Aquarium

Paradise Fish bred through he 28 day poitn will do fine, as was noted .. but will reach a flash point after becoming top breathing and free swimming fish. They remain miniscule in size, but develop adult characteristics quickly with tail elongation, and diving and show signs of maturity.
In my case, however, they died as a group --but without a trace. They dissappeared in the tank ... not in or through the filter ..with no signs of a fish kill. There were however signs - incredibly of a few larger surviving paradise-fish fry. Additionally, a few of the benign snails grew two or three times their size.

Presumedly - -the fry began a voracious consumption, after developing surface breathing; and were also prey for the snails as the fry surfaced among the duckweed (limna minor). Would assume that the snails ate as they will funnel style at the surface. Fry had begun enlarging but were about eyelash lenght.

So as a conservative reminder .. either remove all contending species .. or with a cup ..remove quantities of the fry - unless you have a superior breeding tank (ie 55 gals etc) when they start to gathe at the surface.

The parents have been re-united in another 10 gallon tank with undergravel filter; nad conditions will be applied this week to induce mating again. That again wuld be water change (they react to the chemistry -leave it acidic as if by rain); temperature increase (about 70-74 F) (they have been at 64F in the new setting); and remove any other possible species distractions or adversaries (ie snails Zebra Danios etc); and additionally reduce the watre level partially -as if to suggest a dry season approach (this is optional).

Will report the results here again - likely successful - the female is fattening again now. On this additional occasion, the pair will be left in the tank -the female has pleanty of hdiing plances ; and pleanty of plants for fry to hide, in order to observe the male 'cull' and 'nurture' to some other survival polit. A few fry will be pulled for separate raising. The male's behavior in feeding will be especially anticipated. (recollect that last breeding he regurgitated food to the surface near the fry .. as if to prepare food for them. On this breeding - both in so far as manageable will be fed and kept with the fry -- sufficient parental food will possiby defer fry cannibalism.

Liver bearers in two aquaria include blue platies, and yellow-flame orange fancy guppies poecilla. First pairings went smoothly without much success . .they appeared mated but did not reproduce. In my area, local water is more acidic than desired, so additional water softening and hardening (calcium factor) were increased with ordinary marble chips --frequently used in planters or landscaping.
The water chemistry changed to about 7.3-7.4 and was raised higher in the case of the platies.

Water calcium apparently as well as softening are important factors in these two species, and the budget aquarist (with water testing for acidity-alkalinity at home or with a pet shop (ie PETCO) can adderss the water chemistry satisfactorily. Calcium, as in reef fish is needed in an abundant supply for these live bearers. Prior readings about the platies have noted calcium and water hardness & alkalinity figures approaching ph 8.4. Adjusting the water hardness (ie calcium with the calcium in marble chips behaving as a calcite factor) did the trick. Both species abundantly reproduced.

As a note in breeding - the blue-platies return a true to color offspring .. there appears to be not break. Guppies have reproduced but are to young and without full adult color as et.

Quantities of marble chips would vary per tank --perhaps the equivalent of a half liter (two cups) in any place or scatter on the gravel bed of the aquarium will adjust the water. Gradually with platies (frequently used to softer river water) may require more. Calcium is necessary in all species for bone formation and nervous system synaptic function. Rinse the chips before using to prevent tank clouding .. and as necessary -- avoid using where the tank bottom is not completely supported (as in heavy rock) on glass tank bottoms.
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Paradise Fish Fry Day 13

Paradise Fish Fry ... now about 1/8th inch or 35-40mm. Having lost their tiny polliwog appearance with the semi-colon look, they have developed silver-gray translucent bodies with symmetrical eyes and developing vertebrae & spine. They swim freely rather than spending most time in still water at the surface. Air-breathers like the adult Paradise Fish, they spend time in full tank dives and surface whenever needed for air.

Food is a combination of powder-ground flake fish food and powdered tubifex worms -freeze-dried variety. One of the flake foods - used for goldfish - contains more vegetable-green mater, something their diet needs (cf. literature). On the vegetation point, the fry also nibble at algae on the aquarium glass, and occasionally anchor there against a mild filter current flow. Food is consumed in small bits and bites at small flakes -as adults do -- spat out when too big or disliked. Have assumed that they are now at the fast growth stage and they are getting larger and swim the entire tank freely. Fry have matured enough that swimming is by full tail motion - very pronounced.

