Getting Tired...

[wsantia1]

Congrats!

[wsantia1]

I thought for sure that they would hatch today.  Mug had me thinking that I might have missed the actual spawning and the eggs had already started to wiggle.  That must not have been the case.  Either all those eggs fell right on to the lip of the cone or the parents moved eggs that were no more than 6 hours old.

They did everything in their power to free swim this afternoon but they never came out in a huge swarm so the ever vigilant parents hunted them down and spit them back on the cone.  Sometimes they'd spit back a big mouthful of them, but they got them all safely back on the cone by lights out.  I can't wait till morning when they all break loose and free swim.  It's so much fun to watch the parents confusion when this happens.  They try and try to get the kids back home but finally realize that they're fighting a loosing battle and decide to love them even though they've left the nest.

At least that's the way it's supposed to work.  Some pairs eat them when they free swim.

I have a new pair (Paraiba) that is just about ready to free swim.  Hopefully tomorrow too. Then they will get eaten by the other pair on the other side of the egg crate unless I decide to siphon some out.   

I couldn't help it.  I stole a couple of dozen from them today.  I still left them with over a 100 to work with.

[LizStreithorst]

Another spawn as I type.  Female Standard is a pearl scale.

[Mugwump]

Dang Women, it's fertile in there.....

[LizStreithorst]

At least my fish are having a bit of sexual fun.  Perhaps I should send the pics to my gentleman friend

[Mugwump]

At least my fish are having a bit of sexual fun.  Perhaps I should send the pics to my gentleman friend

Got a big enough tank???

[LizStreithorst]

It seems that have the perfect tank  I'm going to send him the pic

[GeorgeG]

Good Luck with them Liz I can't wait to see the photos of them growing out.

George

[LizStreithorst]

Good Luck with them Liz I can't wait to see the photos of them growing out.

George

I guess you can tell that I've become obsessed with this project.  You can expect lots of pics and updates.  I will bore everyone

Just a little update...I am so impressed with the parenting skills of pair number one.  This is their first ever spawn and I can't imagine even experienced pairs doing better.  They learned yesterday after WC to herd the kids into an area in the corner of the tank.  This will help greatly with WC.  I will still siphon into a bucket, but I doubt I'll suck up any fry.

[LizStreithorst]

Here's a bad pic of how the parents keep the kids on the corner.

[GeorgeG]

Liz my parents do the same thing I stick the hose in the tank and off everyone goes into the corner. Enjoy them they make good parents I have to pairs with fry right now.

[Mugwump]

Good parents are the bestest.....love em

[LizStreithorst]

Pair number 2 ate their eggs.  Pair number three spawned yesterday.  The pair fought before spawning and now the female runs the male off when he gets close to the eggs.  She acts like she hates him.  I was afraid that he might not have been able to fertilize but this morning none of the eggs are white so I guess he managed it.  Should I remove him?

[Mugwump]

I'd wait....I love strong female angels for spawns. They rule the tank after spawning. She'll likely let him tend when she needs a break, but for now, she knows his job is to protect the area....and she'll watch to make sure that he does.....put your finger on the glass by him...he should charge and look menacing, if he goes to chow the spawn...get him out....but remember the parents have very good eyes and will cull/eat the weak ones, plus move them around...it's natures way.

[LizStreithorst]

I tried the finger on the tank and he did exactly what you said.  Thanks for the advice.