he just stands her off - more so as the fry hatch.
The water level can be lowered in the aquarium after a partial change to simulate a dry season - and though they tolerate cooler water - unheated- room conditions were warmer than average - so the water edged naturally up to 72-75F or so - but generally no higher than 72F.
Spawning 'redux'
Male Paradise Fish paced in 7 gallon Eclipse tank alone. After about a month, a female (held in a cool water tank with smaller goldfish) was introduced.
Aquarium has plants for hiding and a small partly broken flower pot for a female's refuge.
On first female introduction -- at first a parry and mild charge .. then a mild receptive waltz. They get along rather like a mixed experience with Betta.
As mentioned below -- there were a few nests -- and have since affirmed that a water change (they are hardy - but one wants the tank cycled unless a sterilized breeder tank) induces abubble nest building. The female observes and helps with a few bubbles as she may with a successful spawning and 'egg-saving'.
Tried a leaf, which was avoided, (have used begonia or other green plant leaves .. mild tannic (partly browning) tree leaves may work - or 'tea' leaves as with 'betta' Cup lids or styrofoam peices didn't do it either. Nests were built alongside them. Floating plants like hornwort; or cabomba with feathery needles on the surface -give them privacy and a nest hiding place. Also, the nests were favored in the still water half of the tank ( a slow fliter roil or current does not dispel nest building ) & in my case the dark of the filter box (an Eclipse tank has an overhanging or water-touching filter box at water surface attracted most bubble nests- -partly away from the light).
Waltzes will be observed --actually a swirl and embrace -- sometimes no eggs -- she appeared fat when first introduced (stomach behind the pectoral fins). Twice as if a night fight or thrash around -no inuries -the nest was broken up ..and the female used the flower plot as a preferred sitting place .. and the male sulked. Once again, the weekly or ten days to two weeks partial water change did induce new bubble nest building - -and the pair which worked were never separated until the female was removed almost two days after spawning. I have the one female -- but two or more in a larger tank can be offered (as I've read) but the male aggression against egg or fry devourment may be riskier with two females to watch. With one - he just stands her off - more so as the fry hatch.
The water level can be lowered in the aquarium after a partial change to simulate a dry season - and though they tolerate cooler water - unheated- room conditions were warmer than average - so the water edged naturally up to 72-75F or so - but generally no higher than 72F.
// posted by scotty of course @ 12:52 AM 