Filtration power in the Eclipse 7 has been increased beyond a minor trickle without ill effects. The sponge on the filter intake has been replaced by a piece of nylon stocking which bars fry being sucked in but increases water flow. The greater outflow roil at one side of the aquariums surface is navigated safely by the fry with an occasional tumble - but no fish loss.
Tank had a partial water change (25%) and the bottom is reasonably clean and will be cleaned again - while protecting the fry against vacuuming with the water siphon.

Fry still number to several score and will be firmly counted as they enlarge. If growth goes as anticipated, they will be large enough to 'sex' in about a month (4-6 weeks age).

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.

Day 5 - Paradise Fish 'fry'

Fry remain mixedly active & still.
From an heredity - evolution stand-point; the stillness may also be an evasivity technique (to avoid being eaten). They are rather like mosquito larvae. Size is increasing slightly; and they still eat with activity, and swim. Oddly --some are highly prolific after (and even before) five days and dive and swim more actively. Others behave as the literature for 'betta' fry and 'macropodus' fry are described - they stay at the water surface breathing -developing their lungs & grow -consuming their remaining egg sac or water top foods.

Most have no visible egg sac now -- just a small black tail and translucent bodies .. about 30 mm & growing - some now 35-40 mm (almost 1/8th inch). Food has been powdered fish food and powdered freeze-dried bloodworms. That dissolved in water was less receptive than that dropped dry on the water. (Grind it to powder from flakes or freeze-dried form in your palm or a spoon with your fingers - have been feeding twice daily about a quarter teaspoon - no over feeding or water fouling - have not used frozen food for these fry - but warm to room temperature before feeding.)

The male 'father' is still alert and watchful; he will be removed likely tomorrow. He is not eating the fry; eats other fish food; and stil throws bubbles as if to protect the fry from a current or to provide oxygen for them.
I may have mis-obserevd -- but he has appeared as if to eat one or two -- but has then blown a bubble and a fry or two (live) appear added to the 'back nursery'. He also twice today appeared to regurgatate some food into the nursery with the fry, as if to provide a ready 'soft' food source.

Have re-checked a 'betta' guide or too - they are both air-breathing fish with bubble nests. Fry are proceeding similarly. Most 'betta' breeders are anxious at this state and have removed the male -- but this paradise fish male appears a doting and benign parent.

The aquarium is filtering well & slowly; the water will have a partial 'freshening' in a day or too -- but is otherwise good. Heat is 'room temperature' about 68-71 F - cooling slightly naturally at night with no abrupt changes. Once again -they tolerate and actually prefer cooler temperatures unlike the 'betta' -which will also aid 'jarring'. Plan to raise the fry for a month or so in the "Eclipse' aquarium and then move them to larger quarters.
'Cupping' is pfereable to netting .. and water willbe removed with a small gentle siphon. Because my filter intake is 'sponged' the water has a slow current but is clear; and the bottom is not excessively 'funky' as with ordinary sponge filters. In addressing other aquarium cleaning like the glass and water changes - the fry are living primarily in the surface strata - and one needs simply to gently siphon from the tank bottom - if worried, a fine net immersed in the receiving water bucket can save any 'siphoned' fry.

Am assuming that after the male is gone -- and no other fish appear - the fry will have developed enough to swim and do so, even if this exposes them. The male regards without harm the early swimmers ... and firmly 'shepards' the others which remain less motile in the 'nursery'.

Male is blue with red stripes -- female is dark army green with a red fringe and reddish tail (rather like the 'Chinese' or 'Indian' Paradise Fish variant).

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Macropodus Links -- a few more with photographs -- breeding - spawning - fry - nests etc.

Aqualand site -Macropodus Opercularis - Care & Breeding
Macropodus Opercularis Care & Breeding [UK site] Goldfish Bowl - especially for coldwater fish
Macropodus Care & Breeding - from Aquaworld -- this species darker Chinese-Indian variety -- macropodus cupana

PARADISE FISH MACROPODUS
Breeding -- Fry
Day 4

Male is still watching nest and contributing bubbles as if to corral or supplement the young fry with air.
Some fry swim actively --- the same which hatched earlier. At this stage, as labyrinth --they are still developing their lungs; and fins. Most float at the surface like resting translucent gnats with small comma tails. Size about 1/16; 20-30 mm.
As some yet die they will sink or float in the middle current of the tank surface.

