SilverBlade86 Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Hi there, around 3-4 weeks ago I bought 4 WCMMs (1M and 3F ... lucky fella). I've left them outside in a small container (around 60x30x30) with some Java Moss, Oxygen Weed and some rocks. I've fed them on and off for the first 2 weeks to get them used to the tank, and now they are more responsive (coming out to eat 5 mins after I "dissappear", I can see them because the container is next to a tinted window). Now the question is, how long do I have to wait before the females mature? I'm pretty sure my male is ready (hes HUGE compared to the others, and always chases the females around), but the females just seem to swim away from him everytime he chases. The male is around 3.5 cm, where else the females are around 2.5 cm. How long more do I have to wait? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 At that size I would say they are breeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverBlade86 Posted March 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Thing is, the male has been chasing the female around for a few days now. The female just seems to flick him off. Perhaps my fish are just like me ... heh. Anyways, I dont see any fry or eggs yet. WCMMs dont eat their young right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 All female fish act pretty much like that. I was laughing at my big electric yellow male the other day as he shimmied and danced in front of the small female while she ignored him totally! They may be breeding but you haven't noticed. The eggs and fry are both just about impossible to see as they are so small. They are not noted for eating their fry. Try shining a torch into the container. The fry's eyes will reflect the torch light. Especially look around the edges as they will cling to the sides of the container or plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverBlade86 Posted March 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Ahh ok. I'll try to shine a torch in there later. Will report any news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverBlade86 Posted March 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Bah, nothing. Maybe I should wait a few more weeks? :-? I was really looking forward to getting some fry .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Does the container get rain in it? WCMM breed after rain or if you put colder water into the tank. Also 3-4 weeks is a pretty short time for fish to settle in and start breeding, just give them some time you will soon have tons of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverBlade86 Posted March 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 Yep, it does get rain in it. Maybe I should be more patient. Will report back in a month lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted March 28, 2006 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 I got a few of these outside in a bucket wish some plants and access to rain too. Just wondering if they are not noted for eating their fry, and soon it was said there should be tonnes of them, does this mean they will just grow up with their parents...or is it best to remove them once you can see them? What sort of foods are best to condition also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted March 28, 2006 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 Yes they will just grow up with their parents. I wouldn't worry too much about what sort of food since being outside they will be getting plently of live food, mossies etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ktttk Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Can you keep WCMMs outside during winter? If so, will they spawn when its that cold? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 I was told by my trusted LFS that will survive outside during the winter, that's Hamilton too that sometimes gets below freezing in the thick of winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Mine have survived a couple of winters outside in Wellington, I'm in a valley to so it gets pretty cold. I don't put any food in over the winter because the fish slow right down and don't really eat, food would rot in the pond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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