Basics |
Overview | The first spawn was on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014. The breeding group consisted of 0 males and 0 females. Additionally, there were 12 unknown individuals present. The smallest male was at least 50mm SL and the smallest female was at least 50mm SL. The individuals were obtained from Rare Aquatics (6) Pier Aquatics (6). |
Feeding | 1. | Various dry foods (dry / prepared) daily | |
|
Water Parameters (at time of spawning) |
pH | 6.00 to 6.40 |
Conductivity | 100µs to 100µs |
Temperature | 24.0°C to 25.0°C |
Current | Gentle |
Aquarium |
Furniture | Aquastart 340
Sand substrate, rusty pipe ornament, java fern on bogwood, overgrown clumps of Java moss (eggs deposited on Java moss), oak leaves |
Filtration | Lid filter standard with Aquastart 340 tank |
Lighting | Lighting standard with Aquastart 340 tank |
Breeding |
Behaviour | None observed. Eggs found by accident when I went to thin out the Java moss that was taking over the tank. |
Eggs | There were 20 pearl eggs laid which were 2.0mm in diameter. |
Time to hatch | 10 days Number: 3 Free swimming: 0 days |
Segregation | This was my first ever spawn, so I may not have got it right!
The parents shared the tank with some Weitzmani tetra who consider everything wiggling as food, so I had to move the eggs.
I found the eggs on the java moss, some I removed from the moss and others I moved the whole lot together with the moss. Put them in a small jar with methylene blue and airstone for a couple of days, then into small tank with air-powered filter. Also added more moss, leaves, hiding tubes etc.
Several eggs went furry, and I pretty much gave up hope but left the tank running.
A week later I was pleasantly surprised to see a baby fish, and I now have at least 3. Still only 4mm long.
Sadly I couldn't keep the fry alive. I have since moved the fish into a community tank where I have seen and photographed them spawning (e.g. eggs pic above), but the eggs have been quickly eaten.
Update: I've just spotted a youngster in my busy community tank. Somehow it has survived the attentions of the Rummy-nose Tetras and the Brachyrhamdia and is now an inch long. Amazed! |
Fry sizes | 7 days: 0mm 14 days: 0mm 21 days: 0mm |
Juvenile sizes | 1 month: 0mm 3 months: 0mm 6 months: 0mm |
1 month | |
Fry and juvenile feeding | Microworms and smallest size golden pearls. |