Am keeping temperature about 68-70, as for the adults - the fluctuation is from 'lights-off' night cooling.

Fry have been fed a fine powdered fish food -- will be fed some micro-food or other powdered food. Male is ambivalent about eating --and is un-aggressive to fry --but highly guarding/tending as a group.
Fry swim to food and consume like a school then return to still - unless developed to dive and touch surface.

Water has a slight roil and flow from a slowed Marineland filter (siphon foamed as well to reduce flow and avert trapping fry). An occasional tumble or swirl sends live fry scrambling back to surface and still corners of the tank - or to some hornwort.
An impression of dead fry when in still water disappears with small food amounts or a light stir of the water --they swim around - not just moved by the surface elasticity.

Not yet frenetic --the male watches as if watching gnats on the surface; throws more bubbles for a 'corral' or 'nursery' on the surface. He will be removed to another tank in a few days.

Filter is keeping water clear -- there is a little bottom cleaning -- some gravel and smooth black 'river stones' of medium size; and the Ramshorn snail. Were I more professional in spawning & raising -- only the black stones (as for Betta) might be in the tank; and no snail. For now -- there appear to be no problems ... the fry are increased by half to double. Count probably two to three dozen -possibly more.

Paradise Fish Breeding

Fish in pair have been in one aquarium for about two months. The male had adapted to the tank well and was alone for a month and a half before the female was introduced.
Tank in use is an Eclipse 7 Gal (26 liters) with a Marineland filter. For mating -- they will mate in smaller basins - according to the literature.
Male color is blue with red stripes -- the female is dark green with a red fringe. Only other tank occupant is a Ramshorn Snail.

Breeding Attempts
Male has built three or four bubble nests and they have been abandoned or destroyed; sometimes overnight as if after a thrashing with the female.

About 72 hours ago (09-21-05) -- the male having completed anoher bubble nest was joined by the female. As before, she contributed air bubbles to the nest. Then while attending the nest in pair they began their waltz -- I ignored them (avoided watching them) -- then noticed over my shoulder a spray of eggs released by the female and fertilized by the male.

Size of the eggs
- about common pin-head size ... about a hundred (+) --- color was a silvery (like sevruga caviar).
I immediately unplugged the aquarium filter to avoid sucking any eggs through the filter.
Most all the eggs were naturally buoyant and floated to the surface - but the male, and the female, also avidly collected eggs and placed them under and in the spittle nest. This process is a toss - like a spitting - then on to grab more.

Both fish then watched the nest after tiring or adequately collecting. Some eggs floating nearby were ignored - and apparently, the fish noting that an adequate number filled the nest sufficed and stopped collecting.
--The light was left on over night to relax he fish and to aid their guard againts dislodged eggs. (Had assumed that a destroyed nest before may have indicated some confuison in egg colelction - but 'smell' alone may suffice for that.)
The eggs which appeared fertilized became an opaque white -- others remained translucent. Within 24 hours some eggs showed a small flagellum and moved as the fry consumed their egg sac and began hatching - most of these were translucent witha small black dot and black comma of a tail appearing rapidly to the naked eye. Some wiggling movement may be seen in the egg sac before observing a creature of that same size actually swimming at the surface.

Female Removed
The female remained most of the second day after mating & eggs began hatching - then was removed (36 hours after mating). The male was leftt with the eggs & fry and is still guarding the fry. She avoids him, appears interested but he averts/prevents any close approach. To avoid his distraction & irritation she is removed as recommended. She has no visible injury--appeared a little tired .. and after a day is swimming jollily in the other tank.

Day Three -- the numbers of successful hatches appear to be a few dozen -- more than expected and fewer than that may survive as fry.
Fry and male have fine powdered fish food - some of whch was also offered on Day Two. The male has not been seen eating - but is active. The fry respond to motion on the elastic surface film of the water and swim toward anything dropped at the surface - and eat the powdered food.
The bubble nest dissolved the second day and appears un-needed as the eggs and fry stay at the surface. The fry wiggle/swim like miniature frog embryos (tadpoles) -mainly translucent with a black tail - about 20-30 mm in total length. At times floating still (not moving) -- they group at the surface and move in reaction when the water is stirred gently or food dropped.
The male sits below and watches them as if observing infusoria - but is not aggressive nor hungry.
Tonight on Day Three the male has returned some spittle air bubbles to the water surface among some of the fry which are at the surface. A few fry are very obviously active - the others move then rest.

