German Blue Ram (surprise!) breeding...

W

William Rottier

WR
Feb 1, 2006
2
0
0
54
Lansing, MI
Hello, I've never posted here, but have learned quite a bit from the rest of you...thanks!

Well, I have a 29 gallon with Striata Botias, Harlequin Rasboras, Otocinclus and two Rams. I've never bred fish, or even had any get pregnant so I really didn't think about it much, until I noticed my Rams pushing everybody (including me during a water change) around. Well, low and behold they're defending eggs, which have now hatched to some free swimming fry. Certainly not an ideal situation with the other fish in the tank. I don't think there's anyway they'll survive in there - the Botias or Rasboras or the parents will surely get them eventually - never mind trying to feed them in there.

Is there any hope of rescuing some of them? Could I siphon them off and put them in another tank? There really insn't any chance I could remove the rest of the fish without major upset (thick planted tank)...

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Will
 
Once they start to swim on their own, you can siphon them off to another tank and easily raise them. Prior to the free-swimming stage, they will be more difficult and there will be a higher mortality rate. The parents won't eat them, but your other fish will attempt to dive bomb and get them. I'd set up a 10 gallon tank and move the pair to it for the next time as well.
 
Hi,
I'd start hatching some live brine shrimp. I assume when you said they are swimming that they really have lifted off the bottom and are swimming? If they are still wiggling not swimming they do not need to get fed.

Siphon off some of the water into another tank and use a turkey baster or your siphon hose to suck them out into the other tank. Keep the temps low to mid 80's... keep their nitrates under 5. You will have to have live foods to feed them though if you move them. In your planted tank there are lots of little microscopic munchies for them until the bbs are ready.

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, there was a forum subject 'Well, I'm gonna do another ram spawn'. You might look for it, as I remember it was very very helpful.

Cathy
 
Thanks for the replies and the info! It's going to be project rescue tonight. I'm going to try to save some of them at least. Eventually I believe the Rams are going to get a tank of their own.
 
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