BigBossPants Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 I think my chockies have spawned! A couple of days ago two of them were doing a little dance, they would wrap around each other and then one would jiggle a bit. Now one of these two looks as if it is holding babies in its mouth - its throat is puffed out. Is it the female who will mouthbrood? I originally thought this one was a male, now I'm not so sure. How long do they hold the babies, and what do I need to do once they come out? Would it be best to put mum in a breeding trap or to leave her loose in the tank? Tankmates are 2 other chocolate gouramis, a bristlenose and a peppered cory. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanuts Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 according to my book... "Fry Care.. the fry hatch in their mothers mouth in about six days but she continues to incubate them for another eight days. During this time she usually distances herself from her tankmates and does not eat. When fry are released they must be fed almost immediately or they will die. offer baby brine shrimp or microworms three times a day using an eye dropper to place them in the tnak near the fry. Keep the light on in the tank so that the fry can find the food. keep the water level to about 6 inches and aerate gently, cover the tank since the fry will spend much of their time at the surface. Water quality is critical, change small amounts daily. After about a month the fry will be large enough to consume most other types of food. Special notes: this species is extremely difficult to spawn and it is not uncommon for the eggs to suddenly disappear from the mothers mouth, it may be that they were not fertilized and she spit them out or swallowed them. Fry also have a high mortality rate." good luck with the spawn and fry and keep us posted. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBossPants Posted October 15, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 Righto... I've set up a seperate tank for mum, she will be moved in a couple of days. It has an undergravel filter and some plants for cover, I'm just waiting for the bacteria to get better established before introducing the fishy. I'm a little concerned about the brine shrimp, do they absolutely have to eat live food, or is there something else they will accept (like liquid, frozen or baby flakes)? Not sure I have the facilities to hatch them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaNs Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 Google: DIY Brine shrimp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 Microworms are easier, just scrape them out with a tooth pick (or finger - wash it well after) and dip in the tank. Decapsulated brine shrimp can be purchased which apparently work well, or so others say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 forgot to say I can send you down a mix if you want it. just pm me your address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBossPants Posted October 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2007 Just sent you a PM Mum still looks like she is holding, will move her to the other tank on Thursday, just have to test the water and make sure its the same as the big tank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBossPants Posted October 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2007 How long will brine shrimp or microworms stay alive once I put them in the tank? Is it possible to have a food source in there in case they are released while I'm at work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted October 17, 2007 Report Share Posted October 17, 2007 I would keep them in a small tank with low water leval so the fry are surrounded by food. I usually feed heavily and remove excess every couple of days (a few red or brown rams horn snails makes that easier). No air stone or filter and a tight lid to keep the atmosphere moist and warm (anabantoids need that). I would also feed green water for a couple of weeks as well as brine shrimp and microworm. A good time to become friendly with a nurse who can get you an ex saline drip system as these are ideal for feeding green water while you are at work. Brine shrimp and microwom will stay alive for quite a few hours. Feed before and after work and before bed. I had best luck with anabantoids by using a small pilot light at night so they feed at night as well. Remove mum as soon as she releases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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