The aquarium filter with a sponge cover over the water intake has been turned back on -- and a gentle surface ripple moves across the tank water.

Eggs unfertilized or bad were a matter of disinterest by the pair and they dropped or floated free and are dissolving on the tank bottom.
Most of the fry have collected near the bubble nest and ocasionally actively swim or bite at food.

Also Day Three -- some Java Moss for 'infusoria' (ie Daphnia & Rotifers) has been added for 'live foods' value.

Food at this time will be finely powdered fish food & powdered hard-boiled egg yolk; and likely powdered/ground dried brine shrimp & tubifex.

As the fry double in size after a week - the male will be removed. They are now about a quarter to half the size of live-bearers' newborn fish.

Breeding Conditions -water
Aquarium had been thoroughly cleaned 3 weeks ago (full water change); and had had a partial water change the prior week (usually some changed weekly).

Some tips --
- Water changes (my local water is slghtly acidic) stimulate neest building. This has been noticed before in my aquarium with partial changes.

Other hobbyists / breeders raise the heat for a slight warming; change some of the water; and then drop the water level -- to simulate an approaching dry season. (I did not drop the water but had done a partial water change - then noticed the nest building return -- the heat in this unheated aquarium (68-72F) increased with warm weather - but just a couple of degrees - gradually naturally ).

After the pair mated - I left the aquarium light on to enhance egg tending by both in the nest - rather than impose darkness.

Some eggs hatched rapidy -- no particular reason for that - save they were 'nest center' and had the male's greater attention. Others were late hatching -- then showed movement after a wait as long as 48 hours. Checking articles on the WWW -- learned that the hatching time can be 24-50 hours.

Temperature has not been raised and is kept as constant as for the Paradise male with slight natural cooling at night a degree or two - ie 67-70F (as warm as 72F the nights of mating).

Actual matng is quick and less injurious than described and seen with Bettas. The female actually appears to inspect and watches the nest - occasionally helping; then circles with the male and then they intertwine. After the eggs began hatchng --she -a little apprehensive looking stayed at the bottom -until removed Day 2. (She's resting in a small communty tank.).

The fry like the male, are light receptive but also move to a still, darker corner. Some dive an inch or two from the surface. Other unhatched eggs still bob at the surface.

No water change other than partial will be attempted for the next week.

Aquarium cloudiness seems to have been correctly analyzed as a function of increased aeration reviving organics in the tank. It has materially cleared and increases eventually to clarity as the new aeration constancy balances the aquarium's biology.

Another 'tip' to pass along -- in addressing a larger than desired small snail population expansion with the temporary residence of a medium sized 'Comet' goldfish. An adjacent tank with UG filtration rarely sustains any but the largest knuckle sized snails - because the gold fish eat them and constantly work over the gravel. So, he did the work in the 'tetra' tank for about three days - reducing the small snails population by about two-thirds and worked the bottom so efficiently that the catfish followed him around.
Uless you prefer some loaches ..the Comet works fine and looks like a big orange 'platy'.

Speaking of the latter ... the tetra tank has a pair of blue platys - she is about to burst .. and may have already incidently fed some of the tetras.

Four 'neon tetra' - fine for the 40L scale were added last week and they are a happy highlight and mix well as a little school of neon color. (Cardinal tetra - a little large will also do the same).

MACROPODUS -- Paradise Fish - paired in a separate Eclipse-7 have mated (often not seen - I missed it) .. and the male is guarding a culled -reducing jelly mass of eggs which he winnowed last night from three dozen or so to ybe two dozen this morning. The are attached and growing like a 'frogs egg' mass beneath a round piece of styrofoam. His mate still shares the tank -and will until the eggs hatch or agressivity becomes a problem. Culling undeveloped eggs may be a normal attribute ..and the male did this twice before to large displays of froth (spittle) contained eggs. They'll appear more like developing frogs eggs as they grow; and if none develop -they'll start again.
The pair have behaved amorously circling each other as any nest is rebuilt .. after mating, she then avoids him for safety and stands off on the tank's bottom; and he remains aleret to any approach to the nest and eggs. So far none have hatched - and the culling is as in any species in a toss out of 'bad' conceptions.