gourami babies!

[dethjam316]

my big blue male gourami finally had the chance to make some babies and took full advantage of the situation. the mother could be either a blue or gold gourami, or perhaps both, since i'm sure christie gets around. the babies are SO tiny!! however, i first noticed them this afternoon, and they are already somewhat free-swimming, so they must have hatched a day or two ago, right? i have only ever had baby guppies and zebra danios in the past, so i am new at gouramis.

suggestions? i have already removed the females and have some sort of liqui-fry food i have used for zebras in the past.

[Slappy*McFish]

I've had very good results raising gourami fry in "green water" with plenty of rotifers to munch on, until they grow large enough to feed on baby brine shrimp, crushed freezed-dried bloodworms, and crushed/powdered flake food. Make sure their water stays warm while they are growing.(80F+)

[dethjam316]

should i also remove the male now that there are no other fish besides the fry, and most of them are free-swimming? i have read conflicting opinions on this issue throughout the web.

[Slappy*McFish]

Yes, once the fry have hatched, remove the male. His only duty was to guard the nest and keep the eggs clean. If he remains, he will most likely eat the fry.

[yashinfan]

http://www.theaquarians.net/ArticlesandWallpapers/brown_spiketailed_gourami_.htm

this site is very detailed! He recommends removing all adult fish, and says that having a well planted tank will have enough micro organisms to keep the fry well fed, but infusoria does help.