Betrayed

[LizStreithorst]

I'm afraid that my pair that can do no wrong has done me wrong.  They had wigglers last night.  They had wigglers this morning.  This evening there's nary a wiggler in sight.  I know that pairs can be masters at hiding them even in a BB tank, but they aren't hanging around one area in particular.  I'l hold of WC this evening just in case.  Fingers crossed.

On the other hand, two are my worthless pairs are spawning.  It's the 4th time for one pair.  I don't think that dad makes runs.  His tally wacker is down and he kinda makes runs,  but his little winky never seems to touch the eggs.  Are pearl scales more slow to mature than non pearl scales?

It's just the second time for the other worthless pair.  First time they ate them.  Hoping they'll have fish eggs are not food unless they're at a Japanese restaurant. 

[Mugwump]

 The male really doesn't need to touch the eggs, although many do. He is 'dusting' the spawn, not necessarily fertilizing any one egg in particular, i e.....or one at a time....
On pair one, I'd wait til morn'n before disturbing them with a water change, just in case.  'Houdini's they can be...

Patience, they're spawning, let their natural rhythm go....they'll get the hang of it....you, also, might consider swapping mates around with others not getting it right yet..or even put them back in a 55 gal to 're-pair'.....just keep feeding them well and doing what you're doing.

Are you leaving a light on for the pairs/spawn after they've laid??

[LizStreithorst]

I've been seriously considering dumping them into a tank by themselves to re pair.  We'll see how it goes.  Thanks for the advice.

[Mugwump]

I've been seriously considering dumping them into a tank by themselves to re pair.  We'll see how it goes.  Thanks for the advice.

Cool, it'll likely show you your Alpha male and female too.