Abandoned Eggs L46

[lukan]

My breeding group has spawned twice and they are in an 8 week cycle. However, I don't have anything to show for it. On the first spawn all the eggs got kicked out of the cave. Tried saving it after a couple of days but it was too late by the time i placed it in a fry saver. The second spawn happened on August 25th. However, both mom and dad vacated the cave and abandoned the eggs. I can confirm that it is the same male that was involved in the spawn both times. Should i let nature take its course on the next round or should i intervene and take the eggs out of the cave and place it on a fry saver. It is frustrating because on both spawns i counted at least 15-18 eggs. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

[Barbie]

Are the eggs being fertilized? If so, I would just keep a close watch on them and remove the eggs as soon as he shows he can't be trusted to care for them.

Barbie

[lukan]

Hi Barbie,

I'm pretty sure the eggs are fertilized. I've attached the photo. Please confirm from the picture. However, i'm convinced that the male must have been spooked with me inspecting the cave with a flashlight. Thanks for your input.

[Barbie]

I see some dissolving bad eggs in there, but from that picture I can't tell if there are developing spines or eyes.

If flashlights would put them off eggs, I would never have any fry, and I can assure you, that is just not the case ;).

Barbie

[lukan]

I see some dissolving bad eggs in there, but from that picture I can't tell if there are developing spines or eyes.

If flashlights would put them off eggs, I would never have any fry, and I can assure you, that is just not the case ;).

Barbie

Thanks for your input. I will pay more attention to them the next time they spawn.

Cheers!

[boxedfish]

i think the eggs are fertlized.. but i see some eggs developing fungus.. if those affected eggs are not separated or removed asap, it will affect all the eggs in a short time.. fungus happens when the male is not around to fan and keep the eggs clean..

as for males getting spooked by flashlights or other disturbances, it actually depends on the character of the male. i have males that not bothered by flashlights and disturbances in the tank while tending eggs but i have 1 male that ate all the eggs when i shined the flashlight on him. really depends on the individual males..